*Disclaimer – I am not a vet!
After we got home from the Great Dane National Specialty last fall, Bing started that hacking-gag sound that sounded like kennel cough. If you have never heard it before, a dog’s cough does not sound like a person’s cough. It sounds like the dog got something stuck in their throat, like a gag. Please note that other things can also cause dogs to cough/gag.
I had previously heard others recommend Mrs. Stewart’s Liquid Bluing as an at-home treatment. After reading up on the product, I felt it was a safe option to try. One drop, per gallon of water, in their drinking water.
Per Mrs. Stewart’s info, there are multiple uses for this cheap little bottle of liquid. You can purchase online at places like Amazon or at your local grocery/hardware stores.
Happy to report that this successfully worked for Bing. Nash did end up with a bit of snotty discharge (even though he didn’t attend the show, his exposure to Bing introduced it), so we did have to make a trip to the vet for some antibiotics for him.
This can be used a preventative, before going to a dog show, or can be used for a few weeks post show upon any symptoms.
If the dog’s symptoms do not clear up within a few days, or if they worsen, please see your veterinarian.