Does my dog need medicine for kennel cough? When should I see a vet?

It can take several days for kennel cough to start to improve even with medication. Once the active infection is cleared it can still take weeks to months sometimes for the cough to completely go away. But if Tobi seems worse at all, or starts acting sick otherwise, doesn't want to eat, lethargic etc. then please take her back to be rechecked. In some cases kennel cough can develop into a worse infection or pneumonia. Many times antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed. If it has only been a day or two I would consider giving it a little more time, but if otherwise concerns please contact Tobi's veterinarian to see what else could be done I hope she feels better soon thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The good thing is that kennel cough can self resolve meaning that it does not always have to be treated. When it is viral instead of bacterial in nature, it does not need antibiotics and usually self resolves though sometimes there is a need for cough suppressants. I would recommend to continue to monitor Lily for now. If she develops a cough or any other symptoms such as lethargy or inappetence to have her evaluated then. I hope she gets out of this in no time! Have a good day!

Kennel cough is usually a self limiting infection and in 1 to 2 weeks time will completely disappear without any treatment. However sometime an anti inflammatory medication and an antibiotic treatment is indicated (and probably this was your case). Your puppy should gradually improve but if you do not see an improvement in the next 24-36 hrs I recommend a recheck at your veterinarian, earlier if she is getting worse. In the meantime I suggest to use a harness instead of a collar to walk her outside to avoid pushing on the inflamed trachea and make her cough even more. Good and post again if you would like further advices. I hope this answer was helpful.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Shasta!! Kennel cough can be frustrating for you and Shasta! It could be caused by many organisms: Bordatella, viruses, other bacteria and mycoplasmas. It is usually self limiting in a healthy dog and may take 2 weeks. Over the counter human medications are not recommended for pets to suppress the cough. I recommend calling your Vet in the morning and see if they will prescribe cough tabs with out seeing him. A lot of the type Vets put them on a course of antibiotics, but would likely want to see him first. I wish you and Shasta the best of luck!

You can give honey if you wish to try and soothe your dog's throat if he has kennel cough - it can sometimes help a little, and won't hurt anything. Normally, kennel cough causes relatively mild symptoms and resolves on its own within a week or two, but in rare cases it can progress to pneumonia or other serious problems. If your dog is not eating, acting lethargic, or coughing so much that he has trouble resting or sleeping, then I would recommend having him examined by a vet - he may need antibiotics and prescription cough suppressants to help resolve the infection more quickly and make him more comfortable.

Kennel cough can last anywhere from 7-14 days, but on average around 7 days. Those two medications won't keep kennel cough around, they are meant to treat for it. Although Allegra is more for just allergies and inflammation. If your pet has been coughing for a long period of time then it is likely not due to kennel cough. It can be an underlying bronchitis, pneumonia, tracheal collapse or a heart condition. I would start with x-rays here.

I'm sorry Krystal has kennel cough. Have her see a vet, who can prescribe her medications to help with her symptoms. Any dog with kennel cough should be isolated for at least two weeks, possibly longer depending on the severity of the infection. Keep her in a well-humidified area, and use a harness instead of a collar to minimize coughing. Rest her for at least seven days to minimize irritation of the airways caused by excessive coughing. You can bring her into the bathroom with you while you have a shower, as the steam may help with the respiratory irritation. I hope this helps!