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Also called as ‘tracheobronchitis’ or ‘doggy flu’ (a more common term), Kennel Cough is a common occurrence in dogs and cats. Resembling the human flu, the condition can cause severe coughing and choking. And while the virus that causes Kennel cough usually affects only animals, there are chances for an individual to catch the infection from his/her pets. In these cases, the concerned individual would start developing the symptoms of the condition and would probably have to be treated for the same.Kennel Cough can be confused with normal cough or chronic cough. The telltale signs of an infection in individuals include nasal discharge, runny eyes, severe bouts of coughing at night, severe bouts of coughing after exercising or performing a strenuous activity and vomits containing mucous (usually after severe coughing).
Best Home Remedies for Kennel Cough
It’s just the flu and would go away on its own in a couple of days. However, that doesn’t mean that the concerned individual would need to put up with the discomfort associated with it. In addition to standard medications, kennel cough can be easily cured with certain home remedies. Given below are some of the best known home remedies for Kennel Cough in humans.
Strengthen Your Immune System
A strong immune system would be able to fight off viruses and bacteria that cause flu and its related symptoms. A compromised (or suppressed) immune system could easily attract the virus responsible for Kennel Cough.
So make it a point to strengthen your immune system. You can do this by eating plenty of foods rich in Vitamin E, a substance which is a natural immune system booster. Vitamin C can act as an effective antiviral and help get rid of the infection quickly. If possible, try adding some Astragalus herbs to your diet as they contain substances that can boost immune system health and function in addition to healing the bronchial tubes.
Opt for Natural Antiviral and Antibacterial Agents
Garlic
Eating a few cloves of raw garlic or adding some garlic to your existing diet can help deal with the symptoms of Kennel Cough effectively. Garlic contains potent antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help get rid of the infection quickly and provide extended relief from the condition.
Honey
A spoon of raw honey would go a long way in easing a sore throat and treating Kennel Cough. Alternatively, you can add some honey to warm water and drink the mixture several times every day for extended relief from condition and its symptoms. The antibacterial properties of honey also help to clear congested nasal passages of the infection and reduce nasal discharge to an extent.
Essential Oils
Essential Oils are usually loaded with plenty of antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties that help deal with all kinds of infections, including Kennel Cough. In addition to producing a soothing effect on the infected area, these oils also help promote quick healing. Common examples include lavender oil, oregano oil, chamomile oil and tea tree oil etc.
Coconut Oil
Consuming two teaspoons of pure coconut oil at least twice a day can help alleviate the symptoms of Kennel Cough to a great extent. You can also add coconut oil to your dishes while cooking. Just make sure you don’t add too much oil as this may result in loose stools.
Honey and Coconut Oil
For better (and quicker) results, mix a tablespoon of honey with a teaspoon of coconut oil. Take this natural medication two times every day to get relief from Kennel Cough and its symptoms.
Peppermint Tea
A strong cup of peppermint tea can help clear nasal blockages and alleviate sever coughing in addition to soothing the muscles that line the throat. So opt for a cup of peppermint tea twice a day in the morning and night (preferably before you go to bed) in order to get extended relief from Kennel Cough.
Chicken Soup
Make a soup consisting of chicken and vegetables like sweet potatoes, onions, carrots, turnips and celery stems. Drink this soup at least twice every day. The antibacterial properties of soup would get rid of the virus causing the infection while the anti-inflammatory properties would soothe an irritated throat and promote quick healing. Chicken soup can also keep your body hydrated for longer periods, thereby alleviating the symptoms of Kennel Cough to an extent.
Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide
If you suffering from Kennel Cough, make it a point to sterilize your plates and water glasses with some hydrogen peroxide. In addition to preventing the infection from spreading, this would effectively help bring down the symptoms of the condition. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of food grade hydrogen peroxide to a canister of water (that contains approximately 8 ounces) and drink the same several times a day to get relief from the condition and its symptoms.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains potent antiviral properties that help to effectively fight off the virus behind Kennel cough. The spicy taste of cinnamon can also clear nasal passages, and promotes quick healing of a sore throat caused by Kennel cough. So make it a point to sprinkle some cinnamon onto the foods that you cook for better results.
Drink Fresh Water
Drinking plenty of water can flush out the virus behind Kennel cough from your system and soothe an irritated throat. So drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Add plenty of water rich fruits and vegetables to your existing diet in order to keep your body hydrated (this would facilitate easy and quick removal of the virus causing the infection).
Stay Warm and Indoors
The symptoms of Kennel cough can sometimes aggravate if you exposed to a sudden draft or chillness. So try to remain warm until the symptoms start to recede. Avoid going out lest you may be exposed to triggers like smoke and dust that can aggravate kennel cough and its symptoms.
Stop Exercising
Or at least reduce the intensity and duration of your exercises until you are cured of kennel cough completely. Intense exercises can potentially aggravate coughing and throat irritation. So make it a point to rest properly and wait for the infection to disappear before exercising again.
Opt for a Vaporizing Treatment
Take a steam bath at least once a day to clear nasal blockages (including mucous blockages in the throat). This can greatly reduce kennel cough. A 20 minute steam bath would also open up your bronchial tubes and help you get rid of the phlegm clogging your air passages effectively. For a steam bath would enable you to spit out the phlegm every time you cough. And this in turn can flush out the infection and the virus causing it in no time at all.
Install An Indoor Humdifier or Vaporizer
Place a humidifier in your bedroom (and other areas of the house if possible) to get relief from kennel cough and its symptoms. A humidifier would keep the surrounding environment humid and warm, thereby clearing your nasal blockages and keeping your airways hydrated and clear. You can also opt to add a few drops of essential oils to the humidifier to produce an environment that is soothing on the throat.
