I believe my dog has kennel cough. Today is the first day I've noticed the cough. Can I try treating her at home before taking her to the vet?
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Kennel cough will typically self resolve in a week or two with or without treatment. Antibiotics can be given to prevent secondary infection. The cough may linger for several weeks. Do not give any medications to your pet without the advice of your veterinarian. You can run a hot shower then place her in the bathroom (not in the tub) for 10-15 minutes. The steam can loosen any chest congestion. Afterwards, coupage therapy can be done to further loosen any congestion. Watch the following video to see how coupage is done and used.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjPMjlhluQ4
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Kennel cough will typically self resolve in a week or two with or without treatment. Antibiotics can be given to prevent secondary infection. The cough may linger for several weeks. Do not give any medications to your pet without the advice of your veterinarian. You can run a hot shower then place her in the bathroom (not in the tub) for 10-15 minutes. The steam can loosen any chest congestion. Afterwards, coupage therapy can be done to further loosen any congestion. Watch the following video to see how coupage is done and used.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjPMjlhluQ4
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If you have reason to believe your dog has kennel cough and not another reason for coughing (trauma, heart disease) then keeping her home and treating her may be a good idea.
Kennel cough is a term loosely used to describe a complex of infections—both viral and bacterial—that causes inflammation of a dog’s voice box and windpipe. It’s a form of bronchitis and is similar to a chest cold in humans. The incubation period is generally 3- 10 days. Infected dogs shed Bordetella organism for 2-3 months following infection.
Most dogs with kennel cough recover completely within three weeks, though it can take up to six weeks in older dogs or those with other medical conditions. Because serious, ongoing kennel cough infection can lead to pneumonia, be sure to follow up with your veterinarian if your dog doesn't improve within the expected amount of time. Also, if your dog at any time has symptoms of rapid breathing, not eating, or listlessness, contact your vet right away, as these could be signs of more serious conditions. Although most cases of kennel cough will resolve without treatment, medications may speed recovery or minimize symptoms during the course of infection. These include antibiotics that target Bordetella bacteria and cough medicines.
You may also find that keeping your dog in a well-humidified area and using a harness instead of a collar, especially for dogs that strain against a leash, will minimize the coughing.
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