By Tess Thompson

The symptoms of mild kennel cough are likely to disappear on their own within a fortnight. Although the duration of kennel cough in dogs is limited it can be extremely painful for the dog and frustrating for dog owners. The dry honking cough may not let you or your dog sleep peacefully for 10 to 12 days at a stretch. Even though cough suppressants provide temporary symptomatic relief, they restrict the phlegm from coming out and therefore prolong the duration of a self limiting disease. The longer the condition continues the greater the risk of the disease progressing into pneumonia.

Your dog’s body is capable of combating most infections on its own. The immune responses of the body quickly come into play and safeguard against infections. However, this protection is available only when these safeguards are not damaged and the immune system is in perfect condition.

Prevention is the best cure for kennel cough in dogs. While vaccinating a dog will save your dog from the agony caused by the infection, certain home remedies can provide relief from symptoms while ensuring the long term benefit of boosting the immune system as well.

-         Add Vitamin C to your dog’s diet. If you are already giving Vitamin C, top up the daily dose periodically.

-         Herbal remedies like tinctures of Echinacea and Golden Seal can help in boosting your dog’s immunity or capacity to resist infection.

-         Humid environment will alleviate the symptoms to a great extent. You may use a home vaporizer or humidifier to provide relief from the symptoms.

-         Reduce the level of exercise for as long as the symptoms remain.

-         Use only a mild pediatric cough suppressant if the cough gets too severe. Otherwise, give some honey to soothe the irritating throat.

-         Reduce exposure to smoke, especially cigarette smoke and dust. Try to keep the dog indoors.

-         Bryonia and drosera are very effective homeopathic remedies for treating kennel cough as well as increase immunity.

Kennel cough in canines is a bacterial and/or viral infection similar to chest and sinus infection in humans. Unless it manifests itself as a severe case, treatment is usually not recommended. In instances of severe bacterial infection, the preferred treatment is antibiotic therapy. As is well known, repeated antibiotic treatment ultimately renders the drug ineffective as bacteria become resistant to it. Home remedies, on the other hand, are based on herbs and natural substances that support the dog’s inbuilt ability to combat infection.

Article courtesy of PetAlive for Herbal Remedies for Pets!

Reference:

http://www.natural-pet-care.com/natural-pet-health-blog/dogs-puppies/home-remedies-for-kennel-cough/

http://www.herbal-treatments.com.au/newsletters/herbal_newsletter_2007_09_23.html 

By Tess Thompson

The most common cause of seizure is epilepsy. It is probably due to this fact that the terms are used interchangeable. Epilepsy is characterized by involuntary body movements and loss of consciousness. The duration and frequency of epileptic attacks determine the seriousness of the condition. While mild to moderate feline seizures may be harmless to the cat, severe manifestations of the same can last for hours and can even be fatal.

Feline epilepsy  is not common in young kittens. Feline seizures usually occur after the cat reaches the age of two years or older. Preventing feline epilepsy involves understanding the major causes of the disease. A fair amount of detailed observation is required at an early stage to be able to prevent a full fledged attack of epilepsy. Such observation should start early in age to ensure that enough preventive measures can be taken. Although epileptic attacks are more common in dogs than in cats, preparing a preventive plan for seizures is a sound advice for cat owners who would like to ensure that their companion does not suffer unnecessarily.

Major causes of seizures include neurological factors, brain tumors, liver and kidney malfunctioning, severe parasitic infestation, hypoglycemia, head injury and lead and chemical toxicity. Most of the preventive measures revolve around natural ways of ensuring a reduction in risk factors.

In many cases there is an underlying disease that causes seizures. The primary step is to rule out health problems like thyroid, diabetes, cancer or liver and kidney diseases.

Lack of nutrition or a poor diet causes many diseases. If you must feed your cat with commercial diets, make sure you buy only high quality products after you have checked the authenticity of the manufacturers. Make sure that you read labels for ingredients. Commercial diets are more often than not loaded with chemicals, coloring agents, stabilizers and fillers that are detrimental to cats. As revealed in clinical trials, sodium nitrate, one of the substances used in commercial foods, is specifically responsible for producing changes similar to epileptic attacks.

Cats are obligate carnivores and need a diet that suits their specific needs. A homemade diet is best for cats. It is recommended that you gather information about the natural diet of cats and feed him according to that.

Household cleaners and floor polishes contain chemicals contain chemicals that can cause cancer as well as heart disease and liver problems. These can damage the nervous system as well. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde can cause neurological problems. Keep the cat in ventilated areas when cleaning.

