Dog Health Care – Kennel Cough

Do you hear dry, hacking sounds coming from your dog? Dog coughing is a common condition that many canines find themselves in. Although it is not a life threatening disease, it can be very distressing for both the pet owner and dog alike when it is left on its own. If you are a loving master who wants the best for his dog, you need to employ dog information health care practices to keep him as comfortable and healthy as possible. Dog cough, or kennel cough is a respiratory condition that usually comes about because of a virus. The symptoms of this is similar to the common cold of human beings. When your dog has cough, keep him isolated from the rest of your other pets, if you have more. Dog cough is contagious and can take up to six weeks for complete recovery. Regular check-ups with the vet is a standard in typical dog health care. However, there are some things you can do to help manage dog cough/ dog flu. One effective way to combat respiratory problems is through steam treatments. Remember how your mom would use a vaporizer for you to clear up any respiratory infections? Well, the same can be administered to our dogs. Put some eucalyptus or any menthol agent in the vaporizer and place the unit near the area where your dog sleeps. This will make your dog sleep more comfortably through the night. If you don’t have a vaporizer, you can use the shower to create the same effect. Open the shower, put the heater on to the highest setting and keep the door closed. When the bathroom is sufficiently steamed up, bring your dog in to inhale the steam for about 20 minutes. The sauna-like condition works to open up the bronchial tubes and loosen phlegm. Towel and dry your dog well before you take him out so he won’t get damp and cold, aggravating his condition. There are also some really good homeopathic remedies available for dogs with cough. Using herbs and organic ingredients to cure dog ailments is ideal because it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that may damage your dog’s organs in the long run. Go to the links in this page to get an effective and natural treatment for dog health coughing. So you finally cured your dog from the flu or cough— what can you do to avoid this from happening again to your dog? A cold and damp environment is probably the biggest culprit for kennel cough. Keep your home as nice and cozy as possible, especially during the colder months. Don’t let your dog near cold floors and drafts in the house. Position his sleeping quarters near the warmer areas in the house and make his bedding as comfortable as possible by providing extra blankets at night. Clean his blankets and toys to prevent the proliferation of the virus.

Dust and floating, invisible bacteria can also aggravate cough. Regularly clean and disinfect air conditioners in the house. If you can, install an air purifier unit to improve the air quality in your home. Relegate smoking to outdoors and vacuum the upholstery well to minimize the presence of dust. These extra precautions will not just help your dog, but you and your family as well. A good diet is also essential in keeping your dog healthy. What kinds of food will be beneficial for him? Wet dog food is better for dogs that have irritated throats. Make sure that he has a ready supply of fresh water constantly to help cleanse his system from toxins faster. Fresh fruits that are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants will boost his immune system and help find bacteria that are trying to get their way inside your dog’s system. Dogs with cough also have an increased sensitivity to gagging. Loosen or remove his collar whenever possible so his throat will not have pressure that can trigger a coughing spasm. Visit the vet for regular check-ups to avoid the escalation of dog diseases. Learning more about dog health care is the best thing you can do to ensure your dog’s long and happy life. Do your best and enjoy more memorable years with your dog when you do. Have fun!