Understanding and Treating Kennel Cough in Dogs: Insights and Remedies

Hello, I’m Dr. Andrew Jones, and welcome back to my channel! In this edition, we’ll be discussing kennel cough, a common yet concerning condition affecting dogs. For those of you who are new here, I’m excited to have you join us. Today, I’ll not only explain what kennel cough is, but I’ll also demonstrate what it sounds like. For reference, we have Roxy, a dog who has recently picked up kennel cough, here to help me showcase the symptoms. Let’s dive in!

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough, medically known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. It’s caused by a combination of viruses—such as canine influenza, parainfluenza—along with the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. It is commonly contracted in places where many dogs gather, such as dog parks or kennels, where the crowded environment and stressed conditions make it easier for the virus to spread.

The virus is airborne, meaning it can spread through the air or by contact with objects contaminated by infected saliva or mucus. Typically, the disease lasts between 7 to 14 days, but dogs can remain infectious for up to two months.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Kennel Cough

If your dog is still alert, eating, and drinking as usual—like Roxy here—you can generally treat the condition at home. However, if your dog is lethargic, refuses to eat or drink, or has a fever, the illness might be progressing to something more severe, such as pneumonia. In this case, it’s important to visit your veterinarian for a more thorough examination and possible antibiotic treatment.

So, what does kennel cough sound like? The cough is often very productive, and it’s common for dogs to start coughing suddenly, especially when they get excited or exert themselves. It can sound like your dog is trying to clear something out of their throat. Let’s listen to Roxy’s cough for an example.

Treating Kennel Cough at Home

For a dog like Roxy who is still alert and eating, here are some of the most effective home remedies:

1. Remove the Collar

If your dog is coughing frequently, the first thing to do is remove their collar. A collar can irritate the airway and make the coughing worse. Removing the collar helps ease the discomfort.

2. Use Humidity

Adding moisture to the air can help soothe your dog’s irritated throat. If you have a humidifier, use it in the room where your dog spends the most time. Alternatively, you can create steam by running a hot shower and letting your dog sit in the bathroom for 10-15 minutes. This is a great remedy to reduce coughing, and you can do this 2-3 times a day to help your dog feel more comfortable.

3. Honey for Throat Relief

Honey is a fantastic remedy for soothing your dog’s throat. It has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it especially helpful for kennel cough. For a dog of Roxy’s size (around 80 pounds), I recommend giving about a tablespoon of honey 2-3 times a day. If your dog isn’t keen on eating honey from a spoon, you can mix it with lukewarm water (about ¼ cup) and administer it with a syringe after your dog eats.

4. Herbal Remedies for Cough Relief

Two herbs in particular can help manage kennel cough:

• Dandelion: Dandelion leaf can be used as a tincture and acts as a diuretic. It helps reduce fluid buildup, which can ease coughing.
• Oregon Grape: If your dog’s condition seems to be worsening or you’re concerned about a more severe infection, Oregon grape can be used as a tincture. This herb has natural antibacterial properties that can support your dog’s immune system.

For both herbs, the dosage is typically half a milliliter of tincture per 20-40 pounds of body weight, given twice daily.

How to Administer These Remedies

• Honey: For dogs weighing 10-20 pounds, the dosage is about 1 teaspoon of honey, given 2-3 times a day.
• Herbal Tinctures: For dandelion and Oregon grape, administer about half a milliliter twice daily for dogs between 20-40 pounds.

Conclusion

Most dogs, like Roxy, will recover from kennel cough with time and symptomatic treatment. As long as your dog is eating, drinking, and staying alert, you can manage the symptoms with the remedies I’ve outlined. However, if your dog’s symptoms worsen, or they become lethargic, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian as they might need antibiotics or further treatment.

Thank you for watching this edition of Veterinary Secrets. Thanks to Roxy and Luka for helping demonstrate what kennel cough sounds like. If you found this video helpful, be sure to subscribe and keep an eye out for more tips on how to care for your pets!