Cat Genie

Archive for March, 2011

A cough is usually the result of irritation of the respiratory system. The respiratory system consists of the mouth, nose, throat, voice box (larynx), trachea, bronchi and smaller airways of the lung. Coughing can also be caused by inhaled irritants or as a result of an underlying disease. When a cough persists continuously, must be treated immediately as it can be an indication of more serious disease. It tends to be more common in dogs than cats.

The sound of a cough may indicate its cause. If a wet cough may be due to accumulation of fluid and mucus in the throat, airways or lungs, and can be a sign of lung infection or congestive heart failure. Sounding like brass horn or cough may also indicate some form of respiratory disease or tracheal trauma.

A weak cough may be a symptom of pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). Coughing that is deep and gasping may be an indication of bronchitis or occur after exercise, while a dry cough may be a sign of kennel cough or a scratchy throat.

What are the causes of coughing?

Coughing can occur as a result of several factors. It is often associated with various respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, respiratory infection, swelling of kennel cough or lung or windpipe collapses. Heart disease and parasites such as heartworms can also cause coughing. Materials such as food drink or hairballs can also travel in the airways and cause coughing episode.

Cats often have hairballs lodged in their throats that are trying to cough out – this happens if not prepared correctly. Allergic reactions to airborne particles such as pollen, dust, chemicals or fumes can also bring episodes of coughing. If your dog or cat is exposed to other animals in a closed environment such as kennel or shelter, are more at risk of infection with a cough.

How to diagnosis of cough

If your pet has been coughing for a few days, you should consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will ask certain questions such as coughing sounds when the cough started, how long you cough or cough your pet. A thorough physical examination and other diagnostic tests can be performed. These tests include chest x-ray (chest radiograph), complete blood count (CBC) profile, blood chemistry, urinalysis, heartworm test and fecal examination. Additional tests may include an examination bronchoscope or a fine needle biopsy.

Help for cough

Treatment usually depends on the cause of the disease. Your veterinarian may prescribe medications such as suppressors, antibiotics or steroids to relieve symptoms of cough. Remember never administer medications prescribed to humans to their pet as they can cause some side effects.

Natural Remedies

Natural and holistic treatments have been used for centuries to treat and provide symptomatic relief for respiratory problems. The herbal ingredients combined with tissue salts are safe and gentle to use while at the same time also promote vitality and overall health for the health of your pet.

Herbs such as Echinacea purpurea and Plantago lanceolata are very useful for upper respiratory support and act as a tonic for the immune system. Bryonia, Ferrum Phosphate, calcium phosphate Magnesium sulphate and calm the cough, keep the lungs clear the chest and throat.

As with humans, pets also have a wide variety of products especially in food for dogs and cats. You can opt for dry, wet products or canned food. The difference between these three varieties is the cost, as no nutritional value and taste. In most cases it is difficult to make a decision by the ignorance and the large number of brands and products related to food for cats, dogs and other pets. What you need to take into account, and it is vitally important, is to offer the pet a diet according to their physical characteristics and peculiarities food.

Super Premium Products, Premium and Non-Premium will provide complete nutrition, but must take into account the characteristics of the product manufacturer. Each brand gives more weight to one or the other ingredients in the composition of foods for dogs and cats depending on their position in the market. Non-Premium products, the name given among other things on their nutrient density and costs are lower ”level” than the Super Premium. The latter, like the premium, typically sold in specialty stores for pets. Experts can advise owners to feed the animal should receive based on their race, activity …

Fiber, among many other elements of the diet of dogs and cats, is very beneficial because they provide more energy to intestinal cells. This way they can keep their bodies in perfect condition. Despite these recommendations, it is always advisable to be a veterinarian whom on it or the health of the pet and consult in case you notice any abnormality in their behavior.