LoveToKnow Dogs:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Dogs

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Hi JL 122, and welcome to the site.

A DA2PP does not protect against kennel cough, so chances are strong that your pup will also come down with the virus. I'm glad you have a vet appointment coming up because you can discuss the issue with your vet. The vet can administer a kennel cough vaccine, but it may not prevent whichever strain your pup has been exposed to.

As for spaying your rescue dog, the vet will most likely want to wait until the virus has passed. This usually takes about two to three weeks, and it takes a while for the immune system to regain its full strength.

Thanks for your questions, and I'm sure everything will work out even though you're experiencing some complications right now. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

A stray came into my life a couple of days ago and now she is experiencing the beginning stages of Kennel Cough. My question is about my puppy who is 3 months old. He received his first DAPP Distemper/Parvo shot last month. Will he be immune to this cough or must I try to keep them separated? He's due for more shots in a couple of days but I'm not sure which ones.

And I'm trying to line her up for a cheap spay -- I've very afraid she was kicked to the curb because her former handlers believed she was pregnant. She's the right age 6 - 9 months and is sleeping like a champ AND has terrible gas, but that might just be new food.

Recap: is my puppy safe from kennel cough with DAPP vaccine?

Can she be spayed with kennel cough or must I treat it first -- it's not bad -- only coughs occasionally -- like 3 x a day so far.

-- Contributed by: JL122

Hi Musky,

Don't feel too bad about the kennel cough, it's actually quite common in dogs coming from a rescue shelter. The virus is usually gone withing two to three weeks, so it's a matter of supporting your dog while her immune system fights off the virus. The measures mentioned above should help, and we also have another article on the topic that you might find helpful. Check out How Do I Cure Kennel Cough. I think the steam treatments are the most helpful because they loosen the mucus.

Thanks for visiting, and I hope your dog recovers quickly. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

So im getting a dog from the Kennel. And she was soo happy and healthy then the next day my sister went to take it for a walk.. and they said she had the kennel cough. So im taking lists to help it. Do you think the things abve will help her ?

-- Contributed by: Musky

Hi April,

Great question, but after considerable searching I wasn't able to find any information on using Pelargonium sidoides for dogs. I did find an herbal remedy for kennel cough at NativeRemedies.com, but it doesn't contain the herb you ask about. There is a link at the bottom of that page where you can send a question, so maybe that will prove helpful.

I think your best option is to ask your own vet about Pelargonium sidoides. If he or she isn't versed in natural remedies, you can ask for a referral to a holistic veterinarian who should certainly be able to tell you whether this is a safe and correct remedy to try.

Thanks for your question, and please let us know what you find out.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Does anyone have any experience with the ingredient Pelargonium sidoides (found in Umcka Cold Care) for use with dogs to treat an upper respiratory infection? I can't find any information anywhere on the web if this is safe or not.

-- Contributed by: April

Hi Rick,

I'm so glad the info helped! Which treatment or combination did you use?

-- Contributed by: Kelly

THANKS FOR THE INFO ON KENNEL COUGH AS IT HAS HELPED ME HELP MY DOG. SO MANY VETS WONT OR CANT TELL YOU OF ANY WAYS TO SAVE MONEY WHILE TREATING THIS DIEASE OF OUR LOVED ONES. THANKS AGAIN

-- Contributed by: RICK

Hi Wanda,

I'm glad the article helped. I hope your dog recovers quickly. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Thank you for the information. I called my vet and was told that they suspected that my dog had kennel cough but would have to wait 3 days before his appointment. Being concerned about waiting so long. This information eased my mind and I will be able to help ease my dogs suffering.

-- Contributed by: Wanda

Hi Summer, welcome to the site.

Thanks for your kind comment. I just added a video so everyone can hear what kennel cough sounds like so they can compare it to their own dog's symptoms. Hope it provides more help. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Kelly, Your article on kennel cough symptoms and treatments is very informative and really helped alot. Thanks!

-- Contributed by: Summer

Hi Kathy,

I recommend you visit a local herbal shop. There are likely general dosing directions on these supplements, but you would probably be able to ask a customer service representative to help you determine the dosage for your dog. You might also want to visit NativeRemedies.com. They actually sell many of these supplements especially for pets and should be able to give you dosing info based on your dog's size.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

If I decide to give my puppy any of the following remedies what dosage do I give her. She has kennel cough. I rather not give her antibiotics just yet unless the vet says its absolutely needed but I do want to help relieve soma pain. Plantago lanceolata: Plantago is a well known herbal remedy in the homeopathic community. It's an all around cough treatment that acts as an expectorant to help your dog cough up the mucous, as well as an anti-catarrhal to prevent mucous production. This in turn eases inflammation of the bronchial tubes and provides your dog a measure of relief. Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea is regarded as an immune system booster that fortifies the body's fight against cold and flu. Furthermore, it provides additional support to the immune system after an infection until your dog is 100% recovered. Bryonia C6: Bryonia works double duty to moisturize irritated mucous membranes as well as clear mucous out of the system.