Regular exercise can spruce up metabolism, improves muscle development and digestion in cats just as it does in humans and other animals. A well conditioned body is better equipped to fight disease as it ensures a regular blood supply and oxygen. Like humans, pets can suffer from fatigue and exhaustion too. While exercising your cat ensure that you consider the age, health and the weather conditions before deciding on a exercise routine. Cats with low blood sugar levels, epilepsy and heart problems should not be over-exercised.

There are normally pre-seizure indications and cat owners are well advised to inform themselves regarding the symptoms so that in the event of an epileptic attack they can prevent physical injury that seizures are liable to cause.

Article courtesy of PetAlive for Herbal Remedies for Pets!

References:

http://www.purelypets.com/articles/epilepsyarticle.htm

By Tess Thompson

A large number of companion dogs live inside the house and are trained to urinate out in the open. When such dogs start urinating or dribbling in the house, it is time for owners to visit the veterinarian for a thorough check up of the urinary tract for any signs of bacterial infection. Canine and feline urinary incontinence is the most significant symptom of a urinary tract malfunctioning.

Incontinence, however, must be differentiated from frequent urination. It is this differentiation that often helps to differentiate a bacterial infection from serious conditions like bladder stones or cancer. Frequent urination is not involuntary and the dog is aware of it. There is just a strong uncontrollable urge to urinate caused by canine or feline urinary infection. Incontinence is involuntary urination and is caused by a blockage in the passage that causes accumulated urine to put back pressure resulting in leakage.

Blockage in the urinary passage may be caused by migratory bladder stones that obstruct free flow of urine or may be due to a cancerous growth. Cancer is a malignant growth caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division that forms a mass (tumor) of unwanted cells that perform no function. A tumor in the bladder may increase in size and block the passage. Bladder cancer in dogs is mostly malignant, invasive and difficult to operate. Medication involves toxic drugs that have serious side effects.

It is indeed an unlucky dog who is diagnosed with malignant growth in the bladder since the conventional treatment options are so limited and relatively ineffective. Dog owners can only hope to prolong survival time with medication.

Alternative medicine can help in improving the quality of life by providing significant relief from symptoms. Some herbs that can provide symptomatic treatment and help in slowing the growth of cancer and boosting the immune system include:

- Astragalus - Chemotherapy and radiation used for treatment of bladder cancer often compromise the patient’s immune system. Astralalus is a recommended herb that helps to restore immune functioning and may prevent spread of the tumor.
- Mistletoe – This herb has long been used for its anti-cancer properties and proves to be a good supportive treatment.
- Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) – This Ayurvedic herb is highly recommended for improving general health. Regular use of Ashwagandha also increases hemoglobin levels. Its anti cancer, anti-inflammatory and calming properties can help in providing the dog with a better quality of life.
- Milk Thistle – Milk thistle is an ancient herb that has been subjected to numerous clinical trials. It can be used to counter the toxic side effects of conventional drugs. Its ingredients are strong antioxidants that can block the entry of toxins in the liver.

In addition to the above herbs, the following herbs need to be mentioned as they can also play an important role in preventing and treating urinary tract infection in dogs along with managing bladder cancer.

- Echinacea purpurea
- Bladderack
- Buchu
- Dandelion
- Golden Seal

Even though bladder cancer is not completely curable, effective management of the disease can go a long way in enabling the unlucky animal to lead a comfortable life.
Article courtesy of PetAlive for Herbal Remedies for Pets!

References:
http://www.herbal-treatments.com/dog_cancer_bladder.html
http://www.herbal-treatments.com/king.html
http://www.herbal-dogkeeping.com/dog_cancer_bladder.html
http://www.dog-health-guide.org/bladdercancerfordog.html

By Tess Thompson

Bladder stones are mineral deposits that form in the urinary bladder of the animal. Some of these stones initially look like crystals and over time turn into stone like substances that can potentially block the urinary passage causing canine or feline urinary incontinence  or cessation of urine. Instances where there is disturbance in pH balance by larger absorption of calcium or intake of improper type of calcium result in minerals forming crystals in the urine. Stones then start to form around a central point or locus of an infection, in this case, the urinary tract infection. In dogs, calcium oxalate stones are the most common.

Calcium oxalate stones are one of the two common types of bladder stones found in the urinary tract: the other being struvite. The other types, urate, silicate, cystine, and calcium phosphate stones are relatively rare. Urinalysis can indicate the prevalence of stones and the pH balance gives a hint of the type of stone that can be expected. However, unless the stone is extricated by surgery or forceful expression and examined, there is no surety of the type of stone.

