Can Cure Kennel Cough: Effective Treatment Options Expl

Canine Cough, caused by Adenovirus Type II, is an acute infectious disease affecting dogs of all ages. It is characterized by a sudden onset of severe, spasmodic coughing that is more pronounced at night. While most dogs exhibit normal body temperature at the beginning and maintain their appetite, the disease is highly contagious.

The most distinctive symptoms include tracheitis and paroxysmal dry cough, which may eventually lead to dry coughing and vomiting. The coughing tends to worsen with physical activity, irritation of the trachea and larynx, or when the dog eats. In the absence of complications, the disease is often seen during summer and autumn, with dogs experiencing a sudden onset of coughing and minimal changes in appetite. In rare cases, appetite may decrease slightly, and some dogs may exhibit a slight fever with thick secretions, although their coughing is generally mild.

In cases with complications, the coughing becomes more severe, accompanied by a fever, depression, decreased appetite, runny nose, and production of white or yellow phlegm. Puppies under 6 months of age are particularly susceptible to secondary bronchopneumonia, with more severe clinical symptoms, such as high fever, decreased appetite, runny nose, rapid breathing, and wheezing.

Treatment involves both symptom relief and eradication of the pathogen. For dogs with mild coughing and no complications, the primary focus is on cough suppression. This includes administering cough suppressants daily, along with Flurbiprofen Injection at a dosage of 0.1mg/kg, twice a day. Dogs with more severe coughing and complications, such as pneumonia, require not only cough suppression but also antibacterial and antiinflammatory treatment. Common treatment methods include:

1. Antibacterial and antiinflammatory therapy: Amoxicillin 1g twice a day, Kanamycin 25mg/kg twice a day, Baytril 2ml a day, Dexamethasone 5mg once a day. These are administered intramuscularly, with smaller dogs receiving half the dosage. Treatment should continue for 5 to 7 days.

2. Cough suppressants and bronchodilators. Oral syrup for acute bronchitis can be given at 20ml to 30ml doses, twice a day, or Carboxymethylcellulose (a rapidthinning tablet) at 0.5g doses, twice a day. For dogs with difficulty breathing, intramuscular aminophylline at 0.25g doses can be administered. If symptoms improve after 3 to 5 days—such as reduced inflammation, normal body temperature, and improved appetite—treatment can proceed as for dogs without complications. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, intravenous fluid therapy may be necessary.

After a dog is infected with canine cough, it is crucial to promptly use sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine, or benzalkonium chloride to thoroughly clean and disinfect the doghouse and equipment. Maintain maximum ventilation and reduce the density of dogs. Canine Cough is often triggered by sudden changes in weather, so it is essential to ensure proper insulation and moisture control in the doghouse to avoid significant temperature fluctuations. Feeding highprotein food and regularly supplementing vitamins and trace elements can enhance the dog's immunity. Vaccines such as the Canine Bronchopneumonia and Canine Parainfluenza Vaccine, administered intranasally at a dose of 0.5ml per dog, are also commonly used.