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    Kennel Cough - Prevention Is the Best Cure
      
    Tracheobronchitis or kennel cough in canines is mostly caused by exposure to an infected
    dog or dogs. It is characterized by inflammation of the respiratory tract, which causes
    symptoms like a dry cough, sneezing, snorting, and sometimes nasal discharge. The
    infection usually occurs in crowded places where infected dogs may be present.

    Unless it is a severe condition, kennel cough in dogs is a self limiting condition and the
    symptoms tend to disappear within a fortnight. However, it is better to take preventive
    measures since kennel cough can lead to serious conditions like pneumonia.

    Although a bit impractical, the best prevention is to limit exposure to other dogs that
    may be infected. The next best option is vaccination. If your dog has been vaccinated
    with a standard 5-way or 7-way vaccine there are chances that he is already protected
    from several viral agents such as parainfulenza and adenovirus, the common viruses
    causing kennel cough.

    If that is not the case, an intranasal vaccine can protect against these viruses and a
    bacterium known as Bordetella bronchiseptica, a major bacterial agent that causes
    kennel cough in dogs. The decision to vaccinate or not to vaccinate depends largely
    on individual circumstances. There are, however, certain factors that you need to know
    regarding vaccination.

    -        Generally, if your dog is not shown or boarded or does not come in contact with stray
    dogs, he is at a very low risk of getting infected.

    -        Vaccination is ineffective if the dog has already been infected and the infective agent
    is still in the incubation stage.

    -        Intranasal vaccine takes four days to provide effective protection. If you are opting for
    vaccination, ensure that it is done at least four days before you are likely to board or show
    him. Some dogs develop signs of mild kennel cough after this vaccine, which vanish in
    several days without treatment. There is also some shedding of the virus that may cause
    infection in other dogs.

    There is adequate natural protection against invasion of infective agents that cause
    kennel cough. Dogs with a strong immune system are less likely to suffer from
    tracheobronchitis than those whose immunity has been compromised. Boosting
    your dog’s immune system too can help prevent kennel cough. Vitamin C supplements,
    herbal tinctures like Echinacea and Golden seal, colloidal silver can greatly improve the
    body’s immune system. Homeopathic remedies like bryonia and drosera provide multiple
    benefits of treating as well as increase the body’s ability to self heal and protect from
    several infectious diseases including kennel cough.

    References:
    http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&articleid=452
    http://www.auntjeni.com/kennel.htm
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kennel_cough
    http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_kennel_cough.html
    http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/kenc.html
    http://www.dog-health-guide.org/caninekennelcoughtreatment.html


    Natural Treatment for Kennel Cough

herbal pet remedies,pet remedies