Calcium oxalate stones form in acidic to neutral urine. Calcium oxalate stones are further divided into two types that occur naturally in dogs -calcium oxalate monohydrate and calcium oxalate dehydrate. Dogs with a condition called hypercalcemia, the presence of abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood, are more likely to develop these types of stones. Hypercalcemia is usually the result of excessive bone re-absorption in hyperparathyroidism or excessive bone destruction in older dogs. 

Certain dog breeds are genetically predisposed to calcium oxalate stones. These include Miniature Schnauzers, Lhasa Apsos, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Bichon Frises. The condition is more prevalent in male dogs rather than female dogs.

Prevention of calcium oxalate stones is difficult through dietary modifications. Usually a diet that is low in proteins and oxalates and high in magnesium, phosphorous, and calcium is recommended. This works in two ways:

- Increased magnesium and phosphorous reduces the amount of calcium in the urine.

- Increased calcium in the diet limits the absorption of oxalates from the intestines.

Ingesting potassium citrate helps in preventing calcium oxalate stones since calcium bonds citrate creating calcium citrate, a compound that is soluble. This prevents calcium from binding with oxalate to create calcium oxalate, a compound that forms deposits in urine and ultimately results in bladder stones. Potassium citrate also forms a soluble compound with oxalates reducing acidity in the urine and is recommended as a preventive measure and a treatment.

Diuretics, especially of the thiazide class can help in two ways - by increasing the amount of urine and reducing the calcium content

No matter what you do recurrence of bladder stones is difficult to prevent. Till the time some thing concrete road map is presented by research, the best you can do is to try to prevent canine and feline urinary infection  in your pet to ensure good bladder health. Monitor their recurrence through radiography and try and flush out calcium oxalate crystals before they become large.

Article courtesy of PetAlive for Herbal Remedies for Pets!

References:

http://www.executec.com/urolith.htm

http://petcaretips.net/why_bladder_stones_form.html

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_canine_oxalate_bladder_stones.html

http://www.tetonnm.com/pics/MESSamplePages/1-893441-10-5.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bladder_stone_%28animal%29#Symptoms

By Tess Thompson

Punishment never stops a dog from biting. Reprimanding him for aggressive dog behaviors, including dog biting,  may not suffice. The three most important elements necessary for preventing dog biting include:

-          Consistent training - Inconsistent training sends wrong signals to the animal.

-          Trust - Unless the dog trusts you and does not perceive you as a threat, he will not obey your commands.

-          Respect - It is necessary for training and the dog must perceive you as the leader or the alpha dog.

Dog aggression is normally perceived as the dog’s attempt to dominant. Dog aggression may also be a result of a fearful situation where the dog feels that he is left with no other option but to defend himself. Sometimes, the inherent predatory instincts too make a dog aggressive. However, these types of aggression normally do not lead to dog biting. Dog biting is dependent on the following:

-          Breed of the dog - Certain breeds are more aggressive and more likely to bite based on their genes and the evolutionary process.

-          Unexpected behaviors of children.

-          Bad Training.

-          Injury or pain.

Ideally, dog biting should be controlled before the puppy turns five months old. Correct training and early socializing give a good foundation for young dogs to build on.

-          Puppies are prone to indulge in playful activity and are likely to bite at your hands during play. If the pup bites too hard, instantly give out a shrieking sound of, say, ‘ouch’. Stop the play immediately to tell him he has not behaved properly.

-          Smacking his nose may induce a defensive bite.

-          Let the young dog get accustomed to your touch.

-          Every time he behaves appropriately, reward him with treats and praise him.

Even though you may have trained your dog at a young age, taking certain preventive steps towards protecting yourself from a potential dog bite is a good idea. Some tips to prevent a dog bite have been listed below.

-          For owners:

o       Whenever you have to expose your dog to a new situation, people or activities, take care to be observant. Look for any signs of discomfort and remove him from the situation or stop the activity as soon as you feel that your dog is getting uncomfortable.

o       Ensure that your dog is not put in a position where he may feel threatened or teased. Such situations are best avoided.

o       Avoid play win-loose and rough games with your dog. Non-aggressive games like fetch are more capable of promoting appropriate behavior.

o       While taking your dog outdoors, always keep him on a leash that is appropriate for his size.

