Does Your Dog Cover His Mouth When HE Coughs?
12/11/2009

Article provided by http://www.enaturalremedies.co.uk/

You would think that animals would instinctively know what to eat to stay healthy. Well many wild animals do, but domestic ones have loss their instinctive abilities.

You are probably aware that our diet and lifestyle is not as healthy these days. We eat more processed and fast foods while leaving nutrition behind.

What do you feed your pets? Well if you are like most, then you are feeding them processed pet food and table scraps. Not to mention treats.

It is no wonder that our pets are becoming obese and unfit. They may not get enough exercise, as they should because of our inactive lifestyle.

When your pet doesn’t get the proper exercise and diet then he can become unhealthy and is prone to sickness.

One common health problem for canines is kennel cough also known as tacheobronchitis.

Kennel cough is an upper respiratory irritation. Your dog may have a dry hacking cough that may sound like he is choking. This has even been described as a gagging or honking sound by their owners.

There may be a watery nasal discharge as well.

Usually this isn’t too serious and may pass in a few weeks. Your pet may eat as usual and still be active. If it’s more serious then this may not be the case.

If your dog is healthy then he’s less likely to catch kennel cough and other diseases.

Sometimes underlying causes such as heart disease, teeth problems, heartworms or allergies could leave your pet more vulnerable to other illnesses.

You can help prevent these problems by not exposing your pet to those that are sick.  Kennel cough can be spread through the air by infected dogs that are sneezing and coughing. In addition, this can spread through direct contact or from contaminated surfaces.

Honey can ease the pain of coughing. You could mix some with warm water and give it to your pet.

Natural herbs can help as well.

Ribwort Plantain is an herb that can sooth the throat and also help clear nasal and chest of mucus.

Magnesium phosphate also soothes the throat and maintains a healthy respiratory system.

Ferrum phos is an important tissue salt that supports a strong immune system and helps in the distribution of iron and salt.

Look for a good herbal formula that contains a mixture of components to boost the immune system.

Dog obesity is a serious problem and should be delt with. As people become less healthy and active so does their pets.

You may want to think about feeding your pet low calorie or natural foods. Watch the portion size and be sure that treats are just that, a treat. They should be as healthy as possible and given out sparingly.

An unhealthy immune system can also cause thyroid dysfunction. Your dog could become lethargic and lose interest in playing and other activities. Weight gain and infections are other complications.

One quarter of pets are obese. They are just behind human obesity and are catching up.

Diets high in grains can raise sugar levels and disrupt insulin levels.

You may want to research the "Barf Diet" for canines. Barf stands for Bones and Raw Food Diet. This diet is a healthy one for your pet.

Show them some tough love and do your part by researching the Barf diet and looking into other options including herbal supplements.

Be sure to feed them a healthy diet and let them out to play and exercise. You will enjoy their company more if you are both healthy.

Author – RA Lovegrove – GoHerbal (Guernsey) Limited
Pet Remedies and Homeopathic Remedies for Pets

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