Canine Cough
My five
year old cocker spaniel developed a cough today. She only does it once in
a while, but I wondered if I should give her any thing for it. Except for
the cough, she appears to be in great health.
A mild,
acute cough, like in humans, can indicate tracheal irritation or the
beginning of an upper respiratory infection. If your dog's cough is
mild, and present for only one or two days, merely provide comfort and
warmth to help her through a mild illness. If the cough persists longer
than a couple of days, becomes worse, you should see your veterinarian.
She may be developing a more severe infection, requiring the aid of
antibiotics, or she may have developed an allergy. Sometimes dogs get
foxtails, feathers or other foreign material in their throat, eliciting
a cough. Such coughs are usually severe, being a series of heavy
wretches. An older dog may develop a mild, periodic cough. This cough
may become worse over weeks of time. These coughs are usually deep, as
if bringing up fluid from the lungs. This type of cough indicates a
cardiac problem, or congestive heart failure. Your veterinarian will be
able to help you manage such a condition. For mild, acute coughs, the
human over the counter medications can be beneficial. Dextrometorphan
and Guaifenesin are common ingredients in children's cough syrups,
that also help our canine friends. The canine dose is similar to
humans, so children's preparations are fine to use in most medium
to large dogs, and infant preparations are OK to use for most small
dogs. Anytime a cough persists or worsens, a doctor should be
consulted.
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