Kennel Cough is a very common and contagious disease mostly contracted by dogs, but can also be transferred to other pets such as: cats, birds, and bunnies. Kennel cough is an airborne virus which means it can be contracted anywhere from your local park to a veterinary practice.

Your pet will be constantly hacking and coughing, sometimes spitting up bits of phlegm. Over exertion can trigger it and make it much worse, so limiting your dog’s amount of exercise is recommended while suffering from kennel cough. An immediate vet check-up followed by rest and relaxation is the best course of action to take.

Kennel cough in dogs can be compared to the human flu, and generally caused when your dog is bombarded by a mix of bacteria and viruses at the same time, similar to influenza in humans.

In most cases Kennel Cough is not serious, and will only last up to a week or two. However, in more serious cases it can last up to several months, and can be extremely uncomfortable for your dog (and extremely annoying for the dog owner). It’s important to have your dog checked out as soon as it begins showing signs of kennel cough as it may be symptoms of another more serious condition your dog is suffering from.

Kennel cough is not usually a serious condition, but can be very irritating for your dog and in some cases can develop into a more serious disease.

Kennel cough symptoms can range from the obvious honking cough, to a lack of exercise, to hacking up foamy liquid. Prevention is the best cure for kennel cough, so it is important to monitor your dog for strange symptoms, especially if you visit dog parks on a regular basis.

In many cases dog owners do not bring their pets in to see an animal doctor because they are told that kennel cough is not a serious issue, and only lasts a week or two. While this is usually true, it is very common for the kennel cough symptoms to mask a more serious underlying condition.

While the cough itself is certainly nothing be afraid of, it’s always best to be on the safe side when it comes to the health of our furry friends.

There are several ways of treating a dog that has contracted kennel cough. While some pet owners prefer prescribed medication for quick relief, others prefer to let the cough run its course and give their dog’s natural home remedies to treat the condition. It’s important to remember that what works for one dog may not work for another, so it’s important to bring your dog in to get properly assessed. Animal doctors may recommend different types of treatment depending on a variety of factors such as the dog’s size, age, and condition.

Kennel cough typically only lasts for 1-2 weeks, however if your dog has been coughing for longer than 3-4 weeks it is highly recommended that you bring it in to an animal hospital for x-rays to be on the safe side. Constant hacking is tough on the dog’s throat, especially for puppies, and can cause damage their trachea if it goes on for too long.

Vaccinations and anti-biotics are not for everyone, and that goes for our dogs as well. Pet owners who do not believe in treating their dogs with drugs have plenty of natural alternatives when it comes to remedying kennel cough.
Pet owners do not need to spend a lot of money to cure their dog of this disease. There are several home remedies available to help your dog feel better; the majority only requiring simple household items and ingredients. For pet owners who prefer to let the cough run its course, the kennel cough home remedies have been found to be effective in curing, and providing dog’s relief over the span of the condition.

*Please note that if the cough lasts longer than 2-3 weeks, or you notice the colour of the phlem change from clear/cream to a dark gold/green it can signify that a subsidiary bacteria/infection has set in. In this case it is important to take your dog in to get looked at by an animal doctor for a professional opinion right away to ensure it receives the proper care.