-- Contributed by: Kathy

Hi Ralph, welcome to the site!

You'll find plenty of free dog info here. Take some time to browse around.

Other useful articles about kennel cough include:

Thanks for visiting. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Great!! Just what I was looking for and another site wanted to charge for.

-- Contributed by: Ralph Bartlett

Hi Brooke,

Sounds like you truly have your hands full right now. Since all four of your dogs have the virus. I think it would be best to give your vet a call. I think the biggest challenge you face is the possibility that they could reinfect each other as they begin to recover at different rates.

Thanks for your question, and hopefully the virus will run its course quickly.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I adopted a puppy from the local animal shelter. After 2 days, she began showing signs of kennel cough. Well I also have 3 other dogs inside with her and need-less-to-say all 4 of my dogs have kennel cough now. What should I do???

-- Contributed by: Brooke

Hi Tee,

I don't think the antibiotics used to treat secondary bacterial infections to the kennel cough are all that expensive. It's generally the office calls and supportive procedures like chest X-rays that can drive up the bill.

To find out which antibiotics vets prefer in this situation, it would be best to call your vet directly. There are a number of different types and strengths vets recommend, depending on the severity of the infection.

Thanks for your questions. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

What type of antibiotics are they treating kennel cough with that are so expensive???

-- Contributed by: tee

Hi Annette,

The main problem right now is that your dog's immune system has been overtaxed trying to fight off the persistent virus. The antibiotics are only good against secondary bacterial infections. They won't touch the virus.

People who follow holistic treatment methods and natural remedies often recommend adding a few drops of colloidal silver to a dog's drinking water or on the tongue to help strengthen the immune system. This takes time to build up in the dog's system, so it's not an immediate cure.

Until your dog is fully recovered, it's not a good idea to take him out and about around other dogs. He would be susceptible to picking up other bugs as well as infecting other dogs. Your best option is to toss a ball or frisbee around the back yard with him so he gets some exercise and fresh air.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog finally kicks the infection once and for all.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog was dx with KC about 7 weeks ago since then she has been given two different sets of antibiotics and she is still sneezing oftern and hacking occasionally. I have arelady spent $500 (ex rays ect..) This past week I started giving her Vitamin C and Echine. My big issue now is trying a new natural med and figuring out how I can keep her excersided and socialized, having been in for 7 weeks is too much, any thoughts?

-- Contributed by: annette

Hi Tina,

I have heard of owners giving their dogs pediatric cold medicine, but the problem lies in figuring out the correct dosage for your dog. I think it would be best to call your vet and ask for a recommendation. In the meantime, why don't you try creating a sauna to help make your dog's cough more productive. Run the shower with the bathroom door closed so the steam builds up. Bring your dog in, turn off the water and let him breathe in the steam for about 20 minutes. This should help open up his airways and loosen some of the phlegm.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find this info helpful.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

is there any kind of medicine i can get at walmart to help my dogs cough, such as robituson?

thank you

-- Contributed by: tina

Hi Amy,

Thankfully, this virus takes about two to three weeks to run its course on its own. Most of the time there are no complications, unless a secondary bacterial infection takes hold. I recommend keping your floors and your dog's food dish extra clean at this time while his immune system is busy fighting off the virus. You can find some of the herbals listed above at a site called Nature's Remedies. They are dedicated to holistic solutions.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog is feeling better soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 2 1/2 yr old male golden lab who I let have a playdate 2 wks ago with my sisters puppy who I foundout this past monday that her german shep puupy has kennel cough from her putting her puppy in doggy day care. Now my dog has a nasal clear discharge out of his nose along with the start of a cough. Can I do these home remedys before anticipating another large bill fromthe vet(Ihave been back n forth these past 2 wks with my 20 yr old cat). And I heard 500c Cit c also was a good remedy 3X a day. Do I buy these products in a regular people health food store? Thanks Aimee

