Your English Springer Spaniel will get sick at one time or another. All dogs do! And while it’s horrible when our furry friends become ill, with treatment and prevention, they can bounce back. Infections like kennel cough can affect any dog, and you must closely monitor your English Springer Spaniel if he shows symptoms.
Kennel cough is a upper respiratory infection that affects dogs and cats. It can affect any dog, including English Springer Spaniels. It usually clears up after three weeks with at-home treatment, but if your dog is extremely sick, you will need to make a trip to the vet.
This article examines the symptoms of kennel cough, how to treat it at home, when it’s time to go to the vet, and the prognosis.
Do English Springer Spaniels Get Kennel Cough?
All dogs can develop kennel cough, including English Springer Spaniels. However, some dogs are more susceptible. If your English Springer Spaniel is unvaccinated, he will be at a greater risk of contracting the infection. Puppies are also at a greater risk.
What Are The Symptoms Of Kennel Cough?
If your English Springer Spaniel has kennel cough, there will be many signs as he will develop certain symptoms.
Strong Coughing
Your English Springer Spaniel will likely develop a strong cough that sounds like honking. A strong cough is one of the most prominent symptoms of kennel cough.
The cough might sound like your dog has something stuck in his throat. The cough might be dry and hoarse or productive. This is usually followed by gagging, swallowing, or mucus production.
Runny Nose And Sneezing
Another symptom of kennel cough is a runny nose and sneezing. These symptoms are not always present, but some dogs might present with them.
Lethargy And Fever
If your English Springer Spaniel is lethargic and feverish, it might also be a sign of kennel cough, especially if these symptoms appear along with a honking cough.
A Loss Of Appetite
Usually, when a dog is sick, it will lose its appetite. It’s extremely important to take your English Springer Spaniel to the vet if this happens. A loss of appetite is usually a sign of a serious medical condition.
Prognosis Of Dogs With Kennel Cough
Generally, kennel cough clears up within about three weeks on its own without any treatment. If your English Springer Spaniel eats and does not seem lethargic, you can use home remedies to treat them.
Home Remedies For Kennel Cough
If your dog is not lethargic, is energetic, and has an appetite, you can treat him at home with home remedies.
Honey With Warm Water
Honey is great for soothing a sore and scratchy throat and minimizing coughing. If your English Springer Spaniel has a cough, give him one tablespoon of honey mixed with warm water in a bowl three times a day.
Steaming
Many of us use humidifiers to treat colds. You can do the same for your English Springer Spaniel! Switch on your humidifier where your dog spends most of his time to open up his bronchial passages. If you do not own one, you can run a hot shower with the door closed for only about five minutes and then take your dog to the bathroom and close the door again.
While steaming is not good for pugs and bulldogs due to their flat faces, it’s perfect for an English Springer Spaniel.
Enough Rest
Your dog needs a lot of rest to recover, so do not make him exercise a lot while he’s sick.
Colloidal Silver
Colloidal Silver is a mineral. It’s a liquid that contains microscopic flakes of pure silver. Even in ancient times, people commonly used it to treat bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. It’s a natural antibiotic. You can purchase the spray and administer it up to five times daily. Just follow the instructions on the bottle.
Bland Food
Give your English Springer Spaniel some plain boiled chicken and rice. White rice will prevent an upset stomach. This meal is easy to digest, and your dog will surely enjoy it.
Hydrate Your Dog
Ensuring your dog has enough water is extremely important. Your dog will get even more ill if he is dehydrated.
When Should I Go To The Vet?
As mentioned, kennel cough can usually clear up in three weeks with at-home treatment. In some cases, however, a trip to the vet is required. If your dog is not eating, this is a sure sign that he is extremely sick. Take your dog to the vet if he is not eating and looks lethargic. A trip to the vet is also warranted if your dog seems to be struggling to breathe.
Your vet will most likely prescribe some antibiotics for your dog like amoxicillin and nebulization or cough suppressants if your dog develops pneumonia. Only in very severe cases will your dog be hospitalized.
How To Prevent Kennel Cough
Vaccinating your dog is one of the best ways to prevent kennel cough. This is especially true if your dog socializes with other dogs since kennel cough is highly contagious. Your vet will advise you on what vaccine to give your dog to reduce the risk of being infected.
Remember, a vaccine does not completely prevent kennel cough, but it will lessen the symptoms and severity thereof.
Conclusion
Kennel cough is very common and can infect any dog. If your English Springer Spaniel seems to be displaying any symptoms of kennel cough but is still eating and energetic, you can treat him at home. It will usually pass after three weeks. However, if your dog loses its appetite and seems lethargic, you need to take him to the vet, who will prescribe the proper medication.
Remember, if you get a puppy, ensure that all his vaccinations are up to date and inform your vet if your dog socializes with other dogs so your vet can prescribe the appropriate vaccine program for your English Springer Spaniel.
