What is Kennel Cough and what are the symptoms?

Kennel cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection that often affects animals that are kept in a confined space such as boarding kennels, dog shows or veterinary hospitals.

Symptoms include a persistent dry hacking cough or bouts of deep harsh coughing often followed by gagging, which may produce a foamy mucus.

What is the conventional treatment?

Mild cases may improve without treatment. Conventional treatment of kennel cough often involves antibiotics which tend to relieve the animal's symptoms fairly quickly, but also have a general weakening effect on their immune system, which can cause further problems, especially in the long-term.

Vaccinations to prevent kennel cough are also often recommended. But research indicates that frequent vaccination or over-vaccination may unnecessarily stress a pet's immune system.

How can natural remedies help?

As part of a holistic approach to treating your pet, natural remedies can help to build and strengthen your pet's immune system, encourage the elimination of toxins and generally improve the overall health of your animal.

Natural remedies can also help to relieve specific symptoms such as upper respiratory infections and coughs without the accompanying toxin build-up caused by conventional treatments.

What are the ingredients of KC-Defense?

PetAlive KC-Defense contains the following 100% herbal and homeopathic ingredients:

Plantago lanceolata is an herbal remedy well known for treating dry coughs. It is also an effective expectorant and anti-catarrhal and helps to expel mucus build up in the lungs. This medicinal herb is also approved by the German Commission E for internal use to ease coughs and mucous membrane irritation associated with upper respiratory tract infections. Clinical studies have supported its effectiveness in the treatment of bronchitis.

Bryonia C6 is a proven homeopathic remedy which is very effective for the treatment of coughs and dry mucus membranes, as well as the clearing of mucus from the chest.

Echinacea purpurea is one of the top selling herbs for the treatment of colds, flu and other viral infections. Clinical trials have proved its effectiveness in a variety of settings. Studies have shown that Echinacea works by preventing the formation of hyaluronidase — an enzyme that is known to break the cell barriers between healthy tissue and pathogenic organisms like viruses. This immune boosting herb has also been successfully used to restore immune functioning in patients who have undergone chemotherapy and during recovery and convalescence from major illness.

Ferrum Phosphate C6 (Ferrum Phos.) is one of the most important biochemic tissue salts to use when there is any infection or inflammation in the body. It helps to distribute iron and oxygen throughout the body, strengthen cell walls and fight infection.

Kalium Sulphate C6 (Kali. Sulph.): This biochemic tissue salt is essential for distributing life giving oxygen throughout the body and keeping cell membranes in peak health. It is often called the “natural antibiotic” of the tissue salts and together with Ferrum Phos. can treat both the initial, secondary and third stages of infection. Kali. Sulph. is used for a variety of chest infections, including chronic cough, asthma, bronchitis and even pneumonia.

Magnesium Phosphate C6 (Mag. Phos.) is a natural painkiller and antispasmodic and is very helpful for bronchial spasms and other forms of spasmodic cough.

Lactose: inactive ingredient.

PetAlive KC-Defense contains no gluten, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

How do we use KC-Defense?

KC-Defense comes in convenient dissolvable granule form. The tiny granules are easy to administer to pets of all sizes and personalities and are simply sprinkled on the back of the tongue and left to dissolve. No fuss and bother!

Cats and very small dogs: Large pinch of granules sprinkled into the mouth. Small to medium dogs: Half fill inner circle of lid and sprinkle into mouth. Medium to large dogs: Fill inner circle of lid and sprinkle into mouth.

Preventative: KC-Defense may be given for up to a week at 3-6 month intervals for the prevention of Kennel Cough and other respiratory disorders. This is highly recommended before a stay in kennels or a cattery or for 5-7 days before a visit to the vet. Respiratory infections are contagious and your pet will be vulnerable whenever there is contact with other animals.

Acute: Administer every hour for up to 10 doses or until symptoms subside. Thereafter administer three times daily for 14-21 days.

How long until we see results?

When KC-Defense is taken prophylactically (preventatively) your pet will be protected from respiratory infections. If an infection should occur, this will be much milder and will resolve far easier.

For animals who have contracted Kennel Cough or any other viral respiratory illness, KC-Defense should help to clear symptoms quickly and improvement is usually noted within one or two days.

Treatment should be continued for 14-21 days after this to prevent relapse.

How long does one bottle last?

One bottle of KC-Defense will last for 15-30 days, depending on the size and needs of your pet.

What else can I do to help my pet?

Ensure your pet is eating a balanced, high quality diet with plenty of raw and unprocessed food (preferably organic).

Use Immunity and Liver Support capsules to boost your pet's immune functioning and resistance against disease and infection.

Avoid exposure to toxins and chemicals as much as possible including pesticides, herbicides, commercial flea collars, flea powder, insecticides and second-hand cigarette smoke.

If going to boarding kennels causes your pet undue stress, consider investigating other options. Stress can weaken your pet's immune system and make him more susceptible to infection.

Talk to a holistic vet before immunizing your pet. Over-vaccination may stress the immune system unnecessarily.

Regular exercise will help to keep your pet's immune system in tiptop form.

Small doses of ready-made herbal cough mixtures may ease your pet's cough.