-          For visitors and strangers:

o       Do not encroach on a dog’s territory. Avoid touching his fence as dogs are extremely possessive about their territory.

o       Sleeping dogs are better left alone. The same goes for when they are drinking or eating.

o       If an unattended dog moves towards you avoid running away from him. Do not make loud noises or shriek.

o       Teach your children to seek permission from owners before approaching a dog or petting him.

The only way a dog can convey that he does not want to be disturbed is through his body language or a warning bark. Preventing dog biting is not the responsibility of the owner only. As a stranger, you should also ensure safe behavior while in the proximity of a strange dog. If a dog approaches you, the best way to insure that you are not bitten is to freeze and take a stance that resembles a tree by crossing your arms over your chest. Eye contact is perceived as a challenge by dogs, look away, or toss an object away from him to divert his attention.

Article courtesy of PetAlive for Herbal Remedies for Pets!

References:

http://www.perfectpaws.com/bite.html 

http://www.drilldog.com/drilldog-articles/dog-bite-statistics.htm 

http://www.akc.org/insurance/tips_dogbites.cfm 

http://ezinearticles.com/?Ouch!-No-Bite—Tips-On-How-To-Train-Your-Dog-Or-Puppy-To-Stop-Biting&id=820663

By Tess Thompson

Bladder stones or uroliths are a common occurrence in domestic pets. Bladder stones can exist in various sizes and numbers and are normally secondary to canine and feline urinary infection, dietary influences and genetics. The biggest factor in stone formation is the over-saturation of urine with crystals.

If your dog has a partially or totally blocked bladder or a urethra with bladder stones, there are a number of treatment options that exist. Small stones can be dissolved by feeding a diet that contains dissolving agents. These diets also help in urination or a procedure called urohydropropulsion. If the cause behind bladder stones is urinary tract infection in dogs, there is a need for antibiotic therapy. A diet that enables dissolving bladder stones is also necessary with the therapy that is prescribed. However, there are certain types of stones that can only be removed surgically.

Cystotomy is the term given to surgical opening of the bladder. It is commonly performed for removing bladder stones in dogs and cats. Anesthesia in animals, although similar to human anesthesia, is somewhat different. General anesthesia is commonly used for major surgeries and animals are often pre-medicated with a sedative before administering the intravenous drug.

Cystotomy involves an incision in the abdomen and the bladder is brought out through the opening. Care is taken to keep the incision as small as possible to minimize anesthetic time. The incision needs to be small also to prevent rupture of the healing bladder when it gets distended with urine after it is placed back post surgery. After that, two stay sutures are placed to hold the bladder in place while outside the abdomen.

A bladder that has stones in it appears thicker than its normal appearance due to the presence of stones. But the bladder tissue is still delicate and care needs to be taken during the surgery to avoid harm. The veterinarian may use this opportunity to examine the bladder lining and take samples for culture and biopsy if necessary.

The bladder is placed back in the abdomen and sutured properly. The sutures need to be strong enough to hold the bladder in place and at the same time gentle enough to ensure that the bladder heals quickly.

Despite successful surgery, the need for prevention is critical. Normal urine is sterile but bacteria that enter through the urethra can cause urinary infections and ultimately disturb pH of the urine once again. Some types of bacterium need less than two weeks in the urinary tract to form bladder stones all over again. Bladder stones and UTI in puppies  may be genetically driven and require proper attention to diet right from the time you bring a young dog home. 

Article courtesy of PetAlive for Herbal Remedies for Pets!

References:

http://www.howtodothings.com/pets-and-animals/a2726-how-to-treat-canine-bladder-stones.html

http://www.lbah.com/canine/urolithiasis.htm

By Tess Thompson

Normally canine and feline urinary incontinence  or frequent urination leads to investigations that involve blood and urine tests for the pet. Frequent and severe urinary infections may be the initial warnings of the presence of a tumor in the bladder. The most common type of bladder cancer arises in the epithelial cells that line the bladder (Transitional Cell Carcinoma). The tumor can also be in the glandular epithelium (Adenocarcinoma) or in an epithelial cell that is flat like a plate and forms a single layer of epithelial tissue (Squamous Cell Carcinoma). A highly malignant neoplasm derived from striated muscle (Rhabdomyosarcoma) is rare.

Many symptoms of a bladder cancer are similar to those observed in urinary tract infection in dogs. The first signs are likely to be discomfort in urinating. If you see blood in the urine, you should act immediately since the blood indicates the presence of a growth in the bladder. Some dogs may show signs of exercise intolerance, difficulty in breathing and coughing too.  

