Elderly Dog- holisitc treatment for bronchitis

Question
Hi, my Golden Retriever mix, Lucky, who is about twelve years old, was diagnosed last year with a form of cancer (lymphosarcoma). We went through chemo treatments with him and changed his diet and now he is in complete clinical remission. Recently, he developed a bad cough, so we took him to our local veterinarian. He was diagnosed with bronchitis and prescribed an antibiotic but the vet said that the bronchitis would clear up in the same amount of time with or without the medication (a statement that makes little sense to me). So, we tried giving him the antibiotic but it made him violently sick, heaving and vomiting (as many antibiotics do). So, we decided against giving it to him again. He still has the bad cough and, no doubt, a very soar throat. We have been giving him homemade chicken soup but he is beginning to want not even that. Do you have any suggestions for treatments (holistic or otherwise) that may help or even comfort him, for bronchitis or perhaps a cold of any kind. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you,
Stephanie Kinney

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

Thank you for writing to me about your Golden Retriever mix, Lucky.  I apologize for the delay in answering.  The weather has been interfering with access to the computer.

My heart goes out to you and your dog regarding the cancer.  I have walked in your shoes more than once and it is never easy.

As far as the bronchitis is concerned, I would suggest having a chest x-ray taken to determine the possible cause of your dog's condition.

If it turns out to be a simple case of bronchitis, then I recommend that the first line of attack is to address the immune system and general health of your dog.  There are many wonderful books on nutrition available on the internet.  Check first with Dogwise.com and by all means include books like Dr. Pitcairn's Natural Health for Dogs and Cats as well as The Nature Of Animal Healing by Martin Goldstein.

As far as bronchitis treatment in natural form, go to the website:

http://www.naturalcanine.com/html/bronchitis.html/

They have some information and remedies that might prove to be very helpful.

You can also check out:

Dr. Christopher's Breathe Aid

and

ProV Line "Cough"
BHI "Cough" and "Bronchitis"

Because of the chemotherapy, your dog may be more sensitive now to his surroundings so be sure to check on things like carpet cleaners, lawn treatments etc...things that might trigger breathing problems...refrain from using any sprays or perfumes, odor eliminators, toxic house cleaners (stick with vinegar and Dr. Bronners) etc.  Anything that could trigger an allergic breathing reaction.

I wish you and your beautiful dog the best of luck.

Shelley Davis
www.bednbiscuit.com