Especially in winter it can happen that your dog has to cough more often. This can be due to a cold, but it’s also possible that your dog has kennel cough.
This respiratory tract infection is widespread and contagious, especially in the cold season.
If your dog has kennel cough, you can help him with the home remedies in this post.
Kennel cough in dogs – 5 home remedies that help
If your dog has contracted kennel cough, there are some home remedies that can help him heal, such as tea with honey.
You can also give your dog dried rose hips under their food. They are rich in vitamin C and can support the immune system.
Also, make sure the air is humid. Then dry air can also irritate the respiratory tract.
You should also give your dog plenty of rest and warmth and only take very short walks with it.
However, you shouldn’t do without the walk completely. However, avoid contact with other dogs during this time to avoid further infection.
Tea with honey
Tea helps when you have a cold. This also applies to the dog.
You can give him fennel tea with honey. Prepare the tea as usual, let it get lukewarm and add honey.
A sage tea is also suitable for giving to your dog with kennel cough. Because this type of tea reduces itchy throat and has an antibacterial effect.
You can give the tea to your dog two to three times a day. If your furry friend isn’t a fan of tea, you can give it to him over his food.
However, make sure that the tea is not too hot.
Honey can have an anti-inflammatory effect. If you put the golden juice in the tea, it should cooler than 40 degrees Celsius be. Otherwise the enzymes in the honey will be destroyed and it will only make the tea sweet.
Good nutrition
Especially when your dog is sick, you should pay particular attention to a good and balanced diet.
Do you give your dog dry food? pay attention to a balanced mineral level. If your dog has trouble swallowing its dry food, you can soak it.
You can also offer your dog meat and steamed vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and fennel.
humid air
Hardly anything irritates the attacked airways as much as dry air. Therefore, you should ensure higher humidity in the house.
To do this, you can place small bowls of water on the heater and air it regularly. In addition, you can also give him one humidifier in his basket place.
In this way, the respiratory tract of your fur nose can be supplied with sufficient moisture. This relieves the dry cough and helps the bronchial tubes to get rid of the annoying mucus.
warmth and calm
If you’ve ever had the flu, you probably know how beneficial a warm bed can be to recover from.
Your dog is very similar.
So make sure he gets into a quiet and cozy corner can withdraw.
But you shouldn’t do without the daily walks on the gas. Because exercise in the fresh air supports the bronchial tubes in coughing up the mucus.
But plan small laps, walk slowly and don’t overwhelm your sick dog.
rosehips
You can mix dried or, depending on the season, fresh rose hips with your dog’s food. Depending on its size, you can give your dog a handful of the small red vitamin bombs.
Because rose hips are rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system. They also contain vitamins A and E, among other things.
If you have rosehip powder at home, you can also give this to your dog with the food. Follow the manufacturer’s dosing instructions.
Home remedies don’t help – what else can I do if my dog has kennel cough?
If home remedies don’t work for your dog, recovery can help expectorant and antitussive drugs get supported.
Antipyretics can also be considered.
If the dog’s kennel cough persists for a few weeks, it may be necessary to take antibiotics.
Sometimes the weakened immune system leads to further infections that hinder healing.
If left untreated, it could lead to bronchitis or even severe pneumonia.
Good to know
To prevent your dog from contracting kennel cough, you can have it vaccinated.
This is particularly useful if your dog often comes into contact with other four-legged friends in an animal boarding house or during dog sports.
When should I go to the vet?
However, if your dog has a weakened immune system, is very old or just a puppy, then you should have him checked out by the vet.
Because the course can be more difficult than in healthy and fit dogs.
Even if the illness has been there for more than a week and there is no improvement, you should take your dog to the vet.
In the worst case, severe pneumonia can develop.
Even if you are not sure if it is kennel cough, it is better to contact the vet.
Because even if home remedies can give your dog relief, they do not replace a medical examination.
Good to know
If you have multiple dogs or cats, you should see your vet if you suspect kennel cough.
Because the disease is very contagious and can spread quickly among your animals.
Although kennel cough is highly contagious, it usually does not require complex treatment. But better safe than sorry.
It’s better to go to the vet once too often than the other way around.
Feel free to leave us a comment if you and your dog have ever had to get through a kennel cough together!