What is dog Coupage?
What is coupage? Coupage is a technique that can be performed by veterinary staff and pet owners to help clear secretions from the lungs. Coupage is performed by striking the chest gently but firmly with cupped hands.
How long do you do coupage on a dog?
The technique should be performed through a sheet or thin towel to prevent too much stimulation to the skin. If your pet is small you can perform the same technique with 2 or 3 fingers from one hand. In most cases, coupage should be continued for 30 seconds to one minute.
How do you treat aspiration in dogs?
If you notice any of the clinical signs of aspiration pneumonia, immediate treatment at your veterinarian is necessary. Treatment includes oxygen therapy, intravenous (IV) catheter access, IV fluids, and IV antibiotics. Additional therapy may include: Anti-vomiting medication (e.g., maropitant)
How can I help my dog breathe easier?
There are things that you can do to help soothe the airway and make breathing easier.
- Keep your pets bedding clean and dry.
- Vacuum frequently to keep your floor sniffing dog from inhaling dust and dirt.
- Decrease pollen in the home by using a HEPA filter and dusting with a microfiber cloth to trap the dust.
How many times can I Nebulize my dog?
Do not exceed three treatments per day unless advised by your veterinarian. The dose of albuterol may need to be adjusted based on the size of the dog. Following the albuterol, use the nebulizer with 2–3 cc of sterile saline.
How do I know if my dog aspirated?
The following are signs of aspiration pneumonia in dogs:
- Coughing.
- Irregular breathing.
- Runny nose.
- Dehydration.
- Loss of appetite.
- Difficulty breathing.
How do I know if my dog aspirated food?
Symptoms of aspiration pneumonia include breathing difficulties, swallowing difficulties, coughing, fever, discharge from the nasal passages, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, a bluish tinge to the skin (cyanosis), and a possible intolerance to exercise due to weakness.
What do you do for a dog with coupage?
Coupage, or thoracic percussion therapy, involves cupping your hands and gently patting your dog’s chest wall rapidly but gently, which helps loosen deep lung fluids and secretions.
What happens to the lungs of a dog with coupage?
Coupage loosens materials that have accumulated in the deep lung tissue, including pus, mucus and other fluids. The force exerted on the lungs through coupage moves those materials into the dog’s major airways, which in turn will induce coughing.
How to treat nebulization and coupage in dogs?
“After coupage, encourage your dog to get up and walk around, as activity will promote coughing and help your dog to bring up the loosened secretions.” Gradually work your way around your dog’s entire chest, coupaging each area of the chest on both sides of the body. This procedure should take only a few minutes.
How is coupage used to treat pneumonia in dogs?
Coupage is a physical therapy technique frequently used in combination with other therapies to treat pneumonia patients. Coupage, or thoracic percussion therapy, involves cupping your hands and gently patting your dog’s chest wall rapidly but gently, which helps loosen deep lung fluids and secretions.
