Kennel Cough??????????
Hi all,
I took my new puppy to the vet on Monday b/c he has kennel cough. They gave him some antibiotics and said that he should take them for 10 days. Well, it's been three and his coughing has not gotten any better. Is it normal for him to still be coughing?
Thanks
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yes- it's normal. that's why you have antibiotics for 10 days.
Yes. Some dogs are worse with this, than others - and often those who have had vaccination/boosters against KC, although could still be affected, won't be as bad as those who have had no vaccination. This is a virus, and as such, just has to run it's course. The antibiotics won't cure the KC, because it's a virus. However, these days many vets are prescribing a course of antibiotics to help prevent the Cough going to pneumonia, which, for puppies and the elderly especially, is obviously serious.
In the UK, we use Benelyn, small amounts, to help with the coughing, but basically there's not much to be done other than keep him quiet if you can, and TOTALLY AWAY FROM ANY OTHER DOGS until all symptoms have stopped + a week or so.
ps If you have to see the vet again, please do NOT take your puppy into the vet's waiting area. Keep him outside until the vet is ready to see you, telling reception you are there. It's hugely contagious, and he will pass it on to any other dogs in the waiting area.
Kennel Cough (Bordetella) is a virus. Viruses are not helped by antibiotics. The coughing has to run its course, which can be several weeks.
The antibiotics are for secondary infections that dogs are prone to when they get bordetella.
Give your dog the full course of antibiotics. If your dog is still coughing heavily, ask the vet for some cough suppressant. DO NOT give cough medicine from the drugstore unless your vet tells you to.
New puppy, pretty young? If he is young the vet wouldn't give him something very strong. Puppies are like babies and need a lot of care. Just think of and treat him as a baby. The antibiotics should be taken on time for the full duration of ten days if you want them to work well on the puppy.
Yes its normal...can take quite a while for the coughing to stop. Ive known dogs who have had to have two rounds of antibiotics to completely kick it.
Yes its normal, just don't take him out and spread it to other dogs and give the antibiotics time to work...full 10 days.............you can help him by putting in some honey in his drinking water, it will help sooth his throat and has antibiotic/anti infammatory properties of its own.
if the vet said 10 days wait intil 10 days and if it is not better take him in...the vet know best...
yes, normal