Special Information on the Pet Food Recall

HOMEOPATHY FOR KENNEL COUGH

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1) WHAT IS KENNEL COUGH?

Kennel cough falls under the area of upper respiratory infections or "colds" or "tracheobronchitis". The upper respiratory tract, which includes the nose, throat, (pharnyx), voice box (larynx),tracea (windpipe) and upper bronchi (largest air vessels leading into the lungs) is one of the easiest enteries into the animal's body. Actually a large majority of virus and bacteris love this area of the body in animals and humans...to sit and replicate...its lovely and warm and full of fortifying mucous which they thrive on.....and that's why coughing or sneezing spreads them around so easily.

Virus, baceria, etc can dry out and masquerade as dust. Dried secretions, scabs and the like, break down into tiny particles and can be inhaled in the air. All of this leads to pathways for infection for your pet.

There are several causes of coughing associated with tracheobronchitis, all of which get lumped under the general name "kennel cough" at times. So it is possible for a dog to get kennel cough from two or three different causes in one lifetime.

In addition to that, the most common cause of tracheobronchitis in dogs is probably Bordetella bronchiseptica infection, a bacterial infection...or it can be caused by various virus. Immunity to this infection is not long lasting even after having the illness. Immunity probably lasts 6 to 12 months in most dogs and when it wears out they can get the infection again. That is why its not only important to treat the problem, but also build their immune system back up to defend against re-infection. Pet medicines or treatment for kennel cough needs to address this... both destroying the "bug" and enhancing the immune system

Dr. Deb and Buster

2)WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF KENNEL COUGH?

Kennel cough usually starts..and often never gets worse...with a irritating sounding cough..like your pet has got something caught in his throat and just can't get it out. It's usually non-productive..meaning no mucous or discharge comes from the mouth. Its common for it to occur in spurts of coughing...then resting..then coughing again.

Obviously...you need to check to make sure there IS nothing in his throat. Particularly with puppies who will chew on just about anything and may have a piece of something lodged in there. You can test him by putting a little pressure on his throat...just about the collar area..under his jaw...Kennel Cough will produce a cough right away.

It takes about 8-10 days from when they were infected..(being kenneled with other dogs...hence the name) before it becomes obvious to the owner.

In animals, these infections start and usually remain in the upper respiratory tract...(back of the throat to the start of the lungs..nice and warm and mucous-coated...yummy stuff for virus...) causing symptoms such as a runny nose or eyes, coughing, sneezing, sore throat and even inflammation of the tissues of the mouth.

Kennel cough or (canine infectious tracheobronchitis...big fat medical name..) is thought to be caused mostly by virus of the "adeno" variety,(which is like a "cold" as we know it)..although many sources say others such as parainfluenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and even mycoplasma (a cross between virus and bacteria) are involved. It can be complicated by bacterial infection as well.

The cough is dry, hacking (not unlike human Whooping Cough) and at the end of the coughing, often the dog will sometimes wind up retching and cough up a white foamy discharge....which is one of the symptoms of severe kennel cough.

In most cases..the whole issue will run its course in two weeks and the dog remains alert, eating and overall, well. But this is also the time to treat with homeopathics for kennel cough..to help prevent it from getting really bad.

The dog's nose may run..usually a clear discharge and his eyes may become red and sensitive to light...again getting into more severe symptoms.

It takes a massive exposure to infect most animals, and this is usually when a group of dogs, especially the young and stressed are together. Prime locations are boarding kennels, animal shelters, grooming shops, crowded parks, pet shops and even dog shows.

3) SYMPTOMS OF SEVERE KENNEL COUGH

In the case of severe kennel cough..the dog usually coughs for long periods of time and regularly throws up either food or phlegm. It can be white and foamy..to green (which indicates a more serious infection).

You'll see a change in his/her disposition..listless, lack of appetite, sleeping more frequently, depressed, etc. The dog could even develop pneumonia. You need medicine for kennel cough which is more heavy duty.

THIS is the time to take them into the vet...when acute medication is needed...or even a few days at the clinic to be monitored for health improvements.

4) WHAT IS THE DURATION OF KENNEL COUGH? HOW LONG DOES KENNEL COUGH LAST?

The duration of kennel cough is usually 1-2 weeks and the dogs normally will be as active as usual and eat the same. But if the dog looks depressed, inactive or feverish and the discharge turns to deep yellow or green, you really need to have him checked for pneumonia, or even canine distemper.

5) CAN A HUMAN CATCH KENNEL COUGH?

6) CATS AND KENNEL COUGH

Kennel cough is caused by a mixed bag of virus/infectious agents, which YES can affect people and cats and even other pets.

So, if you have a dog going into a situation where they could be infected as described above, it would be wise to use the remedies on this page for people...and the same remedies above for dogs can be used for your cat.

Click here for "Human Kennel Cough and Remedies for Kennel Cough

Still have questions? E-mail Me Anytime!