The #1 thing that is necessary when your dog or cat is diagnosed with pleural effusion is a procedure called a thoracocentesis (i.e., a chest tap). Using a sterile technique, a small needle is placed into the chest cavity to remove the abnormal fluid. This helps improve breathing problems immediately.
Chest tap procedure: Clip at least a 4" square area over the 7-10th intercostal space. Air will be removed easiest from the dorsal third of the chest, and the patient can be in sternal or lateral recumbency.
This will help loosen the secretions and mucous in the lungs, making it easier for your dog to cough it up. Afterwards, coupaging the chest will help loosen secretions even more. This technique, also called percussion therapy, involves cupping the hand and gently but quickly tapping the dog's chest wall.
Coupage is performed by striking the chest gently but firmly with cupped hands. This action helps loosen secretions trapped in the lower airways, allowing them to be more effectively cleared by coughing.
Though cupping therapy is not yet a widely used modality in canine rehabilitation, it has potential benefit to increase local cir- culation through this previously-described compression-decom- pression effect.
Veterinary cupping is gaining in popularity, with various cupping units becoming available for effective treatment of canine and equine patients.
Examples of some common trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, etc. Camphor is readily absorbed across the skin, and should never be applied to dogs or cats due to risks for poisoning.
Not all dogs like to be patted, at least not all of the time. Dogs have preferences as to where, when and how they like to be touched. They also have preferences for who they like to be touched by. Just because they love a chest scratch from their care giver, doesn't mean they want the same from a stranger.
For dogs that have already developed trust towards their owners, the chest (particularly, the section in the middle of their front legs) is a good spot that many dogs like for a good old scratch. This is best done when you wrap your arms around your dog's body while petting or scratching their chest area.
For the most part, dogs do like to use petting as a way to bond with their owner. According to Paws for People, "It's well-known (and scientifically proven) that interaction with a gentle, friendly pet has significant benefits" for both the human and the dog.
Starting at the back of the head, stroke up and down either side of your dog's spine using very gentle pressure. Be sure to stay off the bone. This type of back rub is calming and relaxing for dogs, says Brandenburg. It can be a good dog massage for anxiety, particularly for dogs who are fearful of human touch.
If the dog is comfortable being in your space and showing relaxed body language, you can try to stroke them. Gently reach out with the back of your hand and stroke the dog's shoulders, chest or under their chin, which most dogs enjoy.
Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers or licked up in the case of a spill.
Nasal sprays: Saline nasal spray and pediatric nasal sprays (Little Noses) can be given in puppies and dogs to alleviate dryness and nasal congestion associated with a cold.
While Vaseline is technically non-toxic for dogs, it does not mean it is 100% safe. If over-ingested (and they will lick) it can cause an upset stomach, which can lead to vomiting or diarrhoea. Vaseline forms a barrier over your dog's skin trapping in toxins, dirt and bacteria.
Take a hot shower and breathe in the steam to ease congestion. Try an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease body aches and reduce fever. Use saline drops or nasal spray to alleviate congestion. Use lozenges to keep your throat moist.
One more word of warning - never blow in your dog's ear to dry it out. You can hurt him. It's not the actual airflow that hurts but the frequency at which you blow. It's like running your fingers on a blackboard amplified hundreds of times.
Cupping (Wet or Dry) is contraindicated for extreme Yin-Xu (fluid deficient) people, in people suspected of haemorrhage of any kind, and on tumours of any form, including tuberculosis. Also, cupping of any kind is contraindicated for people who have suffered a cardiac arrest in the last 6 months.
Chiropractic manipulation is frequently performed on horses, dogs, and cats, but can theoretically be performed on any vertebrate species.