Kennel Cough / Treatment

Definition:

If your dog is hacking away or constantly making noises that make it sound like he’s choking on something, he may have a case of kennel cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis. Although kennel cough can sound terrible, most of the time it is not a serious condition
ust as human colds may be caused by many different viruses, kennel cough itself can have multiple causes. One of the most common culprits is a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica m– which is why kennel cough is often called Bordetella. Most dogs that become infected with Bordetella are infected with a virus at the same time. These viruses, which are known to make dogs more susceptible to contracting Bordetella infection, include canine adenovirus, canine distemper virus, canine herpes virus, parainfluenza virus and canine reovirus.

Causes:
Dogs “catch” kennel cough when they inhale bacteria or virus particles into their respiratory tract. This tract is normally lined with a coating of mucus that traps infectious particles, but there are a number of factors that can weaken this protection and make dogs prone to kennel cough infection, which results in inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe).

These factors include:
Exposure to crowded and/or poorly ventilated conditions, such as are found in many kennels and shelters
Cold temperatures
Exposure to dust or cigarette smoke
Travel-induced stress
ref: http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/kennel-cough-in-dogs#1-2

Symptoms
The classic symptom of kennel cough is a persistent, forceful cough. It often sounds like a goose honk. This is distinct from a cough-like sound made by some dogs, especially little ones, which is called a reverse sneeze. Reverse sneezes can be normal in certain dogs and breeds, and usually only indicates the presence of post-nasal drip or a slight irritation of the throat.

Some dogs with kennel cough may show other symptoms of illness, including sneezing, a runny nose, or eye discharge.

If your dog has kennel cough, he probably will not lose his appetite or have a decreased energy level.

Warning: If left untreated, Kennel cough can turn into Pneumonia

Holistic Recommendations from DeAnimal Saver

1. Vitamins supplements to Boost the immune system for faster healing
2. Probiotics do wonders for the immune system.  Be sure to give at least 2hrs away from antibiotics or they will cancel each other out.
3. Honey is very beneficial (local is the best)  Be sure to use raw, pure, unrefined,non-GMO
4.  Coconut oil
5.  Herbs for overcoming Kennel cough:
Brown mustard seed, Olive Leaf, Cloves, Black seed, Pau D’arco Bark, Grapefruit
seed extract
6. Clean diet high in protein / eliminate kibble