Beagle Finds Relief from Coughing and Gagging

Daisy and Precious

"My dog Holly who was featured in a past article, passed on from a collapsed trachea.  I heard about your supplement (for collapsed trachea) about two weeks after she died to my dismay.  She had a full blood work done when she started coughing and it came back wonderful due to the supplements she was on (for liver disease).  They were amazed!  Well my other dog Daisy... has always gagged after drinking and recently started coughing occasionally when she lies down. It shook me up because that is how Holly started a year ago. I immediately purchased your ultra-flex collagen.  She has been taking it for a few weeks now and I noticed she doesn't gag anymore.  Listen she has been gagging each time she drank for 2 1/2 years and now she isn't. It is very hard for me not to think I could have saved Holly if I had only known, but I am happy I've found ultra-flex collagen for Daisy. 

I want to thank you again for another great product!"

Lori Baier-Pennsylvania 2016

Collapsed trachea is a progressive condition that affects any breed, but often small dog breeds such as yorkies, maltese, pomeranian, chihuahas, pugs and shih tzus. The disease can cause coughing, gagging and respiratory problems. Our clients have found using  Amazing Omegas and Ultra-Flex Collagen For Pets to strengthen trachea cartilage and can reduce overall coughing/gagging.

Holly

Lori first came to our website seeking help for Holly’s pancreatitis. The supplements she found helpful were in our Pancreatitis and Liver Support Kit. 

Which Harness is Best for Your Dog?

 

Back-Clip Harness

Enjoying the great outdoors with your dog can be a special bonding time for both you and your pet, but an out of control, pulling dog can make it a misery (and potentially dangerous).  The use of a body harnesses can be a great tool, it can provide control and comfort for your pet.  They can be especially important to consider for dogs that have pushed-in faces (that restrict breathing), those with trachea or throat problems, and ones with slender necks. For these pets, a traditional leash hooked to their collar can cause them injury or discomfort.  There are many options that vary in style and function. Below lists the pros and cons of the three most common types.

Back-Clip Harness

This type has a ring that the leash will hook to on the top of the dog’s back.  Usually the dog adjusts to the back clip harness easily.

Pros:

·         Easy to put on and comfortable for a dog to wear.

·         Less tangling under the front legs.

·         They protect the fragile neck area.

Cons:

·         They offer little control if a dog has behavior issues, such as pulling on the leash, jumping up or displaying aggression.

Front-Clip Harness

Front-clip harnesses (as the name suggest) clips on the front and is centered on the dog’s chest.  Often trainers will suggest the front-clip harnesses, because they will give the owner more control over pulling, and direction the dog is moving.

Pros:

·         More control over pulling on the leash, jumping up or other poor leash manners

·         Provides the ability to direct the dog

Cons:

·         The leash on the front of the chest can tangle under the dog’s front legs if too much slack is given. 

Tightening Harness

There are variations of the body harnesses that will tighten and add pressure if the dog pulls. The slight tightening can be uncomfortable for the pet, which causes him to lessen or stop the pulling and walk on a looser leash.

Pros:

·         A harnesses that will apply slight pressure to a dog when they pull, but it does not cause pain.

·         They are generally easy to put on a dog.

Cons:

·         The dog doesn’t necessarily learn to walk on a loose leash, only with this type of harness.

·         Some tightening harnesses can feel uncomfortable to your pet. The pet might associate the pain as a negative association with the harness and might fight the usage of the device and/or the activity. 

Holistic Treatments for Canine Kennel Cough

Could we be next?

What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel Cough is a very contagious canine respiratory disease, similar to the common cold in humans. It is also known as Tracheobronchitis and Bordetella.  As the name would lead you to believe it is inflammation of the trachea and bronchi and that "honking" sound they are making is the classic symptom.  It is usually contracted when dogs are in close contact, for example when they are at kennels, boarding facilities, shelters, dog parks or even the vet clinic. The most at risk are puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with compromised immune systems.  Even if your dog has been vaccinated it is still possible for them to contract kennel cough. 

Symptoms

• Dry hacking cough is the most common symptom
• Cough may sound like honking
• Retching
• Watery nasal discharge
• In mild cases, dogs would likely be active and eating normally
• In severe cases, symptoms progress and can include pneumonia, inappetence, fever, and lethargy 

The symptoms usually appear about 5-10 days after exposure to an infected dog, and can last for up to 3 weeks, though symptoms may improve considerably within a few days. It is thought that dogs can remain contagious for several weeks after symptoms clear up.

Diagnosis

Most often the diagnosis can be made by symptoms and pet history. However, blood test and bacterial cultures may be performed to determine what type of virus is causing the kennel cough.  

Treatment

• Dogs with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs.
• Your vet will recommend treatment based on the severity of illness in your dog. Many dogs recover without treatment, so your dog may simply require monitoring to ensure the symptoms are not worsening
• Supportive care is very important—be sure your dog is eating, drinking and in a stress-free environment.
• Holistic treatments can help pets recover faster and feel better. Silver Immune or NotaSAN and QuentaSAN capsules or drops all fight infection and can be used along with antibiotics.    Power Probiotic provides important immune support and is essential to use especially if antibiotics are used.  Antibiotics kill off the friendly bacteria along with the bad bacteria.  The friendly bacteria are needed to prevent a repeat infection and also to support the immune system as kennel cough can spread and cause pneumonia.
• A cough suppressant may be prescribed, and in some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to combat bacterial infections, but the supplements are most important since kennel cough is viral in nature. If your dog has symptoms such as fever, lethargy and loss of appetite, more intensive treatment will be recommended.
• Avoid exposure to irritating fumes that could increase inflammation
• Pressure from a collar can make kennel cough symptoms worse, so switching to a harness is recommended for the duration of the illness.

Reverse Sneezing in Dogs

What is wrong with my dog? Why does he have episodes of snorting and gagging? These comments describe what is commonly called "Reverse Sneezing".  Reverse sneezing is when the pet is pulling air rapidly in vs. a regular sneeze when air is pushed out through the nose.  It is not know exactly why these episodes occur, but it thought to be an irritation of the  soft palate, which results in a spasm.  It could be caused from many factors including: eating or drinking, exercise, allergies, post-nasal drip, and irritating chemicals (cleaners, air fresheners, perfumes). 

A reverse sneezing episode can be scary and last for several seconds, and may make the owner think they are choking or having an asthma attack,  but is not usually considered harmful. However, if your pet has frequent episodes, it is a good idea to visit your vet to rule out other causes (collapsing trachea, nasal tumors or polyps, foreign bodies in the nasal passages or mouth). To help halt the episode, try massaging your pet's throat to stop the spasm or covering your pet’s nostrils very briefly. 

If your pet has other signs of allergies (scratching, licking, chewing at the paws, etc), then post-nasal drip may be the culprit.  Using K9 Yeast Defense and Power Probiotic along with AllerEaze can help.   Yeast is often a contributor to skin problems, ear infections and genital licking.  Yeast congregates in moist areas such as the throat and mucous membranes.  Diets high in carbohydrates such as grains and starchy foods can contribute to yeast overgrowth.