My dog has kennel cough, coughing mucus. Could it be pneumonia?

I am sorry to hear that Bailey hasn’t been feeling well. Anytime I have a patient who is coughing a few days after vomiting I worry that they may have aspiration pneumonia. I would highly encourage you to have a follow up appointment with your veterinarian soon. Hopefully he does not have pneumonia, but it is a fairly common problem after vomiting events. Best of luck and I hope Bailey improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The diarrhea is very common after boarding and can be related to either the food or the stress/excitement of boarding. The thirst is usually secondary (that is, to keep up with the water loss of the diarrhea.) The antibiotics Tylan and metronidazole are commonly prescribed for diarrhea because they restore the gut bacteria balance and have some anti-inflammatory effects in the gut as well. I expect that part o clear up in a few days. The cough could still be kennel cough. “Kennel cough” is a syndrome that can be caused by about a dozen viruses and bacteria. The current kennel cough vaccine only covers one bacterial cause. If it is mild, you may not need to do anything. Most dogs clear kennel cough on their own within 4 weeks. If she is not eating, is lethargic, the cough is severe or keeps her (or you) up at night, you need to see your vet for antibiotics and/or a cough suppressant. Of course coughing can also be: pneumonia, fungal infection, heart disease, bronchitis, and others. So if you are worried at all, see your vet. Best wishes to you and the pups!

Hello, and thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm glad that you contacted your local vet already - even if they don't have availability today, I recommend scheduling the earliest opening they have to get Louis examined. With his history of going to doggy daycare, his age, the comment from your vet that they've been seeing other cases recently, and Louis' symptoms, this sounds like it may be kennel cough. Until Louis is seen by your vet, keep him away from other dogs as he is likely contagious. Kennel cough can be caused by either a virus or a bacteria, but your vet may decide to start him on an antibiotic if they suspect it may be a bacterial cause such as bordetella. As long as Louis is acting bright and happy at home, and eating normally, then this isn't an emergency and can wait until your vet is available. However, if at any point you notice Louis becoming lethargic, his breathing becomes exaggerated or labored, or if he loses his appetite, then you should bring him in to an emergency clinic if your primary vet can't fit him in sooner, to make sure he's not developing something more concerning such as a secondary pneumonia. There are other things that can cause coughing in dogs, such as parasites, allergies, and heart problems, but I would rate these much lower on the list of concerns. Hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Pete! Was Pete put on antibiotics when he was seen? Kennel cough is caused by many viral, bacterial or mycoplasma organisms. There is only the ONE vaccine for Bordatella. A lot of dogs sadly get a different bacteria or virus that causes the kennel cough signs. Kennel cough is very goose honkey. Since Pete is lethargic, has a decreased appetite, is pacing at night and is 12 years old he should be rechecked. I would recommend X-rays of his chest. If his heart and lungs look clear then either put him on antibiotics and a cough suppressant if he isn't on anything or change the medications since he isn't improving and is actually getting worse. I worry about older dogs with possible kennel cough. The young and the old have increased risk for kennel cough to progress to pneumonia. I hope this helps and I wish Pete the very best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection which sometimes can even affect the lower respitatory system or lungs. It is sometimes due to bacterial or viral infections. This is a relatively common disease in puppies especially if not vaccinated. It is contagious and usually dogs get it from other affected dogs. Coughing can of course happen due to other pulmonary conditions like pneumonia for example. I recommend that you have Naja evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may take thoracic radiographs and may prescribe antibiotics. Good luck and have a good day!

I'm so sorry Ollie is having this problem. It sounds like Ollie needs to go back for a recheck examination and possibly some x-rays of his lungs. Sometimes kennel cough can progress into pneumonia and will need different treatment, so I would recommend having your veterinarian evaluate him again. In the meantime, you can take him into the bathroom with you when you shower for 5-10 minutes because the humidity should help loosen things in his lungs and make him feel a little bettter. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi and thanks for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach this afternoon! I am sorry to hear Eleanor still has a cough. If her cough has not gotten better but worse and she has green mucous draining from her nose, she likely still has an upper respiratory infection and should be seen and treated at your local veterinary clinic. Another (likely longer) round of perhaps a different antibiotic may be prescribed. Your vet may test for distemper and/or do chest x-rays to check for pneumonia. I hope this has helped answer your question and I hope you are able to bring her into her vet's office soon. Best to you and Eleanor!