Canine Chronic Bronchitis & Kennel Cough Home Remedies
Dogs can suffer from viral or bacterial upper respiratory infections that make them cough, sneeze and sniffle, just like people. Breathing problems and coughing in dogs can be very frightening, especially if it continues beyond a few days. Conventional treatments from your veterinarian can be combined with kennel cough home remedies to give your pet lasting relief from coughing, mucus and discharge.
Natural Treatments For Dog Upper Respiratory Infections
How Do Dogs Get Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a highly contagious canine respiratory disease. It is usually contracted when dogs are in close contact, for example, when they are at kennels, boarding facilities, shelters, dog parks or even the vet clinic. Most canine facilities, including grooming parlors and doggie day care, require bordatella vaccinations for dogs to play or stay.
A kennel cough infection is caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica, usually in combination with another bacteria or virus. The most common is the parainfluenza virus. Dry, deep, hacking coughs are typical with kennel cough (Bordetella). Kennel cough will usually resolve after a few weeks, similar to a human cold, but severe cases can progress into pneumonia.
Kennel cough can flare up when your pup gets excited or exercises. Natural kennel cough treatment can be combined with bordetella treatment from your veterinarian. Olive Leaf Extract For Pets is the first line of defense against respiratory infections in dogs. Olive leaf has been used traditionally to relieve the symptoms of URIs. Its natural antiviral properties make it an excellent supplement for dogs with dry, deep coughing.
What Can I Give My Dog For Chronic Bronchitis?
Respiratory problems in dogs can become a cycle of repeat infections. Chronic bronchitis can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. It results from long-term inflammation of the trachea, bronchi and lungs. Some dogs may have flare ups when they are excited or exercising and others, especially those with weakened immune systems, can appear to be symptomatic even when they are resting.
Dogs with upper respiratory infections will often need medications. However, the best treatment for chronic bronchitis in dogs is to take preventative measures to help support your pet's upper respiratory and immune health. Natural immune support supplements, like Power Probiotic and the Immune Support Kit can help reduce the severity and frequency of canine bronchitis flare-ups.
Natural Treatments for Chronic Bronchitis & Kennel Cough in Dogs
Olive Leaf Extract For Pets - A natural antiviral and antibacterial herbal remedy that has been used since ancient times. Helpful for dogs with chronic upper respiratory infections (URIs), allergies, bronchitis and viral infections. There is significant scientific research on the effectiveness of Olive Leaf Extract against multiple types of bacteria and fungi that can cause respiratory infections. Olive Leaf Extract for Pet's active ingredient, oleuropein, helps fight against pathogens while causing no harm to healthy bacteria in your pet's gut and mucous membranes. It contains protective polyphenols to help improve immune function and offer powerful antioxidant protection. Olive Leaf Extract For Pets is a simple, one-ingredient formula that is helpful for a variety of immune and respiratory conditions, including chronic bronchitis and kennel cough. Made in the USA.
Immune Support & Asthma Kit - This trio of three liquid immune support formulas provides gentle, natural support for small dogs with asthma and upper respiratory infections. They can be used in combination with veterinary medications. Easy-to-use drops with minimal smell and taste. The formulas work to clear up sinuses and the nasal tract and improve breathing. Help to reduce inflammation in the nasal tract. Supports your pet's immune system to help reduce viral flare-ups. The formulas in the Kit work synergistically to control infections and inflammation. Many pet owners have reported excellent results relieving continual discharge, runny nose and sneezing related to viruses and respiratory infections.
QUENT Drops - This is a powerful antiviral, anti-infection homeopathic liquid. This homeopathic lung supplement for dogs is the first line of defense with any upper respiratory condition. QUENT Drops work best when combined with NOT Drops. The two formulas work synergistically to control infections and inflammation. QUENT seems to be especially helpful for lung-related health issues. Many pet owners have reported excellent results in relieving continual discharge, runny nose and sneezing related to viruses when QUENT and NOT were administered. QUENT Drops are the best choice for dog phlegm breathing because it targets the lungs and fights infection.
NOT Drops - This is a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-infection liquid. This homeopathic remedy is especially important for relieving allergy symptoms. NOT, when combined with QUENT, works very well to control chronic upper respiratory infections, asthma and eye and nasal discharge or as a home remedy for dog bronchitis. The two formulas are available as tasteless drops that can be easily administered to cats and dogs.
Silver Immune Support For Pets - This is an easy-to-use, anti-infection liquid. These nontoxic drops are safe for tiny pets and have been shown in research to help reduce viral replication. By reducing infection, inflammation is reduced in the membranes, reducing mucus and making it easier for the dog to breathe.
