What To Do For Kennel Cough In Puppies: A Complete Guide

Kennel cough, scientifically known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that primarily affects dogs, especially puppies.

If your furry friend has been diagnosed with kennel cough, you may have questions about how to manage the symptoms and ensure a speedy recovery.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore effective home remedies, veterinary treatments, and preventive measures to keep your puppy healthy.

Understanding Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, with the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium being the most common culprit.

The disease is characterized by a dry, honking cough, which can be alarming for puppy parents.

While kennel cough is generally mild and self-limiting, it can lead to more severe complications in young, older, or immunocompromised dogs.

Symptoms Of Kennel Cough

Before diving into treatment options, it’s essential to recognize the symptoms of kennel cough, which may include:

Dry, honking cough
Sneezing

Runny nose
Fever
Loss of appetite

Lethargy

If you notice these symptoms in your puppy, consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

What To Do For Kennel Cough In Puppies: Home Remedies

1. Visit the Veterinarian. The first step in addressing kennel cough is to make an appointment with your veterinarian.

They can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other respiratory conditions.

Depending on the severity of the infection, your vet may prescribe antibiotics or cough suppressants to help ease your puppy’s discomfort.

2. Keep Your Puppy Comfortable. While your puppy is recovering at home, create a comfortable environment:

Limit exercise: Restrict physical activity to allow your puppy to rest and recuperate.
Provide a warm, quiet space: Ensure your puppy has a cozy spot to relax away from other pets.
Hydration is key: Encourage your puppy to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

3. Honey as a Remedy for Kennel Cough in Puppies. A spoonful of honey can soothe a puppy’s throat. It has natural antibacterial properties and can help reduce coughing:

Natural Soother: Honey is known for its soothing properties. It can help alleviate throat irritation caused by kennel cough.
Antibacterial Properties: Honey has natural antibacterial qualities. This can support your puppy’s immune system in fighting off infections.

Cough Suppressant: A small amount of honey can act as a natural cough suppressant. It can help reduce coughing spells, allowing your puppy to rest better.
Easy to Administer: Most puppies enjoy the taste of honey. This makes it easy to give as a treat or mixed into their food.

While honey is not a cure for kennel cough, it can provide comfort to your puppy during recovery. Always consult your veterinarian before trying new remedies.

4. Steam Therapy. Create steam in a bathroom by running a hot shower. Let your puppy breathe in the moist air to help clear congestion:

Helps with Congestion: Steam therapy can provide relief from congestion. The warm, moist air helps loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier for your puppy to breathe.
Easy to Administer: You can create steam therapy at home. Run a hot shower and let your puppy sit in the bathroom for about 10-15 minutes.

Soothes Irritated Airways: The warm steam can soothe irritated airways. This can reduce coughing spells and promote comfort for your puppy.

Always ensure your puppy is safe and supervised during steam therapy.

If symptoms persist, consult your veterinarian for further advice and treatment options.

5. Humidifier. Using a humidifier in your puppy’s space can add moisture to the air. This can ease breathing and reduce coughing fits:

Moist Air: Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air. This can help soothe your puppy’s irritated throat and ease coughing.
Comfortable Breathing: Moist air makes it easier for puppies to breathe. It can reduce congestion and help clear their airways.

Promotes Healing: Keeping the air humid may support your puppy’s recovery. It can help thin mucus, making it easier to expel.

Incorporating a humidifier into your puppy’s environment is a simple and effective home remedy for kennel cough.

Always monitor your puppy’s condition and consult a vet if symptoms persist.

6. Chicken Broth as a Remedy for Kennel Cough in Puppies. Warm chicken broth can encourage hydration and provide comfort. Make sure it’s low-sodium and free from onions or garlic:

Soothing for the Throat: Chicken broth can help soothe an irritated throat. The warm liquid provides comfort and can reduce coughing fits.
Encourages Hydration: Puppies with kennel cough may drink less. Chicken broth is a tasty way to encourage them to stay hydrated.

Nutrient-Rich: Homemade chicken broth is nutrient-dense. It contains vitamins and minerals that support overall health and recovery.
Easy to Digest: Puppies may have sensitive stomachs when sick. Chicken broth is gentle and easy for them to digest.

Using chicken broth as a home remedy can provide relief for puppies suffering from kennel cough.

Always consult a veterinarian for persistent symptoms.

7. Coconut Oil for Kennel Cough in Puppies. Adding a little coconut oil to their food can help boost their immune system. It also has soothing properties for the throat:

Natural Antimicrobial Properties: Coconut oil has antimicrobial qualities. It can help fight infections and soothe inflammation in the throat.

Supports Immune System: The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil boost the immune system. This can help your puppy recover faster from kennel cough.
Moisturizes Airway: Coconut oil can coat the throat and airways. This may reduce irritation and cough frequency, providing relief to your puppy.
Easy to Administer: You can add coconut oil to your puppy’s food. This makes it easy to incorporate into their diet, ensuring they receive its benefits.

Using coconut oil as a home remedy could help alleviate symptoms of kennel cough in puppies.

Always consult your veterinarian before trying new treatments.

8. Herbal Teas for Kennel Cough in Puppies. Mild herbal teas such as chamomile can be soothing. Offer them cooled to help calm their cough:

Soothing Effects: Herbal teas can provide relief for puppies suffering from kennel cough. Ingredients like chamomile and peppermint help soothe irritated throats.
Promotes Hydration: Offering herbal tea encourages puppies to drink more fluids. Staying hydrated is crucial for recovery from respiratory issues.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Many herbs have natural anti-inflammatory effects. Ingredients such as ginger and thyme can help reduce swelling in the throat.

