If your dog has developed a cough, and it's recently spent time in a kennel, it might have developed a case of kennel cough. While this virus usually goes away on its own, it can make your dog quite uncomfortable for a few days. Here are four methods to help alleviate the discomfort your dog may be experiencing.
Clear the Air
Kennel cough can make it difficult for your dog to breathe. Things like smog, cigarette smoke, and even smoke from the fireplace can irritate the lining of your dog's lungs. While your dog is recovering from kennel cough, keep the air as clean as possible. Turn on the exhaust fans in your home to clear the air and help your dog breathe more freely.
Add Some Moisture
If your home is filled with dry air, you might want to add some moisture until your dog recovers from kennel cough. The cough can irritate your dog's throat. Unfortunately, dry air can cause further irritation. You can moisten the air and make it easier for your dog to breathe by running a humidifier in your home while your dog recovers. If you don't have a humidifier, you can take your dog in the bathroom and turn the shower on for a few minutes.
Bring on the Privacy
Kennel cough is highly contagious. If you have other dogs in your home, you need to protect them from infection. Until your infected dog recovers, you should isolate it away from the rest of your dogs. Set up a bed in a spare bedroom or bathroom and keep your dog in there until it's fully recovered. Not only will you protect your other dogs from infection, you'll also provide your sick dog with the rest it requires to heal.
See the Vet
In most cases, kennel cough goes away on its own. However, in some cases, the virus can develop into a life-threatening illness. If your dog appears to be lethargic, refuses to eat, or develops an uncontrollable cough, you should consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If your dog developed a nasty cough after staying in a kennel, it probably caught a case of kennel cough. The tips provided here will help you keep your dog comfortable while it recuperates. Once your dog recovers, you should talk to your veterinarian about having it vaccinated against the disease. The vaccination will help protect your pet the next time you have to leave it at the kennel.
Click here for an animal hospital, or do an online search.
