Natural Treatments for Kennel Cough

It is normal for pet owners to look for a natural solution to kennel cough. Kennel cough is not a major health concern in dogs. It is as common in small animals as regular cough is in humans. As such, it should be okay to start your dog's course of treatment with natural herbs before taking it to the vet or giving it some antibiotics. Think of it as first aid. Then again, it is a must that you monitor your pet's condition closely as you provide it with natural cures to make sure that it is not getting any worse. In case it does, take it to the vet immediately for proper diagnosis.

Here are the popular natural treatments for kennel cough:

1. Raw Honey.

Raw honey can ease the pain of coughing. It can be added to a warm cup of water. Try to give it to your dog and see if it will drink it. If your dog doesn't like its taste, you can use a medicine dropper and administer the solution straight into your dog's mouth. Give your dog a few drops every hour or whenever you deem necessary.

2. Wild Cherry Bark.

Wild cherry bark provides a cooling effect to the dog's throat. This is an astringing bitter herb so you might have problems giving it to your dog. Then again, it can stop coughing and reduce inflammation in the throat. There are wild cherry bark teas, syrups, and tinctures available from herbal stores today.
The recommended dosage for children should be good enough for your pet. It is also possible to mix thirty drops of wild cherry bark tincture to an ounce of distilled water and give it to your pet to quench its thirst.

3. Peppermint.

Peppermint leaves can be made into a tea and adminstered to your dog in medicine dropper. Make a very strong peppermint tea. You can add honey to it as well. There are peppermint tea bags available at health stores. The dosage is a few drops every hour up until the coughing disappears.

4. Yerba Santa.

Yerba Santa is best used for kennel coughs with phlegm. Like peppermint, you have to make a strong tea out of this herb. There are also tinctures available and you can use them instead. Just add a few drops to your dog's water every hour. Yerba Santa works as a mild decongestant and an expectorant. Fifteen to twenty-five drops of Yerba Santa tincture can be added to an ounce of distilled water for best results.

These are the common natural treatments given to dogs with kennel cough. However, if you don't want to go through the preparations of these treatments, there are natural medicines for dogs ready available for you. All you have to do is to follow the instructions on the label. Since they are considered natural remedies or supplements, you don't need to go to the vet to purchase them. Most of them are even available over the internet for easy access.

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