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If your English Bulldog is coughing, then you may be thinking what is wrong with my dog? The likely hood is that your bulldog has Kennel Cough. Although Kennel Cough is rarely fatal it can lead to other diseases such as pneumonia.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough include a hard dry cough that will often lead to your bulldog gagging and throwing up white foam. Kennel Cough is a common health condition amongst dogs.
If your dogs symptoms match Kennel Cough, then you'll be wondering how you cure it, and that's why we've put together out list of what to do if your English Bulldog has Kennel Cough.
There is a vaccination for Kennel Cough, however is isn't effective against all strains of Kennel Cough. Of the 40 strains that exist, the vaccination is only protects against 10-14.
If your English Bulldog has Kennel Cough, then the best thing that you can do is ensure that your dog is drinking lots of water and ensure that your dog gets plenty of rest. If the cough becomes persistent then you may need to visit a vet who will prescribe antibiotics if the cough is worse enough. Adding a honey into your dogs bowl with warm water can also be a great way to help your bulldog if it has Kennel Cough.
Can English Bulldogs Get Kennel Cough?
Yes! English Bulldogs can get Kennel Cough. All dog breeds can in-fact catch Kennel Cough.
Bulldogs will catch Kennel Cough through airborne droplets from other dogs coughing or sneezing in close proximity. It can also be spread through contact with any contaminated surfaces such as dog bowls, food or toys.
Kennel Cough for bulldogs can often be worse in the mornings and nights, this is as your dog isn't active, but as they become a little more active during the day their coughing should subside and become less frequent.
Just because your bulldog has a cough, it doesn't necessarily mean that they do have Kennel Cough. It's always worth visiting a vet before you self diagnose your dog to ensure that it's not something more serious that could put your dogs health at risk.
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel Cough (also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs.
Dogs commonly contract kennel cough at places where large amounts of canines congregate, such as boarding and day-care facilities, dog parks, training groups, and dog shows. Dogs can spread it to one another through airborne droplets, direct contact (e.g., touching noses), or contaminated surfaces (including water/food bowls). It’s highly treatable in most dogs but can be more severe in puppies younger than six months of age and immunocompromised dogs.
How To Cure Kennel Cough
Mild cases of Kennel Cough can be treated with a week or two of rest, however if your dog has a more severe case then your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection and prevent further complications.
Tips & Tricks To Help With Kennel Cough
Honey: Honey is great for dogs with Kennel Cough due to the antioxidants, enzymes and flavonoids that is contains. To give your dog honey, try mixing two tea spoons into a bowl with some water. It should help relieve your dogs symptoms.
Water: Ensuring that your bulldog stays hydrated is really important if it has Kennel Cough. The water will help flush the toxins out of your body, which may be the fastest way to cure your dog of Kennel Cough. Ensuring your dog stays hydrated will also help relieve the symptoms of the cough and ensure your dogs throat isn't too dry.
Rest: Rest is key to helping your bulldog recover from Kennel Cough. As with any illness, plenty of sleep gives the body a chance to fight the virus and recover properly. Try to ensure you don't over exercise your bulldog or get your dog over excited whilst it has Kennel Cough.
Cough Suppressant: Cough Suppressant such as Robitussin can be a great way to help sooth your bulldogs symptoms of Kennel Cough if there cough is harsh and severe. Any medicine give should only to be used for a short time period and should only be given under a veterinarian's approval. A veterinarian will determine the correct dosage of Robitussin for your dog.
Conclusion
Don't stress about what to do if your English Bulldog has Kennel Cough. The key is to ensure that your dog is well rested, hydrated and cared for. As with any illness with a dog, always ensure you seek professional advice from a veterinarian and keep a watchful eye over your fur baby.