Puppy has Kennel Cough!

[sadiemae]

My new puggle puppy (Ringo) is nearly three months old and has Kennel Cough. He has gone to the vet and is on antibiotics. Other than the cough he is a real spitfire puppy. It just breaks my heart when I hear him. Is there any tips on anything I can do at home to ease his comfort?

Thanks!

[Dax]

The antibotics will kick in very quickly. Ariel started to feel better within a couple of days. I found that exercise (running, etc) seems to make the symptoms worse.

It is similar to us having a cold - rest, plenty of fluids, are always good advise.

If the coughing is very very bad, you can ask your vet if you can give a little children's cough syrup (BE SURE TO ASK YOUR VET BEFORE GIVING ANY HUMAN MEDICATION).

[pung-yo]

Don't give anything but the antibiotics and cough suppressant, that's about all you can do. Some dogs love ice cream when they are ill, and mom's chicken soup...just like us. But Dax is right, plenty of rest, make sure he drinks enough, and last but not least....Loads of TLC.

[kshort49]

A week after I brought my puppy home from the shelter, she also had kennel cough. I was so scared because my other dog had just passed away from lung cancer. So of course when the puppy started coughing, that's the first thing I thought of. The vet put her on antibiotics-it took a little while for them to kick in, but now she is as good as new. She liked to suck and lick ice cubes, so maybe your pup will like that. I know things will work out fine. Best wishes from Kathy and Maia

[shanniesue2]

Remember that kennel cough is a virus, so the antibiotics aren't treating the kennel cough, they are meant to prevent any secondary infections (like pneumonia). I wouldn't expose her to other dogs until the cough has subsided because she can pass it to other dogs. Also, since the puppy's immune system has to fight the virus off on it's own, you don't want to expose your puppy to anything that might make her immune system weaker.