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In this article, we\u2019ll be explaining everything you need to know about Kennel Cough including, why so many dogs get it, what treatment there is, about the Kennel Cough vaccine and other things to bear in mind if your puppy catches Kennel Cough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here at Zigzag<\/a>, we are here every step of the way for you and your puppy\u2019s journey together. We\u2019ve developed a training program based on teaching life skills, not just obedience, that caters to your puppy\u2019s developmental milestones and breed needs, allowing for all of those breed quirks too to shine through, just check our about us page<\/a> to find out even more cool stuff. We know you might want to have someone to talk to along the way, especially someone who knows one or two helpful things. Our puppy coaches<\/a> are always available via phone or text to answer all of your questions on training, raising and socializing your puppy. They\u2019re basically here to make you feel better about the poop on your living room floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply put, Kennel Cough is a highly contagious disease that easily spreads amongst puppies due to their young and delicate immune system. It\u2019s usually brewing silently in places where there are a large number of dogs coming into contact with one another, such as the dog park, a doggy daycare or boarding kennel – hence the name Kennel Cough! <\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can imagine, it\u2019s easy for your puppy to catch Kennel Cough. Dogs can pass it to one another by sharing water bowls, sniffing each other’s bottoms, or simply being in places with many other dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kennel Cough is just that: a hacking cough that sounds a bit like something might be stuck in your puppy\u2019s throat. Often this is the first sign; it\u2019s essentially a respiratory infection and manifests just like colds and coughs do in humans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve had enough of strange diseases, right? Here\u2019s the symptoms you should look out for so you can tackle it quickly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Severe cases of Kennel Cough can also cause a drop in appetite, lack of energy, and a fever. Luckily, there are some great treatments for Kennel Cough, and even vaccines which can help prick the nasty cough goodbye. Hope it won\u2019t get to that point with your puppy! <\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t one single treatment for this, although there are a few things your vet can prescribe fir your doggo to help with the symptoms of Kennel Cough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some vets will prescribe antibiotics to treat Kennel Cough in puppies, although this is only usually in severe cases or to prevent secondary infection. Mild Kennel Cough symptoms do not usually warrant antibiotics. Understandably, you don\u2019t want to over-rely on antibiotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vets can prescribe a cough\/or an anti-inflammatory medicine as a treatment for Kennel Cough. It’s pretty self-explanatory how these work; they\u2019ll simply ease the symptoms by reducing any inflammation and suppressing the cough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Steam can also help if your puppy or dog has caught Kennel Cough. Get ready for a yummy visual: it will loosen the mucus in their throat making it easier for it to pass and opens up the airway. You can do this as easily as having your dog in the bathroom while you take a shower – talk about working on a close bond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among its many talents, Manuka honey is an amazing antibacterial substance and can be used as a great treatment for Kennel Cough. Luckily enough, this superfood from New Zealand is also something that most dogs slobber over. The honey soothes their throat and, its unique antibacterial and microbial properties, help to fight infection. Whether you pop it on a lickimat puzzle toy or just offer them a spoonful, your puppy will have no trouble taking this as their cough medicine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t want to overload them with sugar though! How much you feed will vary depending on the size of your dog, so make sure to take a look at that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Elderberry Syrup is also a natural antiviral fruit extract that is great for boosting the immune system and is an effective treatment for colds and coughs. You can usually find it in health food shops. Don’t forget to save some for yourself!<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the easiest ways to treat Kennel Cough is by simply giving your puppy lots of rest! Kennel Cough is not a massive deal for a dog to go through – an otherwise healthy dog has a perfectly functioning immune system designed to fend off coughs and colds, so good rest will definitely help them get there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many doggy daycares and boarding kennels ask for your dog to have had the Kennel Cough vaccine as a precautionary measure. It\u2019s a personal choice, but in some kennels it\u2019s often non-negotiable. So yes, sometimes not much of a personal choice, it seems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If vaccinating for Kennel Cough isn\u2019t something you were planning for, a pet sitter<\/a> might be a good option for you. With fewer dogs to manage, less risk of any kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What you need to know about the Kennel Cough vaccine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Kennel Cough Bordetella vaccination is most commonly given up your puppy\u2019s nose, but it can also be injected or taken orally (an oral vaccine is when it\u2019s given directly into the cheek). However, this Bordetella vaccine is not effective against all Kennel Cough strains, so it might be the case that despite being vaccinated, your puppy can still get other types of Kennel Cough. This obviously receives a fair amount of criticism as to its usefulness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As if there hasn’t been enough debate about vaccines already. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep note that the vaccine also only lasts a year, so you must be prepared to repeat annually in order for it to remain effective. Of course, this doesn\u2019t appeal to many dogs and as you may imagine, it could create some mayhem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the end, it really is a personal choice whether Kennel Cough vaccines are something you want to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having a healthy immune system will help your puppy to fight Kennel Cough naturally<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s some basic but golden advice: Ensuring that your puppy remains healthy by getting the correct amount of exercise<\/a> and eating properly<\/a> (a raw or home cooked diet are great options. If that\u2019s your thing, make sure it stays balanced and age appropriate<\/a>!), their immune system will stay healthy and be capable of beating off Kennel Cough on its own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"beagle](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/marcus-wallis-4zfacTKyZ7w-unsplash-1024x768.jpg\")
What is Kennel Cough and why does it happen?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Treatment for Kennel Cough in puppies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Antibiotic treatment for Kennel Cough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Cough Medication and Anti Inflammatories to treat Kennel Cough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Using steam as a treatment for Kennel Cough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Using Manuka Honey as a Kennel Cough treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Elderberry Syrup to treat Kennel Cough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Rest as a treatment for Kennel Cough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Ask for a Kennel Cough vaccine <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Things to look out for with Kennel Cough in puppies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n