As with all types of cancers the cause behind the growth is not easily determinable. The common suspects are carcinogenic substances like chemicals in insecticides for killing fleas and ticks and/or mosquitoes in wetlands. Cyclophosphamide, a drug used to treat different types of cancers and certain immune diseases, may also increase the risk of bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer can remain undetected for a long time. It is highly recommended that any occurrence of the symptoms of urinary tract infection in cats and dogs should be investigated completely if you want to ensure early detection and treatment of cancer. This is because if urinalysis and blood tests do not reveal a definite diagnosis, bladder cancer can be suspected and investigated further. An X-Ray usually reveals if there is any type of growth but follow up investigations are resorted to establish the type and nature of the growth. These investigations could lead you to undertake the following:

-          Cytology - For examining and evaluating tumor cells.

-          Either Contrast dye X-Ray or Abdominal Ultrasound - For the purpose of establishing the location and size of the tumor. An ultrasound provides additional knowledge of the condition of the lymph nodes.

-          Urethrocystoscopy - Performed by a veterinarian specialist as it involves introduction of a rigid or flexible scope through the urethra up to the bladder. Along with revealing the location and size of the tumor, this procedure can also be used for biopsy.

If Transitional Cell Carcinoma is suspected the specialist may suggest a new test called V-TBA for determining the likely presence of a bladder tumor marker in the urine.

Benign tumors of the bladder are rare but if they occur they can be removed surgically. Most bladder cancers are malignant and these invade the wall of the bladder and are difficult to remove through surgery. The most common treatment approach that is used currently is to treat the condition with chemotherapy or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Bladder cancer is difficult to treat but, if left untreated, it may ultimately cause a cessation of urination and death.

Article courtesy of PetAlive for Herbal Remedies for Pets!

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bladder_cancer_in_cats_and_dogs feline urinary incontinencehttp://www.petplace.com/dogs/urinary-bladder-cancer-in-dogs/page6.aspx

http://www.vet.purdue.edu/pcop/CanineUrinaryBladderCancer.pdf

Seizures in animals are a neurological problem that is mostly caused by epilepsy or a brain tumor. Feline epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in cats. The cat can get confused or bewildered due to the seizures but occurrence of such convulsions does not cause any pain despite the dramatic signs that are displayed. However, if a seizure continues for more than a few minutes, it can lead to hyperthermia (abnormally high body temperature) and trigger another set of problems.

Cats are more susceptible to Complex Partial Seizures (CPS) than generalized convulsions. Complex Partial Seizures are epileptic attacks that involve greater damage to awareness and consciousness than simple convulsions.

During the period immediately preceding a seizure, the cat is likely to appear nervous, hide or look for the owner. This normally lasts for a few seconds. During the actual seizure that may last from a couple of seconds to about five minutes, all the muscles in the cats body contract. It is likely that the cat will fall by his side with the head drawn backwards and appear as if a paralytic attack has occurred. Involuntary urination and defecation is common during seizures. If a feline seizure does not get over within five minutes, it is indicative of prolonged epilepsy that is characterized by continuing attacks without intervals of consciousness. This can lead to brain damage and ultimately death.

Cats continue to behave abnormally even after the seizure is over. During the post seizure period there may be confusion, disorientation, salivation, restlessness or temporary loss of vision. However, the severity of the seizure and the duration of post seizure symptoms are not related to each other.

If the cat is at ground level there is little chance of the cat hurting himself. Cats, however, like to perch themselves on higher platforms. If you perceive a pre seizure stage, it is important that the cat is prevented from falling down and hurting himself.

In most cases, there is an underlying cause behind feline seizures. Proper diagnosis is expensive and may take some time before any medicine can be prescribed. When you present a cat that has suffered a seizure to a veterinarian, a battery of tests along with a physical and neurological examination is likely to ensue. The laboratory tests may include one or all of the following to help in understanding whether the episode was actually a seizure and to establish a cause, if one exists.

-        Complete blood count

-        Serum chemistry profile

-        Urinalysis

-        Bile tests

-        Thyroid function tests

The veterinarian may also ask you to keep a record of future seizure, if any, and note the severity, timing, length and recovery of each seizure along with any changes that may have occurred in the cat’s diet or environment. Despite this, feline seizures continue to baffle most veterinarians. Many episodes of seizures are due to epilepsy and anticonvulsant drugs provide only symptomatic treatment without addressing the underlying cause.

Article courtesy of PetAlive for Herbal Remedies for Pets!

