My dog has bronchitis. How to avoid unnecessary meds or prednisone side effects?

If the bronchitis is secondary to infection, then the antibiotics should resolve the infection. Once the infection is resolved, the inflammation should resolve as well. The "other medicines" may be anti inflammatory meds and possibly cough meds which will help relieve symptoms.

If nothing else has helped for the bronchitis, I have to wonder is it bronchitis for sure? Could it be anything else? X-rays, heartworm Test, CBC, parasite check are all important. If your vet has ruled out everything else, then yes, you could try an antihistamine to see if there is an allergy component. If not, a lot of people have luck with trying an inhaler with their dog. You are lucky to be in Canada and not here in the States as inhalers are a lot less expensive there! They are used with a mask and spacing system.

Prednisone is commonly given to dogs that coughing to help. It is generally not a side effect of it. Most common side effects are increased appetite, drinking alot, urinating alot, panting and a bloated, distended abdomen

Unfortunately we cannot give you recommendation for dosage of a prescription drug online without having physically checked your dog first, this is against the law. you will have to contact your personal vet directly he might be able to give you this information over the phone.

It's possible that the inflammation in the airways just has not completely resolved, and the pred was helping to decrease that inflammation. If he's still eating and drinking, and he's active and happy, I wouldn't be too concerned yet. Give it another 5 days or so, if the cough is still persisting, followup with your vet. If his breathing is labored at all, or if he seems depressed or has a decreased appetite, please followup with your vet. As for being contagious, he may still be. I would wait at least another week before having him around other dogs. Here some more information you may find helpful. https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/kennel-cough/ Thanks for asking PetCoach!

Some dogs will have an elongated soft palate that can become inflamed, and prednisone helps reduce inflammation. Dachshunds are also more likely to develop a disease called lymphocytic-plasmacytic rhinitis that causes chronic nasal inflammation. This disease is usually diagnosed by taking biopsy samples during a rhinoscopy. In either case, the prednisone would probably not completely eliminate the disease and some kind of medication might be needed long term. I would recommend discussing treatment options with your veterinarian. I think his chest x-rays look normal for his breed.

If the bronchitis is caused by a virus it can take up three weeks for the body to fight it. However if your dog still has breathing trouble I strongly suggest you take Mocha back to your vet for a recheck. You can help her breathe by taking her with you into the bathroom when you take a hot shower as the steam from the shower will help.