Kennel cough is an ailment that can easily be passed from one dog to another. It gets its name from being highly communicable in close quarters, such as within a kennel. Kennel cough sounds like a raspy, labored cough and is a highly contagious form of bronchitis that is not likely to go away on its own without some form of treatment.
Instructions
Consult a veterinarian before you treat the kennel cough yourself. The symptoms of kennel cough are similar to other canine ailments. It is important that you have a definitive diagnosis of kennel cough before you begin treating it at home.
Choose an appropriate cough medicine. You will want to look for a product that is alcohol-free and acetaminophen-free. Both of these ingredients can be harmful to a dog. If you are unsure of what type of cough medicine to buy for your dog, consult your veterinarian for advice. She may be able to recommend a specific brand or type to meet your dog's needs.
Administer the cough medicine to your dog based on the animal's weight. Small dogs only require a half tsp. of cough medicine with each dose. Administer 1 tsp. of cough medicine for dogs between 20 and 40 pounds and two tsp. of medicine for dogs larger than 40 pounds. When in doubt, administer a smaller dose rather than a larger one.
Consider using other herbal remedies to help your dog deal with the cough. Herbal tea and honey can also be administered to a dog with a dry, harsh cough to relieve symptoms and help with healing. You can combine these herbal remedies with over-the-counter cough medicine or with a veterinarian-prescribed medication. Between a half tsp. and one full tsp. every four hours is typically sufficient.