Dog: Kennel Cough

[Linda Sherman]

Jan wrote: My toy Aussie has a horrible cough that just began this morning. I have a vet appointment in the morning, but for now I'm wondering if Lung Healing would be okay to put a drop on his coat. (We are moving and all our diffusers are packed somewhere!) [HEO's Comment: Jan posted a video of her sweet Aussie coughing.]

That cough does sound bad. I'm also thinking perhaps something is stuck in the throat. I agree with the others that have suggested to check that out. Once you are sure it is a cough, the oils may help.

+ Use 1-2% essential oils with a carrier

+ Equal amounts of Eucalyptus radiata, Myrrh and Ravensara make a good 'congestion' blend. If you don't have these oils, choose oils noted to help with coughs - just keep in mind that safe dilution for a dog is 1-2%

+ Other oils noted to help with coughs (there are many more than I will list here): Niaouli, Cajuput, Sweet Marjoram, Lavender, Cypress, Cedarwood, Pine, Myrtle, Fir

+ The blend can be diffused intermittently

+ The blend can be put on a bandana the dog wears

Valerie Worwood writes in the Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy (pages 483-484):

     There are two methods to help dogs with coughs, colds or flu - one oil based and the other water based. In either case, have respect for your dog's greater sense of smell and start with the minimum quantity of essential oil, increasing the dosage slowly if necessary.

     The following essential oils could be used for coughs, colds and flu in dogs:

Naiouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia)

Ravensara Ravensara aromatica)

Cajuput (Melaleuca cajuputi)

     A tiny amount of the following rub can be applied over the dog's chest, around the rib cage, around the throat, and most importantly, in a direct line from below the ears into the shoulders. For the oil-based treatment, add 1 drop each of any two essential oils listed above to 4 TB (60 mL) of carrier oil. Some people don't like the idea of putting oil on a dog's coat, and with long-haired pets I can see the point. So for them, make a tincture by adding 2 drops of essential oil to 1 tsp (5 mL) alcohol (vodka for example) and then adding this to 4 TB of water. Alternatively, dilute the essential oil into a little carrier and then add it to aloe vera gel. Whatever method you choose, apply once a day for three day only.

     You could spray the area where the dog sleeps. Blankets can be sprayed with a water-based essential oil spray and left to dry before using. Use 2 drops in 4 TB of water. If you're washing the sleeping area, add 3 drops of essential oil to half a bucket of warm water; always avoid getting any spray or essential oil near the animal's face.

After a visit with their vet, Jan wrote: Just got back from the vet. He does have kennel cough.

I looked up information regarding the use of homeopathy for kennel cough and found this on VitalAnimal.com:

Chris Day, MRCVS has a published study [1. Day, C. (1987) Isopathic prevention of kennel cough — is vaccination justified? International Journal of Veterinary Homeopathy 2: 45] done on a kennel that was battling kennel cough for years without success. As a veterinary homeopath, he brought kennel cough nosodes in, gave them to all the incoming dogs in the kennel, and watched the disease incidence plummet.

Nosodes are homeopathically prepared medicines made from the actual disease discharge, but diluted and prepared in such a way that they carry no risk of infection. They are given orally to trigger the animal’s immune system to respond to only that particular illness trying to gain a foothold in the animal.

Don Hamilton DVM, who used nosodes in a kennel saw a dramatic drop in their parvo and kennel cough cases when they added it to the drinking water. To purchase nosodes, email Will Falconer DVM: drfalconer (at) vitalanimal (dot) com

I'm praying for you guys, for wisdom and for a quick resolution!