My dog is taking Clavamox for a cold. Is he still contagious?

Hello, my name is Dr. Elizabeth and I am happy to help. I hate to hear D was sick but it sounds like he is improving, which is great. And congrats on the new puppy, how exciting! I think your concern is warranted as you don't want the new puppy to get sick. In general, pets are considered not contagious if they haven't been coughing for a week. Or once they start antibiotics, generally they will not be contagious (assuming they respond well as expected) within a week into therapy. These are generalized assumptions but keep in mind, every pet is different. Personally, I would want the antibiotic on board for 10 days AND no coughing for 10 days before I would bring home a puppy. I would also clean the house really well including washing all dogs beds/blankets, vacuuming and mopping to decrease bacteria and viruses in the environment. If possible, have the breeder go ahead and give the Bordetella vaccine (ideally a week or longer ) before the new puppy is due to arrive at your house. I hope this helps and please feel free to reach out any time!

Yes, lethargy can be a side effect of Clavamox, and it could also be a side effect of Higdon from feeling so ill from bronchitis. He should start feeling better in a couple of days from the antibiotic, so if he is still lethargic in another 72 hours, I would take him back into the vet for an exam.

Clavamox is good for 10 days in the refrigerator. I would recommend having Bella rechecked by your veterinarian before restarting the Clavamox. While a decrease in appetite might be a side effect I would not expect coughing and wheezing - this could have been from the endotracheal tube used during anesthesia or could be a sign of respiratory or cardiac disease. Your veterinarian may want to assess Bella's lymph nodes again before restarting the antibiotic, or may recommend a different antibiotic instead.

there have been no accurate studies that have been performed regarding the safety of Clavamox in lactating female dogs, but on the other hand there is also no evidence that there is any significant risk in this sort of situation. in general it is considered safe and many vets prescribe Clavamox to lactating dogs.

Poor Rosie! Tracheobronchitis can be contagious to other dogs. She may be contagious for a few weeks as there are multiple organisms that can cause it and they can persist for varying periods of time. Your veterinarian may have more specific recommendations or the dog daycare may want her to be rechecked prior to her going back.

Most dogs with staph infections are not considered contagious unless they are infected with MRSA or have a staph infection due to an infectious condition (like ringworm). I recommend to call your veterinarian and clarify is Rotor at risk for a contagious form. I hope this helps.

Dogs are typically "contagious" for the first week or so of illness. To be safe, isolate Luna from other dogs for about two weeks. The cough may linger for longer but is not an indication of active infection.