It is intimidating when your dog coughs. As humans, dogs also cough due to numerous reasons. This could be as a result of allergies, cold or a more medical condition such as kennel cough. A lot of pet proprietors seek safe means of making their pets feel better, like cough medicine that is specifically designed to help dogs. There is also the speculation of whether or not the natural foods, such as zucchini, are effective in assisting with coughs.
Zucchini is a healthy vegetable that humans love, yet do dogs? Here, in our blog, we shall discuss what causes dog coughs, what safe medicines are in this case, and whether zucchini will benefit or not. One important thing to always keep in mind is that before you administer your dog any medicine or food item in the name of treatment, you are better off consulting your vet first. The health and safety of your dog should be the only important thing.
Common Causes of Coughing in Dogs
There are numerous reasons why dogs cough, just like human beings. Kennel cough, which spreads among all dogs, is a typical example of it, in particular, most of the times in shelters or in dog parks where dogs are very crowded. The cause of the cough can also be due to allergies as well as irritable substances like dust, smoke, or even heavy smells. In other cases, severe cases of coughs include heart disease or lung problems.
Childhood cough in dogs can be dry, take several days, or be accompanied by its tiredness, difficulty breathing, and/or loss of interest in food, and that is the moment to consult the veterinarian. The actual cause can be checked by your vet and the best cure can be found. It is not worth guessing why your dog is not safe and healthy, the sooner the better to provide the right care.
What You Need to understand about Cough Medicine in Dogs
All you need to do is to give your dog some human cough syrup when it is coughing- but that is not advisable because it is dangerous. Most of the human medications contain chemicals such as xylitol or acetaminophen that are detrimental to the dogs. Never administer any medicine without consulting the vet.
Dog-safe medications, such as hydrocodone or dextromethorphan, may be proposed by your vet, depending on the cause of the cough. These drugs are used when the need arises, but in a sufficient amount, to calm the cough.
Before any treatment, it is also important to know the cause of cough to treat it. Coughing may occur as a result of infection, allergies, or as a more serious health issue. Providing a wrong medicine may complicate the situation. This is why the utmost priority should be put on the correct diagnosis that should be conducted by your vet to make your dog feel a bit better.
Is Zucchini Safe for Dogs?
Of course, yes, zucchini is safe for dogs. It is a healthy vegetable with vitamins, fiber and water. These are nutrients that assist in the digestion of your dog as well as his health. Zucchini is also low in calories, hence it is an excellent snack for those dogs who have to watch their weight.
Provide your zucchini to a dog both raw and cooked; however, it is significant to keep it plain, without any butter, oil, salt, or seasoning. Such additions can destroy the stomach of your dog or even become dangerous. Dogs require prey in small sizes, to eliminate the chances of choking especially so even the small breeds of dogs.
Well, on the one hand, zucchini does not cause any problems; on the other hand, using it does not prevent cough or any other kind of ailment. It is a good, healthy snack; however, it is always important that you consult your vet, especially when your canine is in good health or when he has any illness or food allergies.
Can Zucchini Help with Dog Coughs?
Zucchini is not a cure food to cure dogs with a cough. It does not treat or substitute vet-approved remedies to stop coughing. Nevertheless, zucchini contains vitamins and antioxidants which may be beneficial to the immune system of your dog. Your dog might get through illness stronger with the help of a healthy immune system.
Nevertheless, you should not ignore it and should seek a vet when your dog has a cough. The cough may be a result of infections, allergies or other health complications which require proper medication. Zucchini is probably a healthy snack in the diet of your dog, but it must never serve as a substitute for medical attention.
Do not enter anything or use any treatment or remedy without consulting your vet first to provide coughing relief or any other health issue you may be having.
Benefits of Zucchini for Dogs
Zucchini is beneficial to dogs because all contains antioxidants and fiber, and hence it can be used to ensure that all dogs get healthy diets.
Zucchini is one of the snacks that a dog can eat safely. It has low calories; hence, it is the right food for the dog that has to balance its weight. It also has a fibrous content and is easily digested by the bowels, thus making your dog feel good.
Zucchini is highly watery and thus can easily quench the thirst of your dog, especially on a hot day. It also possesses beneficial vitamins, including B6 and C, which increase the health of the dog at large.
And when you make it, be sure and serve it plain, that is, without butter or salt or seasoning. You may feed it raw or cooked in little bits. As usual, speak to your vet before introducing new foods to your dog.
The Safe Ways to Feed Dogs with Zucchini
In case you want to feed your dog zucchini, make sure to do it in a safer manner. Specifically, you always want to cut it into small bite-sized pieces so that your dog does not choke. Zucchini may be served cooked or uncooked, but none must be added to it in terms of salt, spices, butter and oils. Dogs do not require seasoning, and certain ingredients, when added to foods, can cause an upset stomach.
Apply a little to test the dog. Overconsumption of zucchini causes diarrhoea or an upset stomach. You should only do it on a once-in-a-while basis; after all, you do not want to make it a huge component in your dog’s meals. And don’t forget, when you are uncertain, consult your vet in the first place.
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