How to Treat Kennel Cough in Dogs

The main treatment for kennel cough involves drugs containing ingredients such as doxycycline and ginseng. However, before treatment, it is essential to identify the cause of the kennel cough in dogs, and to distinguish between dry cough and wet cough symptoms to apply targeted treatments. Dry cough requires cough suppressants, while wet cough needs expectorant cough medicines. If the dog has a viral infection, antiviral drugs such as ribavirin injection, canine distemper monoclonal antibody, and interferon should be used. During treatment, isolation and disinfection measures should be taken to prevent transmission to other healthy dogs. At the same time, keep the dog warm, and avoid excessive excitement or intense exercise.

Kennel cough has a strong infectivity. If there are other dogs in the house, isolation measures should be taken first, and the living environment should be thoroughly disinfected. Then take the sick dog to the hospital for a check-up on its immunity and identify the cause of the disease. Common clinical causes include canine influenza virus, canine parainfluenza virus, canine distemper, adenovirus 2, etc. Targeted treatment should be applied after identification.

Treatment Methods

Clinically, the treatment of kennel cough usually involves drugs containing doxycycline and ginseng. Since kennel cough is mainly caused by mycoplasma infection, doxycycline has a good effect on mycoplasma infections. Ginseng is a traditional Chinese medicine with the function of relieving coughs.

However, this medication is not suitable for all dogs and the specific treatment plan should be selected according to symptoms. Firstly, for dry cough, cough suppressants should be used, and for wet cough, expectorant cough medicines. Secondly, if the dog has a viral infection after examination, antiviral drugs such as ribavirin injection, canine distemper monoclonal antibody, and interferon should be added on the basis of antibiotic use. If the dog's condition is severe or the symptoms do not disappear after more than 2 weeks, it is recommended to have further examinations, such as chest X-rays to check for pneumonia.

Precautions

The treatment cycle for kennel cough is relatively long. Generally, sick dogs can recover in 10-15 days, but some cases may last up to a month. Therefore, during treatment, owners should keep dogs warm, avoid repeated exacerbations of the disease.同时还要密切关注狗狗，避免它剧烈运动和过于兴奋，这样可以减少咳嗽症状对气道的刺激。