-- Contributed by: Amy

Hi Heather,

This really could be a recurring case of kennel cough. Your dog went through round one, and should have come out more resistant to the strain he probably had. The problem is, his immune system was taxed fighting off the last virus. There are many viruses that cause the same kennel cough symptoms, and it's possible your dog was exposed to another one that caused this most recent bout of coughing. My suggestion is to consult your vet about what has been going on, and see if there is anything you can do to give your dog's immune system a boost.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the cough goes away very soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have an 11 year old Golden Retriever. He started with this cough about a month ago, and then it went away. It came back a week or so ago with a vengence. He's eating well and drinking plenty of fluids. I also gave him children's cough medicine (he hated that as well) but it seems to relax him and allow him to sleep. The coughing seems more acute when he gets excited, so we are trying to keep him relaxed and and as comfortable as we can. He barks like a banshee, but he doesn't cough after that. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

-- Contributed by: Heather

Hi Laura,

Continue with the complete round of antibiotics. It doesn't sound like your dog has quite turned the corner yet, and the additional sneezing will likely clear up as the antibiotic begins to overtake the bacterial infection. That said, if you truly feel your dog is getting worse instead of better, call your vet for a recheck. You can't be too careful with respiratory infections because they can progress into pneumonia if they aren't caught in time.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog is feeling better very soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 9 y.o. beagle/whippet mix. Onset of symptoms was 5 days ago - had temp (rectal) of 103.8 (has come down), swollen lymph nodes, runny nose (clear) the first two days and glazed/red eyes and vet said she had a respiratory infection - gave her antibiotic. The last two days since seeing the vet, she has been sneezing like crazy. Her appetite is getting a little better but she is still sleeping all the time - and the sneezing is a new symptom. Thoughts? Thanks for any help.

-- Contributed by: Laura

I am fostering a 2-3 month old pit mix. I have had him for a week and he has been very active, eating, etc. Starting last night at bedtime, his nose seemed to be stuffed up. He was unable to get comfortable and woke up throughout the night struggling with his stuffy nose. I gave him some children's cough medicine - which he hated, but he slept better. His activity level and appetite is the same, not sure if this a "cold", allergies, or kennel cough.

Hi Beth,

Right now it sounds like a simple cold, but watch for that signature hacking to cough. The shower steam recommended in the article above is great for opening up nasal passages.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this cold is a short one. :)

-- Contributed by: Beth

Thank you so much for your help.merry christmas and happy new year luv meg and lisa.xx

Merry Christmas to you too!

-- Contributed by: lisa

HI,IVE JUUST RESCUED A LIL DOG CALLED MEG,SHES GOT A BATTLE WITH KENNEL COUGH AT THE MOMENT{ITS A HEAVY INFECTION SHES 7},ALSO SHES DUE TO HAVE A SPADE OP ON 7TH DEC AND AT SAME TIME HER TEETH.IM WORRIED SHE WONT MAKE IT.SHES SEEN HER VET BUT IM SCARED FOR HER.THANKYOU FOR YOUR INFO ITS SO HELPFUL.CAN I ASK SHOULD A DOG BE SPADED AT HER AGE GIVEN I JUST GOT HER ON 23RD NOV,SHE HASNT GOT LONG TO RECOVER FROM HER KENNEL GOUGH BATTLE BUT HER VET BOOKED IT BEFORE I RESCUED HER.

Expert Reply

Hi Lisa,

You'll want to reschedule your dog's spaying and teeth cleaning appointment. The vet will want to make sure your dog is healthy again before performing surgery on her. No vet will chance an operation on a dog that has a respiratory infection because this makes the anesthesia more dangerous.

As for your dog's age, yes, it's okay to spay a seven-year-old dog as long as she is in good health.

I do recommend that you ask your vet to examine your dog's cough to try to determine if she has a secondary respiratory infection that's making her symptoms worse. If this is the case, a round of antibiotics might be helpful in reducing the severity of her symptoms.

Thanks for your questions, and I hope your dog is feeling better soon.

-- Contributed by: LISA

Thank you this was very helpful and relieving as well! I though my dog was dying lol! Thanks for clearing that up for me!

Expert Reply

Hi Calli,

I really glad you found the article helpful. I hope your dog is feeling better soon.

-- Contributed by: calli

Hi Rebecca,

I'm glad you found this article helpful. Although there is no substitute for veterinary care when you truly need it, it's nice to have some tips on hand to handle minor health problems at home.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

this article gave me confidence to trust in my own instincts I would normally have gone running off to the vets and paid out a fortune in treatment not necessarilly required. I didnt no kennel cough was just like the common cold I thought is was very serious!!

-- Contributed by: rebecca bailey
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