Easy to Prepare: Herbal teas are simple to make at home. Just steep the herbs in hot water, cool it down, and offer it to your puppy.
Consult Your Vet: Always consult your veterinarian before trying herbal remedies. They can guide you on the best options for your puppy’s specific needs.

Using herbal teas can be a gentle and effective way to support your puppy’s recovery from kennel cough.

9. Probiotics for Kennel Cough in Puppies. Supplementing with probiotics can support gut health. This can help improve overall immunity during recovery:

Supports Immune System: Probiotics help strengthen your puppy’s immune system. A robust immune system can fight off infections, including kennel cough.
Maintains Gut Health: When puppies are sick, their gut flora can be disrupted. Probiotics restore healthy bacteria, which aids in digestion and overall health.

Reduces Stress: Illness can be stressful for puppies. Probiotics can help alleviate some of this stress, promoting a sense of well-being during recovery.

Using probiotics as a home remedy can be a beneficial addition to your puppy’s care when dealing with kennel cough.

Always consult your vet before starting any new treatment.

10. Rest for Kennel Cough in Puppies. Ensure your puppy gets plenty of rest. Like humans, puppies need downtime to recover from illness.

Essential for Recovery: Rest is crucial for puppies with kennel cough. It allows their immune system to fight off the infection effectively.
Reduces Stress: A calm environment helps minimize stress. Stress can worsen symptoms and delay recovery in young puppies.

Encourages Hydration: When resting, puppies are more likely to drink water. Staying hydrated is vital for clearing mucus and soothing their throats.
Improves Sleep Quality: Sufficient rest promotes better sleep. Quality sleep aids in healing and helps puppies regain their strength.

Overall, ensuring your puppy gets plenty of rest can significantly aid in their recovery from kennel cough.

11. Warm Compress for Kennel Cough in Puppies. A warm compress on their throat can provide relief. This can help soothe irritation and reduce coughing.:

Soothe Irritation: A warm compress can help soothe a puppy’s throat. The warmth may ease coughing and reduce discomfort.
Promote Relaxation: Applying a warm compress can help relax the puppy. This can lead to better sleep and recovery.

Ease Breathing: The warmth can also help open airways. This may make it easier for the puppy to breathe comfortably.

Using a warm compress is a simple and effective home remedy.

It provides comfort while your puppy recovers from kennel cough. Always consult your vet if symptoms persist or worsen.

12. Avoid Irritants for Kennel Cough in Puppies. Keep your puppy away from smoke and strong scents. This will help prevent further irritation to their throat:

Keep the Environment Clean: Avoid smoke, strong perfumes, and cleaning chemicals. These irritants can worsen your puppy’s symptoms and delay recovery.
Limit Dust Exposure: Dusty areas can trigger coughing. Regularly clean your home to reduce dust and allergens that might irritate your puppy’s throat.

Create a Calm Space: A quiet and comfortable area can help your puppy relax. Stress can exacerbate coughing, so ensure they have a peaceful environment.

By minimizing irritants, you can help soothe your puppy’s throat and support their healing process.

Notes: These remedies can provide comfort and support as your puppy recovers from kennel cough. Always consult a vet for serious cases.

Read more: Puppy Not Feeling Well: 12 Common Signs, Reasons & Preventative Care Tips

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Veterinary Treatments

Consult Your Veterinarian: Always start by talking to your vet. They can confirm the diagnosis and recommend the best treatment.

Keep Your Puppy Comfortable: Ensure your puppy has a warm and quiet place to rest. This will help them recover faster.
Hydration Is Key: Make sure your puppy drinks plenty of water. Staying hydrated can help soothe their throat.
Humidifier Use: A humidifier can add moisture to the air. This may help ease coughing and make breathing easier.Limit

Exercise: Keep your puppy calm and limit their activity. Too much excitement can aggravate their condition.
Avoid Smoke and Irritants: Keep your puppy away from smoke and strong odors. These can further irritate their throat.

Cough Suppressants: Your vet may recommend cough suppressants. These can help reduce the frequency of coughing.
Antibiotics if Needed: If a secondary bacterial infection is suspected, your vet might prescribe antibiotics.
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your puppy’s symptoms. If they worsen, seek veterinary help immediately.

Vaccination: Discuss the kennel cough vaccine with your vet. Vaccination can help prevent future infections.Taking these steps can aid in your puppy’s recovery from kennel cough and prevent complications.

Preventive Measures To Keep Your Puppy Healthy

Vaccination: Get your puppy vaccinated against kennel cough. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent the disease.
Limit Exposure: Avoid crowded places where dogs gather. This reduces the risk of your puppy coming into contact with infected dogs.

Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands after handling other dogs. This helps prevent the transmission of germs to your puppy.
Keep Up with Vet Visits: Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can catch health issues early. Your vet can also provide advice on kennel cough prevention.
Avoid Stress: Stress can weaken your puppy’s immune system. Create a calm environment to help keep them healthy.

Monitor Playdates: Only arrange playdates with healthy dogs. Make sure your puppy is not exposed to sick animals.
Limit Outdoor Time During Outbreaks: If there is a kennel cough outbreak in your area, limit your puppy’s outdoor exposure. This can help keep them safe.
Healthy Diet: Provide a balanced diet for your puppy. A strong immune system is key to fighting off infections.

Stay Away from Sick Dogs: If you know a dog is sick, keep your puppy away. This simple step can prevent illness.
Encourage Regular Exercise: Regular exercise boosts your puppy’s immune system. Keep them active while avoiding crowded areas.