If your dog has developed a cough after staying with friends for the weekend, it might have a case of kennel cough. Unfortunately, kennel cough doesn't just occur in kennels. Kennel cough can get passed around anywhere there are multiple dogs in one location. In fact, your local dog park could be a breeding ground for kennel cough. If your dog has a nagging cough, here are four steps you can take to ease its discomfort.
Get It Some Fresh Air
One of the best ways to clear up kennel cough is to get your dog outside for some fresh air. Since your dog might be contagious, it's best to avoid places where other dogs will be gathering. However, you can still take it outside in your own yard. The fresh air will help clear your dog's lungs and get it breathing easier. It's also a good idea to keep your dog away from smoke while it's recovering from the cough. That means you should avoid using the fireplace for the time-being, and refrain from smoking around your dog.
Bring on the Humidifier
Dry air can aggravate kennel cough. If the air in your home is overly dry, turn on the humidifier. If your dog likes to roam around the house, try bringing in a whole-house humidifier, or confine your dog to one room during treatments. Provide a comfortable bed so that your dog will rest while it's receiving moist-air treatments. If you don't have access to a humidifier, try bringing your dog into the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The warm, moist air will work wonders for your dog's kennel cough symptoms.
Try a Bit of Cough Medicine
If your dog's cough is keeping it from getting the rest it needs, try giving it a dose of over-the-counter cough medicine. The children's variety will work best. The cough syrup will suppress the cough, and soothe its throat so your dog can get some rest. Be sure to ask the veterinarian about the proper dose for your pet.
See the Veterinarian
Kennel cough can develop into a life-threatening condition. If your pet has difficulty breathing, develops a fever, or has white foam coming from its mouth while it's coughing, you should get it to a veterinary hospital like Norwin Veterinary Hospital as soon as possible. Be sure to tell the vet that your dog has been in contact with other dogs, so they can test for kennel cough.
Now that the holidays are here, you may be leaving your dog with friends. If your dog develops a cough after staying with friends – or in a kennel – use the tips provided here. To prevent a recurrence of the disease, be sure to have your dog vaccinated as soon as possible.
Share13 December 2016
Do you own a small animal like a mouse, hamster or even a lizard? Did you know that even these tiny creatures can benefit from veterinary care? My name is Emma, and I own a number of small pets. I have found out through my experiences that veterinary care can give my little pets a longer, healthier life. This blog will cover what a small animal needs from regular medical care as well as special situations that require emergency veterinary intervention. Tiny pets deserve a healthy life, too. Learn how to do all your can for the littlest animals in your care.
