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What helps a 5-month-old puppy with kennel cough feel better?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 4 months and 29 days old

What can I give my 5 month old puppy for kennel cough to help her not cough as much and help her feel better?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 30th, 2018

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!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on August 10th, 2019
It could be kennel cough, but without seeing Spunky in person, I can't say for certain. I see from your info that she is very young, and I never recommend trying to treat young puppies at home. They are just too delicate. Have her seen by a vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on September 20th, 2019
Kennel cough, if that is what she has, typically resolves on its own in about 2 weeks. Ideally, Nova should be physically examined by your vet to confirm infection. Antibiotics may be given to treat secondary infection, but this is not always the case. Cough suppressants may be dispensed for severe coughing. Do not give her anything OTC without first speaking with your vet. A half teaspoon of honey may help soothe her throat.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Silvia De Cecco, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 14th, 2017
I would recommend to keep her quiet, make sure she eats and continues to behave normally until her visit to the vet. I would use a harness instead of a collar to avoid pulling on the trachea and add a bit of water on her dry food to soften it a little bit. If kennel cough is confirmed by your veterinarian he/she might suggest to postpone vaccinations till Merry is back to normal. Kennel cough is generally a self limiting disease but keep a close eye on Merry and get her to the vet before Saturday if you are worried.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

My dog has kennel cough, still coughing after human cough syrup?

Oh no, poor Rosie! I would not give her any more Robitussin, as too much is not safe for dogs. Kennel cough is a self limiting disease that last three to four weeks, and while medications can help with the symptoms, they will not completely prevent the symptoms of it. I would have Rosie seen by a vet, who can prescribe medications are safe to give her. There are some things you can do for her at home. 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 Rosie into the bathroom with you while you have a shower, as the steam may help with the respiratory irritation. I recommend having her seen by a vet tomorrow.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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My dog is coughing, sounds like kennel cough, and threw up. What now?

Poor Charlotte! Any dog with kennel cough should be isolated for at least two weeks, possibly longer depending on the severity of the infection. Keep your dog in a well-humidified area, and use a harness instead of a collar to minimize coughing. Rest your dog for at least seven days to minimize irritation of the airways caused by excessive coughing. Take her into the vet this weekend to confirm she has kennel cough, and the vet can prescribe medications to help with her symptoms. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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My dog has kennel cough. Should I see a vet or try home remedies?

There's really nothing that can be given at home to lessen the duration of the condition. Keep him warm and rested, away from other dogs and be patient. If he hasn't been seen by a vet, it's a good idea to since he may need antibiotics to help him recover faster. If he's coughing so much he cannot sleep or rest, that's another reason to get him seen so he can be prescribed cough suppressants. An occasional spoonful of honey can coat his throat and help suppress the cough temporarily.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy has kennel cough symptoms. Vet visit or home remedies?

I would take Kai into a vet first thing in the morning. Tonight, rest him. If he's congested, try bringing him into the bathroom when you take a shower to see if the steam helps. You can also put him in a room with a humidifier. In the morning, the vet can confirm he has kennel cough, and can give medication to help with his symptoms. Raw honey should not be fed to puppies, so I would not give him any. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What else can I do for my 5-week-old puppies' cough after vaccine?

It sounds like you are doing everything right, unfortunately kennel coughs can take weeks to settle down. If they develop severe fever and weakness they may require antiinflammatory and antibiotic medications from your vet. Keep them well rested and warm, away from draughts

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Can I give my dog honey for kennel cough? How long until they recover?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my puppy's kennel cough still loud after antibiotics?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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