Puppies arriving to pet stores face many challenges as they adapt to their new surroundings. Reducing shipping stress and increasing resistance to infection are key issues that ultimately affect profitability. We recommend the administration of nebulization therapy to each new shipment of puppies arriving to your store. Nebulization therapy is the first line of defense against disease and stress. Improper hydration of the airways in a puppy can be caused by electrolyte imbalance, change in diet, shipping stress or exhaustion. Abnormal mucous production causes retention of secretions. This provides the perfect breeding ground for infectious agents to take hold. Normal coughing is the most important defense against retained secretions. However, membrane dehydration due to the ventilation and shipping can prevent normal secretion removal. Nebulizers are used to administer fluids directly to the respiratory system by producing aerosol – a suspension of fine vaporized liquid droplets. Nebulizers have the capability of delivering medications and moisture completely to the tracheobronchial tree. There has been renewed interest in the nebulization of antibiotic solutions. Higher concentrations in respiratory secretions may be achieved with aerosol therapy. With the use of this localized delivery system, effective antimicrobials can have a direct effect on surface organisms such as B. bronchiseptica (a contributing factor in kennel cough). A formula of distilled water, DMSO and Gentocin Rx administered for 1-2 hours, 2 times per day is recommended for treatment. Please call us for specific dosages and prescription medication information. For general use to rehydrate airways as a preventative against infection, great results have been achieved using tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil, formulated with distilled water and administered for 10-15 minutes. These products possess antibacterial and antiviral properties in am all-natural, drug free application. We stock these ingredients for your convenience. Written by Dr. Bramlage DVM | 
