Kennel Cough - from an Alternative Prespective
By Dr Kelly Sperling (M.tech (Hom))
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Kennel Cough (tracheobronchitis) in dogs can be compared to the human flu, and generally caused when your dog is exposed to a mix of bacteria and viruses at the same time, similar to influenza in humans. Kennel cough is highly contagious and therefore prevalent in dog shelters and kennels (hence the name).
In most cases Kennel Cough is not serious, and will only last up to a week or two. However, in more serious cases it can last several months, and can be extremely uncomfortable for your dog.
It is important to have your dog checked out as soon as it begins showing signs of kennel cough as it may be symptoms of another more serious condition.
Symptoms
Dry hacking cough is the most common symptom
Like the common cold in humans, tracheobronchitis is highly contagious, rarely fatal, and runs its course in a few days
In most cases Kennel Cough is not serious, and will only last up to a week or two. However, in more serious cases it can last several months, and can be extremely uncomfortable for your dog.
It is important to have your dog checked out as soon as it begins showing signs of kennel cough as it may be symptoms of another more serious condition.
Symptoms
Dry hacking cough is the most common symptom
- Cough may sound like honking
- Retching and sometimes vomiting
- Watery nasal discharge
- Sneezing
- In mild cases, dogs would likely be active and eating normally
- In severe cases, symptoms progress and can include pneumonia, no appetite, fever, lethargy and even ...death
Like the common cold in humans, tracheobronchitis is highly contagious, rarely fatal, and runs its course in a few days
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Treatment
Homeopathic remedies
The following are homeopathic remedies indicated for a cough. Each one has an individual picture to suit your dog’s individual presentation of their cough.
Drosera
Pulsatilla
Bryonia
Ipecac
Spongia
Homeopathic cough mixtures such as Stodal®
- Due to the highly contagious nature of kennel cough (air borne) it is very important to keep your dog’s space very clean and to disinfect if your dog has been diagnosed. Always remember to wash your hands often.
- Kennel cough, like the common cold, is usually self-limiting and therefore waiting it out a few days usually does the trick
- Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed. Although antibiotics have no effect on viruses, they are not a complete solution.
- Humidifier, the moist air helps to open up the air passages and relieves the dryness.
- Rest
- Loosen collar or remove collar. Rather use a harness when out for a walk.
- Keep warm especially in cold weather
- Honey is a great antibacterial and it soothes the throat
Homeopathic remedies
The following are homeopathic remedies indicated for a cough. Each one has an individual picture to suit your dog’s individual presentation of their cough.
Drosera
- Continuous bouts of dry, barking cough
- Cough is worse for lying down
- Cough is worse for eating and drinking
Pulsatilla
- Cough is worse in a warm room, during warm weather
- Cough is better for open air
- Cough is loose during daytime but dry at night
- Dry mouth and no thirst
- Must sit up to cough
Bryonia
- Dry, hard, painful cough
- Must sit up to cough
- Cough worse for any motion, even deep breathing
- Worse in warm rooms
- Great thirst for large quantities of water
- Wants to rest and lie on the painful side
Ipecac
- Cough with nausea
- Paroxysms of retching and gagging
- Incessant, suffocating cough
- Salivates excessively with cough
- Bubbly mucus
- Breathing rapidly becomes difficult
Spongia
- Hacking, deep, dry, barking cough
- Coughs from dry, cold winds
- Cough is improved by drinking warm water
- Hoarseness
- Difficult breathing
Homeopathic cough mixtures such as Stodal®
As with any illness, it is very important that your dog be checked by a vet. These recommendations are only suggestions and cannot replace treatment by a vet. However they can be used in conjunction with other treatments.
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