18 simple remedies to get rid of kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica)
Kennel cough (also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis or bordetella bronchiseptica) is an infection of the upper respiratory tract in affected dogs. This infectious disease which can last for 10 to 20 days. It is easily curable at home.
The main symptoms of kennel cough (canine infectious tracheobronchitis) are an intermittent cough that gets worse at night, difficulty eating food, watery eyes, runny “nose”, vomiting mucus after coughing, discharge from the eye, and a yellow or clear runny nose, fever and onset Lethargic dogs are some other symptoms of kennel cough.
Like kennel cough is contagious (however, it is not transmissible to cats or humans), you should keep dogs with infectious tracheobronchitis away from other dogs. Here are some of the best home remedies for treating an infected dog.
Home remedies for kennel cough
1. Probiotics
Probiotics are a popular remedy for the treatment of infectious tracheobronchitis because they support immunity, both young and old, by killing off bad bacteria. They are also good for oral health and the digestive system. To treat and prevent kennel cough, give your dog some probiotic supplements on a regular basis.
2. Lemon honey
Lemon contains a good amount of Vitamin C which is great for supporting your dog’s immunity to fight against Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. Mix honey (2 tbsp), lemon (1 tsp) and water (1/2 cup) together. Give the prepared mixture to your dog, twice a day.
Alternatively, you can also give your dog 2 tablespoons of honey.
3. Vitamins
Vitamins speed up the cough healing process. Vitamin C is considered the best for dogs during the coughing period. Usually one tablet of 500 mg of vitamin C per day is considered sufficient for the treatment of kennel cough.
4. Chicken soup
It might sound weird, but fresh and hot chicken soup can turn out to be really good for your pet. Give your dog a bowl of hot chicken soup every night until he is fully recovered.
5. Garlic pills
Another good remedy for treating kennel cough is to give your dog some garlic pills. It makes the body more resistant to the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. 1 tablet to your pet every day for rapid recovery.
WARNING
The dosage of garlic is different for young dogs or senior dogs, but the most important is to adjust dosage based on weight.
6. Keep the air moist
Keeping the air humid is one of the best remedies to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria and therefore the pathogens responsible for infection. You can use a spray bottle or humidifier near the dog’s diaper to keep it moist throughout the day.
7. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has strong antifungal and antiviral properties which are very useful in the treatment of kennel cough to eliminate infectious agents. Give your dog about 2 teaspoons of coconut oil every day, with his food or directly from a spoon.
8. Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be very helpful in curing this infectious disease. Sprinkle some crushed cinnamon on your dog’s food. Repeat the process until the dog is fully recovered.
USE OF HERBS
9. Anise Hyssop
This herb is one of the natural remedies proven to eliminate coughs, it heals irritation, mucus build-up, and other throat-related problems. Mix anise seeds with the dog’s food.
10. Dulcamara
This herb is extremely helpful in getting rid of excess phlegm in the animal’s chest. Provide this herb regularly to your pet to help it heal faster.
11. Plantego Lanceolata
Also known as plantain in English, this herb is most commonly used to kill kennel cough pathogens. It helps soothe the upper respiratory tract and the throat.
12. Echinacea
Echinacea helps keep the dog’s immune system stronger. You can give it in the form of tinctures or herbal capsules of Echinacea to restore the respiratory system.
13. Licorice root tea
Licorice root is one of the natural remedies for canine adenovirus. Prepare a herbal tea by mixing a teaspoon of licorice root in about 2 cups of boiling water. Let cool to room temperature. Give 1 teaspoon of this tea regularly to your dog.
Alternatively, mix the prepared tea into your dog’s food if he doesn’t like the taste.
14. Sage leaves
Sage makes breathing easier and helps limit a runny nose. Boil dried sage leaves (1 teaspoon) in hot water (2 cups). Filter before leaving to cool. Mix (2 teaspoons) in the dog’s food.
15. Astragalus
Astragalus is a Chinese herb that has been used for centuries to treat kennel cough and to strengthen the immune system, which works hard against infectious agents of viruses and bacteria. The regular consumption of this plant by the dog will regenerate the bronchial cells and promote a good functioning of the lungs.
16. Essential Oils
You can use lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, oregano, or tea tree oil to soothe the animal’s cough problem. Alternatively, you can mix these oils and apply them on your pet. Avoid in young puppies and senior dogs.
17. Drocera
If your pet is suffering from a dry cough, you can use this surefire herb to cure it. The drocera will also prevent any further difficulty.
18. Elm
This herb reduces the discomfort of the pet by relieving the painful cough. It lubricates the upper respiratory system. Mix slippery elm powder into the dog’s food. You can also give this herb as a capsule.
TO DO
- Keep the house clean and dust free.
- Clean the pet’s food and water bowl regularly.
- Keep other dog away from the infected dog and let him stay in isolation for a while.
- Keep your pet in a healthy, warm and humid environment.
- Motivate the animal to drink plenty of water.
- If the dog has a sore throat, provide moist food that is easier to swallow.
- Vaccinate your dog as soon as possible (if it hasn’t already) to prevent further infection.
NOT TO DO
- Do not expose your dog to the air.
- Do not let it walk on damp or wet floors.
- Avoid the dog’s collar for a while until he is well healed, as it stimulates coughing.
- Do not smoke near your dog.
- Do not use toxic detergents on the floor which can harm the animal.