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epilepsy_in_animals

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/seizures.html

http://www.thedogbowl.com/PPF/category_ID/0_135/dogbowl.asp

http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-treat-a-cats-convulsions-seizure.htm

By Tess Thompson

Inappropriate urinary behavior in cats is normally associated with medical disorders like feline urinary infection. However, it is also true that many times it is a behavioral problem rather than a medical one. It is only after ruling out medical causes after complete blood and urine tests that one can unequivocally state the real cause of inappropriate urinary behavior.

What we consider as abnormal may actually be appropriate when seen from the cat’s perspective. Owners train and expect their cat to always urinate in the litter box but cats, especially feral cats, are prone to mark their territory by spraying. This could be as frequent as 6 to 10 times a day. When a cat is urinating to mark territory, it does so in a standing position with its tail in erect position so that the urine hits a vertical surface. Some cats will do the same on carpets or beds as well but the difference is that this type of urination makes a spray (linear) pattern and does not form a pool.

Spraying is a behavioral urinary problem. It is also important to note that sometimes cats will urinate in a normal pool forming manner on high spots or a doorway to mark territory. This typical inconsistency makes it difficult to understand whether it is driven by natural cat behavior or a medical problem.

If there is a medical condition that is causing the problem, a cat is likely to spend more time in the litter pan without showing any substantial evidence of having actually passed any urine. Actually the cat may be straining to urinate but is probably unable to pass urine. This leads to a situation where the cat starts urinating small amounts at odd places. The straining effort is sometimes confused for the posture it uses for spraying to mark territory. In most cases, feline urinary incontinence  is caused due to ladder stones that irritate the bladder lining.

Unless any one of the above behaviors is clearly evident and noticed by owners, it is very hard to figure out the exact reason behind cat urinary problems. Blood in the urine is however a clear indicator of urinary tract infection in cats. 

Prevalence of a medical condition can be confirmed with a urinalysis, complete blood count and chemistry panel. If obtaining a clean sample of urine is difficult, it is withdrawn directly from the bladder with the aid of a syringe. If the laboratory tests do not throw a clear picture, it is advisable to go for a recheck before sorting out the various behavioral causes behind cat urinary problems.

Article courtesy of PetAlive for Herbal Remedies for Pets!

References:

http://www.vetinfo4cats.com/caturinary.html#Urinary

http://www.felinefuture.com/nutrition/bpo_ch4.php

By Tess Thompson

Kennel cough in dogs  is a fairly common condition. It occurs when a dog comes in contact with or is near an infected dog. The most likely time when this can occur is when the dog has been kenneled for a period of time.

However, being kenneled is not the only manner in which dogs can contract kennel cough. Dogs  may get infected even when they have not been recently boarded. This is because an infected dog can potentially pass on the infection to another by sneezing and coughing.

The most common viral agent that causes kennel cough is parainfluenza. The incubation period of the virus is three to four days. It is only after the incubation period that the dog shows any signs or symptoms of the infection. The duration of kennel cough in dogs  is approximately six to ten days unless there is another bacterial agent that results in extending the normal period of the condition.

Although bacterial cultures and isolation of the virus is possible to identify the agent causing kennel cough, blood tests are usually not performed since the characteristic nature of the symptoms are fairly easy to diagnose. A brief reference to symptoms, history, and recent exposure to other dogs is enough to obtain a conclusive diagnosis.

The most common symptom of kennel cough is a dry hacking cough that produces a ‘honking sound’. The cough can be identified if you know that it sounds as if there is something stuck in the throat and the dog is trying to dislodge it by coughing. Even among those who are aware of the specific nature of the coughing sound, the first reaction of the dog owner tends to be to check whether there is actually something stuck in the throat or not.

The coughing or gagging can be quite severe. It may continue for some minutes or be repeated at short intervals. It is often accompanied by a watery discharge. If the sound of the cough is not enough to confirm your hypothesis, a simple way of checking whether the coughing is related to kennel cough or not is to press the throat gently, just in the collar area. If it is kennel cough it will induce coughing.

There is no express need to panic if your dog has kennel cough since the symptoms vanish on their own in mild cases. However, if the cough is severe and your dog expels mucus while coughing, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary. The symptoms of kennel cough can progress and may cause fever, lethargy, lack of appetite or pneumonia. In extreme cases, kennel cough can also lead to death.

Article courtesy of PetAlive for Herbal Remedies for Pets!

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://dogtime.com/articles/155?breaks=2502_5003_5779&page=3&slug=true&title=kennel-cough-in-dogs-vin

http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/kenc.html

http://www.dog-health-guide.org/caninekennelcoughtreatment.html