Cough and cold in pets

1. Cough and cold in pets The pets look good when they are running in the house but the worry increases when they are in the flu season; sneezing, coughing, and of course, having respiratory distress. Coughing and sneezing are very natural mechanisms to get the irritant out of our respiratory system, but sometimes the coughing and sneezing mechanisms are intertwined with the mechanism of our body to help get rid of pathogens! Let’s know about the respiratory distress in pets. Coughing A cough, also medically termed as ‘tussis’, is a voluntary or involuntary act that clears the throat and respiratory or the breathing passage of foreign agents such as microbes, pollutants, irritants, fluids, and mucus. It is a rapid expulsion of air from the lungs as a reflex action or deliberate action. One such system is the physical barriers such as cilia/ hair/ etc, which are present on the mucous membrane of the nose, which helps prevent the pathogen from entering the body. On irritation of these, there is reflex sneeze which expels the pathogen out. Defense Mechanism Cough helps and aids the body to get rid of pathogens by providing protection and also aids in clearing the airway.

2. 1. Fight against Pathogen The coughing mechanism of our body is helpful in hinting at a probable infection. As the infection rises, there is more cough and cold as the body is trying to compensate and fight against the micro-organism. On the flip side, as the infection falls, or as the immunity builds, the cough and cold levels start dropping down, which again helps us to realize that infection has been cured or minimized to a greater extent. 2. Coughing can transmit Pathogens. Coughing and sneezing, although normal, has the capability to transmit bacteria, viruses that is, if the root cause of coughing is indeed a disease-causing pathogen. Although, normal sneeze and cough due to allergens dust, dander, allergy-causing items may not particularly pose a threat of transmitting any bacteria/viruses. If a healthy dog comes in contact with a coughing dog that has been diagnosed with kennel cough, it’s pretty obvious that the healthy dog might get an infection. Tip – A persistent cough during the evening or night hours indicates heart problems [Serious and life- threatening conditions such as pulmonary embolism or Congestive heart Failure] so it’s best to get your pet diagnosed at the earliest for any doubts about the cause of coughing/wheezing.

3. Signs Coughing could be because of the influenza virus causing normal seasonal flu to life-threatening conditions such as CHF or Allergic reaction. It’s best to get your pet diagnosed at the earliest to avoid any future obstacles in the recovery phase. A. Type of Cough: Dry Cough [without sputum or mucus being expectorated/ coming out from throat or Productive Cough [with sputum/ mucus accompanying coughing] 1.Dry cough- could be because of asthma or allergy. Other causative factors involve viral respiratory infections. In kennel cough, particularly, there is a honking type of coughing. 2.Productive cough – it could be because of respiratory infections, pneumonia, or bronchiectasis, etc. B. The period of coughing. I.e., whether the cough lasts for a few hours or more than few days or is worsening as time passes by. 1.Acute Cough: If the cough lasts only for a few hours and subsides, then it’s an acute cough 2.Chronic Cough: If it lasts for more than a few weeks, it may be a chronic cough due to some health issues. Generally, allergens cause short-term coughs. Even some mild respiratory infections last for a few days. Prolonged coughing needs to be diagnosed thoroughly as the

4. causative factor could be the heart itself. Thus proper medical help should be sought out at the earliest to rule out or rule in cardiac complications and cardiac diseases. C. Behavioral Aspects- If your pet is depressed or seems extra tired if they have Anorexia –i.e., they won’t eat. D. Rise in temperature – Keep an eye on whether they have a fever. This could be easily attributed to infectious disease progression. Diagnosis: The Diagnosis is done on the type of cough, the consistency of it, and the time period your veterinarian will diagnose your pet on the basis of some tests BLOOD PANEL Your Vet may suggest a routine blood check-up to rule out or rule in Infections. A complete blood count test (CBC) gives a clear picture regarding the blood cells and whether there’s an infection going on in the body. X-RAY X-Ray is an extremely handy diagnostic tool as it can check the lung patterns and even the heart for any lesion which may cause coughing in your pets. History Based on the history of signs and symptoms that your pet may be exhibiting, a good diagnosis can be made. Diagnosis is based partly on history as well! Hence it’s

5. essential that you give a proper and complete history of the signs that your pet exhibits. If with coughing you notice any other signs and symptoms and if there are any other concerns, which you may have, should be promptly expressed to your Vet. Treatment Protocols Treatment is based on diagnosing. If your pet has coughing due to Respiratory causes, your Vet may suggest antibiotics, fluids, and other such medicines for your pet. On the other hand, for coughing caused due to heart problems, the treatment protocol is totally different and focuses primarily on resolving the heart disease to subsequently resolve the coughing problem. Wheez-Go for Pet Coughing is a natural response by the body to any irritation or abnormality of the airway. A persistent cough, however, can be a symptom of a more serious underlying illness or medical condition and can be spread easily. Germs also can land on Doors, furniture, food bowls, toys, and other surfaces where the next dog to come along picks them up. Counter (OTC) homeopathic medicine that works naturally

6. No contraindications It can be safely used along with other medications Drops work instantly when given onto the tongue Homeopathic Supplement: Me & MyCough and ColdPet Supplement are very useful for pets that show symptoms of catarrhal cough, cold, headache, sneezing with running nose, inflammation of the mucous membrane, bronchitis with or without rattling sound. side effects, no drug interactions, no