Soothing Kennel Cough

So your dog has that honking, dry hacking, coughing, retching, sneezing, snorting, gagging, Kennel Cough. What do you do now?

• If the cough is not productive ask your vet for a cough suppressant. (You'll both sleep much better!)
• There are both viral and bacterial strains of Kennel Cough. Your vet may want to prescribe an antibiotic to treat any bacterial infection.
• Give your dog a steam treatment. Let him breathe the moist bathroom air while you take a hot shower.
• Be sure to use a body harness instead of a correction collar that can press on his windpipe.

Kennel Cough can last from 10 - 20 days, but the prognosis is good. Be sure to have your dog vaccinated if you plan to leave him at a kennel.