Power Probiotic - This multi-strain formula can be sprinkled on food or eaten by itself (many pets like the taste of it). Power Probiotic promotes the growth of friendly bacteria, which aid your pet's immune system. Why is this important? The majority of your pet's immune system resides in the intestinal tract. Using Power Probiotic is essential if your pet has taken steroids or antibiotics, as these medications reduce the population of friendly bacteria. Friendly bacteria fight off pathogens, bad bacteria and viruses in an effort to keep your dog healthy. Power Probiotic is essential for all pets.
Amazing Omegas - Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce symptoms and inflammation in the respiratory system. Amazing Omegas is the absolute best fish oil for pets, and it’s naturally derived from sardines, mackerel and anchovies. Packed in glass bottles, it is free from toxins and PCBs. It only takes a few drops to help your pet.
Immune Harmony - This product contains plant sterols proven to be effective for treating chronic infections, chronic allergies and serious immune conditions such as cancer. Rather than overstimulating your pet's immune system, this wonderful product helps to balance immune function. Immune Harmony helps to modulate the immune system and supports long-term immune health. While home remedies for kennel cough or dog breathing issues can alleviate some symptoms, using Immune Harmony can provide long-term immune support and help prevent reinfection.
Dog Respiratory Infection Symptoms
Does your dog have a runny nose and eyes? Is it coughing? Not acting like itself? A dog "cold" has similar symptoms to a human cold. Please be sure to take your dog to the veterinarian if you observe any of these symptoms. Dogs with upper respiratory infections, bordatella and bronchitis may have the following symptoms:
Runny or squinting eyes
Nasal discharge
Itchy nose (pawing at the face)
Fever
Drooling
Dry nose
Noisy breathing or difficulty breathing (snorting or wheezing)
Dehydration
Inappetance
Lethargy
Exercise intolerance
Types of Upper Respiratory Infections in Dogs
It is normal for a variety of bacteria to live in the canine nose, throat, sinus, trachea and sometimes lungs without causing signs of illness. Dogs can develop an overgrowth of these bacteria due to exposure, a weakened immune system, a virus or disease (such as congestive heart failure or lung tumors). Cancer, heart disease and collapsed trachea can also cause coughing and symptoms that are similar to an upper respiratory infection in dogs.
Upper respiratory infections in dogs affect the upper part of the airway: throat, trachea, nasal cavities and bronchi. About 90% of canine upper respiratory infections are viral.
Common types of infection include the following:
- Bacterial infections – Streptococcus and Escherichia coli are two bacteria that commonly cause respiratory infection and pneumonia in dogs.
- Canine Flu (Influenza)(also known as dog flu) - In canines, this is a contagious viral respiratory infection caused by specific Type A influenza viruses: H3N2 or H3H8. Dogs typically develop a persistent cough, thick nasal discharge and fever. Some dogs will show no clinical signs, while others can develop a secondary bacterial infection that can lead to more severe illnesses. Canine flu is easily spread between dogs by nasal secretions (barking, coughing or sneezing) and contaminated objects (food and water bowls, collars and leashes).
- Distemper – This is a viral infection in dogs that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. This is a highly contagious and very serious disease. If your dog is showing neurological symptoms, please seek out the advice of a vet.
- Kennel Cough (also known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) or Infectious Tracheobronchitis) - This is a highly contagious canine respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and generally is combined with another bacteria or virus. The hallmark symptom of kennel cough is the dry, hacking cough.
- Lung Cancer - Lung cancer in dogs is a much more severe disease than common respiratory infections. Early symptoms can be similar to an upper respiratory infection, so if the problem persists or worsens, it is important to have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian.
- Parainfluenza – This is a highly contagious respiratory virus. It is the most common pathogen of infectious tracheobronchitis, or canine cough. The cough results from the inflammation of the trachea, bronchi and sometimes the lungs.
- Pneumonia - Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that results in inflammation of the lung tissues. It may become a life-threatening emergency. It can develop as a complication of kennel cough, canine influenza or distemper. Symptoms of pneumonia may include cough, fever, difficulty breathing, lack of appetite, sluggishness, nasal discharge, dehydration, rapid breathing and exercise intolerance. It’s more common in very young or old dogs, or dogs with compromised immune systems.
The Best Diet For Dogs With Chronic Bronchitis & Respiratory Problems
Dogs with upper respiratory problems can benefit from a low carbohydrate, hypoallergenic diet with a novel protein. Carbohydrates, including food such as rice, corn, potatoes and wheat, break down into sugar, which feeds the bacteria and viruses, creating a vicious cycle. Dry kibble is often high in carbohydrates. Click here to learn more about how dry kibble can affect your pet's health.
There isn't "one" diet that is appropriate for every pet, as age, breed and health conditions vary. On the order form at checkout, please include your pet's diet, and we will provide a diet suggestion for your pet's specific needs on the packing slip that comes with the product directions.
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