It’s that time of year for the sniffles and not just in we humans but in our canines too. Especially as the holiday season draws near and we send them to kennels or pet sitters to care for while we’re away.
Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection that can affect dogs. A number of pathogens can cause kennel cough, including viruses and bacteria such as Bordetella bronchiseptica. Kennel cough is so named because the infection can spread quickly among dogs in the close quarters of a kennel. Viral and bacterial causes of canine cough are spread through airborne droplets produced by sneezing and coughing. If you notice any coughing, your dog(s) probably have the little bug too. Don’t worry too much though it poses little threat to healthy dogs in their prime and is very similar to the common cold or flu in humans. However, young dogs and older dogs can easily catch it and have a harder time getting well. If you do notice your dog coughing, think about taking them to the vet for a check up.
Otherwise some good precautions to take with healthy dogs (and even sick dogs too) is to strengthen their immune system.
You can do this several ways:
-Dogs make their own Vitamin C but adding a vitamin C powder supplement to their food will help bolster their reserves. This can usually be found in most pet stores or vet offices.
-Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Astragaus is called an adaptogen, meaning it is thought to help protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is sometimes used on the skin for wounds. In addition, studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it may help prevent colds.(1) A tincture of it can be found at any supplement store. It can be added to food or placed on the nose and the dog will lick it off. I like to use the nose method so I can dose my dog throughout the day. (the rule of thumb here is 1 drop of tincture per 10 pounds of body weight, and 2 weeks on the herb to 1 week off). If you’re worried about the alcohol in the tincture don’t be! A full dropper of tincture has the same amount of alcohol as a banana.
A must have for cold and flu season
-Molasses is full of calcium, trace minerals and iron and a tasty treat to add on top of food (I usually do about 2 teaspoons per meal for my 35 pound dog)
-Seaweed, Nettle, and Dandelion leaf are all high in vitamins and minerals and can all be added in dried form to your dog’s food bowl. They can be found in most supplement stores and some awesome grocery stores will carry them in bulk sections ( a couple teaspoons per meal is what I used for my 35 pound dog and be sure to mix with fish oil if you have a picky eater). Also, a word of advice here. Don’t get tinctured forms of these as the plants properties are soluble in water not alcohol so the tinctures will be much less effective than the dried herb.
Nettle leaves makes a tasty tea too!
-Probiotics can also help boost your dog’s immune system and help fight off invading bugs. These can be found at the pet store or vet in powder form and easily added to food bowls as well. Also If you’re seeing a lot of messy bowel movements try adding in some probiotics, they help fix dogs’ gut ecology when their stomachs are out of sorts.
- Collidial Silver is easily found at any supplement store and safe for dogs to take again on the nose or in their water in small doses. Silver and most silver compounds have an oligodynamic effect and are toxic for bacteria, algae, and fungi. (Collidial Silver should only be used for a short while, 2- 3 weeks, when needed. It can become toxic when used for long periods of time)
I tend to focus on using herbs with my dog, because I already have a lot of them around the house. She easily woofs down her food with dried nettle leafs sprinkled on top and 3 drops of Astragulus mixed in and I like giving her a treat of molasses now and then. This in conjunction with a healthy diet and daily exercise and nary a cough has been heard in this house!
Just three drops on the nose!
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