Kennel cough is a fairly common health condition among dogs and accompanied by a dry, hacking cough. Dogs with this illness may cough all day, especially if they are doing extra activity. Although it can be quite a nuisance, kennel cough is rarely life-threatening. If your dog was diagnosed with this cough, you should make him as comfortable as possible.
Here are seven useful tips for caring for a dog with kennel cough.
Give Your Dog Honey
Honey is beneficial for dogs with kennel cough because it contains many antioxidants, enzymes and flavonoids. If you give your dog Manuka honey, it may relieve his symptoms and make him feel better. The amount of honey you give your dog will depend on his size.
Large dogs need one tablespoon of honey a day, while medium dogs require two teaspoons. Smaller dogs only need one teaspoon of honey a day. If your dog does not want to eat honey, you could try mixing it in with one of his treats.
Use a Humidifier
Another way to make your dog feel more comfortable is to put a humidifier next to his bed. It will add moisture to the air, helping soothe your dog's dry cough.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
If your pooch has kennel cough, it's especially important to make sure he drinks enough water. It will flush out the toxins in his body, which may help get rid of the virus faster. If your dog does not want to drink water, have him chew on ice cubes. Also, think about adding some chicken broth to your dog's water to make it more flavorful.
Avoid Exposing Your Dog to Smoke and Other Irritants
While your furry family member is recovering from kennel cough, you should keep him away from smoke and other irritants. If these chemicals get into your dog's airways, they can aggravate the cough. If you are a smoker, you should smoke far away from your dog.
If you want to clean your house, you should put your dog in a separate room until you are done. Households cleaners often contain harsh chemicals that may make your dog's cough worse.
Give Your Dog a Steam Treatment
Exposing your dog to steam can loosen up the gunk in his throat, relieving his cough. When it is time for you to take a shower, let your dog sit in the bathroom with you. Leave him in the bathroom for about 30 minutes. The steam might make your dog hot, so have a bowl of water in the bathroom for him to drink.
Encourage Your Dog to Rest
Adequate rest is one of the best remedies for kennel cough. If your dog gets plenty of sleep, it will give his body a chance to fight the virus and recover properly. Put your dog in a room by himself, away from kids and other pets. This way, he will not be disturbed while trying to rest.
Give Your Dog a Cough Suppressant
If your dog is coughing up a storm, you may consider giving him a cough suppressant such as Robitussin. This medicine is only intended to be used for a short time period and should only be given under a veterinarian's approval. A veterinarian will determine the correct dosage of Robitussin for your dog.
If you follow these tips, you can help your dog recover from kennel cough and become healthy again. However, if your dog's cough isn't going away, you should take him to an animal hospital. A
veterinarian
will examine your dog's condition and may prescribe an antibiotic to treat the cough.