Ask the Vet About Kennel Cough in Dogs and Cats
As a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Dym has over 19 years of experience and dedication to enhancing the overall health and well-being of pets. His commitment and passion for pet health continuously drives him to learn more about the art and science of homeopathy through ongoing training and education.
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Question:He has a dry, unproductive cough all day/ night but still is alert and eating. Is there something I should/ could give him to ease his coughing and discomfort
Answer:They will cough for many different reasons ao see your veterinarian if it doesn't improve quickly for a definitive diagnosis. At his age kennel cough is most common. With kennel cough, if they are eating and have relatively normal energy levels, we don't treat them with anything - just let their body heal on its own. If the coughing goes on for a long time and becomes non-productive (dry, not coughing anything up), here is a link to our article about treating kennel cough with many treatment options, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/kennel-cough-treatment-dog-cat-44.html
Question:What can I give my 8 nth old Alaskan klee kai for kennel cough do I need a veterinarian's prescription for antibiotics
Answer:With kennel cough, if they are eating and have relatively normal energy levels, we don't treat them with anything - just let their body heal on its own. If the coughing goes on for a long time and becomes non-productive (dry, not coughing anything up), here is a link to our article about treating kennel cough with many treatment options, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/kennel-cough-treatment-dog-cat-44.html
Question:Puppy was prescribed doxycycline for kennel cough, taken for 5 days. Now she has giardia as well and prescribed metronidazole and albon liquid. Can al be taken together or should I stop doxycycline?
Answer:There is no adverse interaction between any of those - they can be given together.
Question:How long should I wait out kennel cough before I take my puppy to the vet ?
Answer:With kennel cough, if they are eating and have relatively normal energy levels, we don't treat them with anything - just let their body heal on its own. If the coughing goes on for a long time and becomes non-productive (dry, not coughing anything up) that is when it's a good idea to see your veterinarian or if the pup acts mopey or stops eating. Here is a link to our article about treating kennel cough with many treatment options, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/kennel-cough-treatment-dog-cat-44.html
Question:Can amoxicillin be given to dogs with kennel cough?
Answer:Yes, but they will often improve on their own without needing to take antibiotics.
Question:Can I give my dog sore throat spray to help with kennel cough? Or benadryl in pill form if I put it in cheese or something?
Answer:No on the spray - yes with the benadryl BUT it won't help much because kennel cough is a bacterial infection, not an allergy. Here is a link to our article about kennel cough, with various treatment options, both prescription and over-the-counter: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/kennel-cough-dog-cat-44.html
Question:What medication will I need for my dogs Kennel cough?
Answer:Dogs will cough for many reasons (heartworms, sensitive trachea, kennel cough and other infectious reasons, bronchitis, heart failure, cancer, etc etc).While coughing may be self-limiting in some cases, in other cases coughing may become severe or chronic and require veterinary evaluation and exam. Stool testing for parasites and chest x rays may be indicated. Blood work is also necessary in some cases, as well as to test for heartworm disease in dogs and cats. Here is a link to our article about coughing, other potential causes and various treatment options, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/common-causes-coughing-pet-54.htm
Question:My vet prescribed Guaf 100mg/Dextro 10 mg for my puppies cough. Is it safe to supplement this with Homeopet cough?
Answer:Yes, there is no adverse interaction between those 2 medications.
Question:My dog has kennel cough and I don’t know how to help him. What should I do?
Answer:There are many causes of coughing, so be sure it is kennel cough. With kennel cough, if they are eating and have relatively normal energy levels, we don't treat them with anything - just let their body heal on its own. If the coughing goes on for a long time and becomes non-productive (dry, not coughing anything up), here is a link to our article about treating kennel cough with many treatment options, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/kennel-cough-treatment-dog-cat-44.html
Question:The article from this site said childrens musinex should help with the coughing but doesn't say how much i have a standard sized elderly schnauzer
Answer:The active ingredient should only be Guaifenesin. The dose for dogs of this product is 20mg/lb (or 44mg/kg) given twice daily. Keep in mind that you never want to suppress a productive cough or you can cause pneumonia - they often need to cough up what is making them cough. Add to that, they cough from MANY differnt reasons (heart failure, allergic bronchitic, heartworms, etc etc.) so if it continues or worsens, see your veterinarian.
Question:My dog ran down a groundhog and kill it. Should I be concerned?
Answer:If s/he is well vaccinated for Rabies and didn't sustain a puncture wound, they are usually fine.
Question:I am Boxer/American Bulldog mix (75 lbs). My dog stayed a kennel last week while I was out of town, and came home with a cough, the kennel let us know that another dog owner advised them that their dog had kennel cough. My dog is eating/drinking as normal but is hacking. Is there anything I could give OTC to help, without having to go through a vet visit?
Answer:With kennel cough, if they are eating and have relatively normal energy levels, we don't treat them with anything - just let their body heal on it's own. If the coughing goes on for a long time (many days) and becomes non-productive (dry, not coughing anything up), here is a link to our article about treating kennel cough with many treatment options, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/kennel-cough-treatment-dog-cat-44.html
Question:Hi, I have 3 Yorkies who picked up kennel cough from the groomers. I was able to get 1 into the vet and was diagnosised with it. The other 2 cannot get in to see the vet for at least 6 weeks. I saw on here I can give Mucinex cough medicine for children but it does not say how much. My babies weigh 7lbs and 12.5 lbs. Also one of the 7 lbs might be pregnant, is it safe for her? If not what is? Thank you.
Answer:No definitely don't give it to the pregnant one. I am not a fan of cough suppressants in dogs with kennel cough - they are coughing for a reason - to get the infection up and out - if you suppress it down in their chest they can get pneumonia.
Question:My male yorkie almost 4 years old (intact) began hacking like he was trying to vomit or regurgitate something. I googled the symptoms and got kennel cough. He does not have contact with other dogs but does go on public walks. I cant afford a vet visit. Can he get over it at home? No fever. Just an annoying cough. How can i make him more comfortable? Is it true a little honey can help? Can i get antibiotics online and skip a vet visit?
Answer:Dogs will cough for many reasons (heartworms, sensitive trachea, kennel cough and other infectious reasons, bronchitis, heart failure, cancer, etc etc).While coughing may be self-limiting in some cases, in other cases coughing may become severe or chronic and require veterinary evaluation and exam. Stool testing for parasites and chest x rays may be indicated. Blood work is also necessary in some cases, as well as to test for heartworm disease in dogs and cats. Here is a link to our article about coughing, other potential causes and various treatment options, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/common-causes-coughing-pet-54.htm
Question:How can I get a prescription for Clavamox
Answer:In veterinary medicine, a veterinarian that has met your pup locally, face-to-face, legally has to approve the prescription.
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