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Herbal Remedy for Kennel Cough

By Tess Thompson

Kennel cough in dogs is an infection that can be caused by a number of agents, damaging and irritating the lining of trachea. Though kennel cough is commonly associated with a bacterium known as Bordetella bronchiseptica, two other viruses, parainfluenza virus and adenovirus and parasitic bacteria (mycoplasma), can also lead to kennel cough in canines.

The condition is self-limiting, and the duration of kennel cough in dogs is short. However, that does not mean that it does not cause discomfort to the dog. The condition can cause your dog to cough continuously for several minutes. His cough may sound like a ‘honking’ sound, as if trying to expel something out from his throat. The continuous sound of the cough can be extremely irritating to the owner as well-- not to mention the discomfort that it causes the dog.

Kennel cough is a contagious disease. The name comes from the fact that this condition is often seem among dogs who return from boarding at kennels. However, all dogs that have been boarded in a kennel which contains an infected dog do not contract the disease. The difference lies in immunity - the body’s own ability to resist and combat infectious invasions. Herbal remedies can help in preventing kennel cough, as they are equally inclined to treat kennel cough and strengthen the body’s immune system.

Vitamin C (500 mg for adults and 250 mg for puppies), in addition to supplemental vitamins that you may already be giving to your dog, can fight infection and prevent future occurrences. A few drops of Echinacea or Goldenseal tinctures, either directly in the mouth or mixed in food, are also good for the immune system. Colloidal silver is another natural remedy, two drops of which can be mixed in water or food on regular basis.

Homeopathic treatments also fall under the category of herbal or natural treatment. This is because all homeopathic remedies are made from natural substances and herbs. Bryonia Alba and Drosera, both derived from plants, are the preferred remedies for cough.

Coughing causes dryness in the throat, which leads to further coughing. Honey (about a teaspoon three times a day for a medium-sized dog) can soothe the throat and control perpetuation of a cough. Eliminating exposure to smoke and keeping your dog in a humid environment (you may use a humidifier or a vaporizer) can avoid further irritation of the throat.

Vaccination is often effective to prevent kennel cough. However, vaccinations in this case do not safeguard against the virus completely, since it is impossible to vaccinate your dog against all the likely bacteria strains that can cause kennel cough.

References:

http://www.auntjeni.com/kennel.htm
http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/kenc.html