Kennel Cough Treatment
There are several ways of treating a dog with kennel cough. While some prefer prescribed medication, others prefer natural remedies to treat kennel cough. Either way, it's important to take your dog to the vet for a professional opinion as soon as possible to ensure your dog gets the right treatment. The kennel cough treatments below are what you can generally expect to be recommended from a veterinarian.
Kennel Cough Vaccine
While some vets may recommend the kennel cough vaccine (Bordetella) in the form of a shot or inhalant, it’s important to know that it does not work 100% of the time. In some cases it has even been known to trigger kennel cough. This type of treatment is recommended for those that spend a lot of time around other dogs, such as show dogs, or dogs who go to doggy day care often.
Antibiotics
Just like the human flu, bacteria and viruses are the most common elements behind kennel cough and as such, can often be treated with prescribed medication. There are several types of antibiotics to treat kennel cough, most of them coming in the form of a pill or liquid. Your vet will prescribe the best medication suited for your dog based on its symptoms, age, and weight.
Cough Suppressants
You can get cough suppressants to treat your dogs kennel cough which can be helpful if they are up coughing all night. This will help sooth their throat and keep them from coughing. There are many over the counter cough suppressants, but it’s always a good idea to check with your vet first. They can better recommend the best solution and dosage for your pet. Note - it is important to avoid the prolonged use of cough suppressants to ensure that they are not masking a more serious problem.
Anti Inflammatories
Your vet may prescribe anti inflammatories such as "terbutaline sulfate" if your dog is having a hard time breathing due to the cough. Anti inflammatories help open up the airwaves for your dog, and can be very effective in helping your dog breathe easier.
Did You Know?
Kennel cough commonly masks other more serious conditions like chest infections and pneumonia. It's important to let your vet properly examine your pet to make sure it gets the correct treatment.
