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Prevent Kennel Cough Naturally

posted by Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine Mar 10, 2009 8:50 am
Prevent Kennel Cough Naturally
4 comments

By Nora Simmons, Natural Solutions magazine

Anyone who uses doggie daycare, boards their pup, or has visited their local animal shelter has heard the telltale honking cough of Bordetella bronchiseptica, or kennel cough. Luckily you don’t need a DVM degree to protect your pal from this highly contagious bug–just take the following steps.

Start with a healthy diet. “Dry and canned pet foods tend to promote inflammation in the body,” explains holistic veterinarian Robert Silver, DVM. A home-cooked or raw diet is ideal, but if you use processed food, opt for natural or organic varieties that are high in protein with fewer and simpler ingredients.

Supplement. Immune-boosting supplements like probiotics, digestive enzymes, and fish oil will lay a strong foundation for fighting off infection.

Limit exposure. Keep Rover away from dog parks and day cares if other dogs have recently been sick.

Treat immediately. If your buddy starts showing signs of kennel cough, take him to the vet right away. According to Silver, depending on the severity of his symptoms, your vet may opt for gentle homeopathic remedies or recommend immediate antibiotic and narcotic treatment.

Vaccinate or not? While all day cares and kennels require it, vaccination cannot cover every strain of the virus, and in some cases it can induce illness or cause your dog to become contagious for several days.

Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living offers its readers the latest news on health conditions, herbs and supplements, natural beauty products, healing foods and conscious living. Click here for a free sample issue.

More on Dogs (39 articles available)
More from Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine (133 articles available)

4 comments

4 comments

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4 comments add your comment
Vural K.

thanksss...
Kabin

Konteyner

Anna B.
  • Anna B. says
  • Mar 26, 2009 1:58 PM

I have been looking for a supplement for cats containing lysine (my cat has recurring bouts of FHV), but have not had any luck around town, and am hesitant to order something off the internet that I don't know anything about. Does anyone have experience with this problem? My vet said that I could give her 250mg of over-the-counter lysine that humans take, but I don't think she can be coerced into eating it. Anyone have any advice?

Dennis D.

My holistic Vet treated my German Shepherd's kennel cough with L-Lysine. Started off with one dose 500mg and reduced dosage to 250mg next day. Note: Large German Shepherd. Consult your holistic vet first. Within a week the cough was gone!

Janie Knetzer

Thank you for the excellent tips. There are so many natural alternatives that pet owners can take advantage of for health, nutrition and other problems.

Thanks for spreading the word.
http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com

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