Any Kennel Cough Remedies?

[pastime]

Am now looking after 2 older dogs (both 10) and 1 has developed a cough. Spoke to the vet who said it's just like a cold and should soon clear. Is getting better, but seems to be worse at night - has anyone any knowledge of a natural remedy that may help a little bit?
Many thanks.

[suesjools]

Not sure if this is the case with many or even most doggies, but when I adopted my American bulldog Winston from the local animal shelter last year he had what was deemed kennel cough by the shelter and was being treated with an antibiotic. When he went to the vet shortly after adoption for neutering (required by state law here before all pet adoptions) the vet's office asked if I wanted him tested for heartworm. I said yes and they tested him and he did have heartworm. It was a long and painful treatment process, but he's now heartworm free, on monthly preventative and doing well. I don't know if you have heartworm in your area or not (and believe me, I'm not trying to scare you) but if you do, I would recommend a test for heartworm, as my vet says kennel cough is often related to the presence of heartworm. It's a scary thing, but if caught early it can be treated and most dogs in good health survive and go on to live long happy lives.

Not trying to be alarmist (and maybe you don't have heartworm in the UK, which I'm hoping is the case) but if there's even a chance (your vet should know if heartworm is indigenous to your area or not) I would get your dog tested for heartworm ASAP. Better safe than sorry.

Good luck and best wishes for many sales to all,

[Armstrongs]

Am now looking after 2 older dogs (both 10) and 1 has developed a cough. Spoke to the vet who said it's just like a cold and should soon clear. Is getting better, but seems to be worse at night - has anyone any knowledge of a natural remedy that may help a little bit?
Many thanks.

Has the dog seen a vet....or did you just speak to one?
Kennel Cough needs to be properly diagnosed....and in an older dog can be especially dangerous.
http://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advi...d-vaccine.html

[pastime]

Hi Sue & Vonz,
Thanks for your replies.
Sue - have googled Heartworm for UK, and it's saying not such a problem here, but sounds nasty and will check with the vet that has attended them.
Vonz - Both dogs are rescue and have been in a Pet Sanctuary, checked regularly by a local vet and had treatment of different sorts to deal with ongoing problems. I phoned the vet at the weekend and got that reply, I'm watching both to see that they don't get worse, as said, not too bad during the day - it's at night when it seems to be worse, wondered if there was anything to make them more comfortable?
Many thanks for any help.

[sherlock07]

Try them on a spoonful of Honey, it will not hurt them and if it is tickly throats that is making them cough it will ease it. you could also try a little cinnamon with it as well, but not too much.

[pastime]

Thanks for that, Sherlock. I will certainly give it a try.
Best wishes,

[suesjools]

Good for you for taking such good care of your doggies, they are lucky to have such a caring owner.

Glad to hear heartworm isn't a biggie in the UK, it's endemic around here, no doubt due to the heat and odd sandy soil.

Hope everything turns out well and doggies are feeling better soon.

Best wishes for many sales to all,

[pastime]

Thanks, Sue - much appreciated.

Also, big thanks to Sherlock for the tip. They wouldn't take the honey directly, so I added it to their drinking water. I wasn't expecting it to make much difference, being so dilute, but it really has made a vast improvement. Good to know for any future problems.
So, thank you Sherlock for taking the time to help.
Marie.

[suesjools]

Good to know, thanks Sherlock. Marie, glad your doggies are doing better.

Best wishes for many sales to all,

[sherlock07]

Thanks, Sue - much appreciated.

Also, big thanks to Sherlock for the tip. They wouldn't take the honey directly, so I added it to their drinking water. I wasn't expecting it to make much difference, being so dilute, but it really has made a vast improvement. Good to know for any future problems.
So, thank you Sherlock for taking the time to help.
Marie.

Glad it helped, mine take it straight from the spoon, they would take it from the jar if I let them.