Why are both my dogs sick with coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dogs. I worry that they have an infectious problem if all dogs have the same symptoms. It is best to seek veterinary care if the others are not recovering. I worry that they will become dehydrated from losing fluid in the stool and vomit even if they are drinking some. Fecal testing may be recommended depending on the exam findings. If an infection can be diagnosed, preventive measures an be instituted to prevent a recurrence. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Gracie and Beau. If they are both are exhibiting similar symptoms, I worry that they have something infectious. They may require fecal testing and medication to clear up their symptoms. I worry that they may become dehydrated as well with losing fluid in the both the vomit and the diarrhea. I would encourage them to drink frequent small amounts of water. It is generally safe to withhold food for 18-24 hours in a effort to rest the gastrointestinal tract. This may help alleviate the symptoms. I hope this information helps!

Considering your description I would consider the cough as the primary sign, whereas the vomiting episodes could be secondary to intense inflammation of the trachea and potentially bronchi. This kind of cough could be due to infective causes (like kennel cough syndrome), which is usually self limiting and does not require treatment (maybe that is the case of Buddy, the older one) unless systemic signs are present. Having said that, considering that there are systemic signs of lethargy I would recommend a check up as antibiotics may be needed.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Pilot. He may have an upper respiratory tract infection based on the symptoms you have described. Affected dogs will typically have a gagging cough that may or may not bring up a white foamy material. They can sneeze and have eye or nose discharge. Some dogs are lethargic and will not eat as much. If his symptoms persist until tomorrow, he will need to see his veterinarian. If he is refusing to eat or drink, then I would have him seen today. In the meantime, keep him home and away from other dogs as he may be contagious. I hope this information helps!

I'm wondering if she actually has a productive cough - a cough can sound very similar to attempted vomiting in a dog and they will often retch at the end and produce a small amount of white foam. This would go along with the runny nose that you're seeing. You should see your vet - this could be a sign of an upper respiratory infection, an infection like kennel cough, or even pneumonia. Even if she has not been around other dogs and she is the only one showing symptoms at this point an infection is still possible.

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!

Thank you for posting your question. If you have introduced a new diet or treat prior to these symptoms arising, that could be the cause and could be a bit of dietary indiscretion. In regards to the canine flu, there are typically other symptoms that we will see and they do not fit the typical presentation. I would say that if their symptoms are no better after doing 24 hours of pepto bismol, I would have them checked out at the vet. Another possibility is that they both got into something toxic. If this is the case, then the sooner you get them in to be seen and tested, the better. Please feel free to contact me with any other concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation.