When your dog contracts kennel cough, you’ll know it when you feel some difficulty breathing and coughing yourself. This is one of the most common diseases affecting dogs, but fortunately, it’s a very contagious disease. The way to tell if your dog has kennel cough is by checking its mouth for mucus. If there’s mucus, then your dog probably just had an attack. To help treat the disease, you should give your dog the right kennel cough treatment, which depends on its severity.
Mucus usually develops on the first stage of the illness but can continue on as it advances. Some kennel cough viruses can cause death within 2 weeks but fortunately, the vast majority of the infections will pass with little or no medical treatment. Your vet can recommend the best course of action for your pet. Some kennel cough medications are only available through prescription only; others are available over the counter. There are also a number of homeopathic remedies that have been shown to be effective in treating this disease.
An example is the TLCA supplement that is said to be able to strengthen the respiratory system, especially the lungs and provide protection against infections. However, this is only recommended for dogs that are extremely weak or who haven’t had adequate medical care. Because kennel cough is often caused by bronchial obstruction and pneumonia, it can also lead to death in dogs that are suffering from severe respiratory illness. If you believe your dog is experiencing respiratory illness and has kennel cough, it’s best to take him to the vet immediately for proper diagnosis. He can then make the appropriate treatment.
One of the more popular medications for kennel cough is the doxycycline, or Doxycycline. It was first approved by the US FDA in 1974 for the treatment of an acute form of cough due to infectious mononucleosis. The medication was originally intended for children, as it was ineffective and sometimes caused diarrhea. However, studies showed doxycycline to be beneficial in dogs suffering from various forms of the condition, including pneumonia and cold.
Like many other antibiotics, doxycycline works by killing the bacteria that causes the disease. But unlike most antibiotics, it also causes severe and often life-threatening side effects in pets. If you notice any symptoms such as lethargy, excessive salivation, or increased appetite, contact your veterinarian immediately and discuss dosage options.
The aerosol spray is another recommended treatment for kennel cough, and it comes in a variety of brands. The aerosol spray contains chlorhexidine, which is in liquid form. Your veterinarian will recommend which brand or type of aerosol is best for your infected dog. Although some dogs seem to respond better to this type of treatment, others are not affected at all so the choice really depends on your particular dog.
The cough last for short periods of time within three weeks or less. Your veterinarian can provide a more accurate prediction about how long the kennel cough will last but it usually only lasts for six weeks. This prediction is based on how your dog behaves during the cough. Coughing is common for animals over 2 years of age but younger dogs with weak immune systems are not exempt from the condition. So, if your dog is relatively young and healthy, coughing may only last for a shorter period of time.
Common medicine side effects associated with kennel cough medications are weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rarely, these effects could lead to more serious conditions such as seizures, liver failure and difficulty breathing. It’s important that you carefully read the instructions provided with the medicine before administering your dog the prescribed dosage. Never give your dog any form of medicine without first consulting with your vet.