Kennel Cough?
Jul 2nd, 2006, 07:02 AM
#1
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Kennel Cough?
Hi,
Good thing we're staying home this weekend because my dog Sasha has developed what I am pretty sure is a horrible case of kennel cough. She never goes to the kennel so my vet said she really didn't need the vaccination. I'm thinking she probably picked it up at the groomer's a week ago. My natural health book said it takes 7-10 for symptoms to show. And according that book, there's really not much the vet can do, other than give her an antibiotic, and I don't see how that would help since it's a viral, not bacterial, infection.
Does anyone have any recommendations on how to stop the cough? She is already on a raw food diet and gets Vitamins A, B, C, D & Cal/Mag. She is also getting garlic & fish oil. I bought some liquid Mullien yesterday and have been giving her that too.
(yeah, I know, not really travel related, but since I can't *travel* anywhere this weekend with my little girl so sick, I thought I'd post this anyhow. Fodorites always have such good advice!)
Thank you!
Good thing we're staying home this weekend because my dog Sasha has developed what I am pretty sure is a horrible case of kennel cough. She never goes to the kennel so my vet said she really didn't need the vaccination. I'm thinking she probably picked it up at the groomer's a week ago. My natural health book said it takes 7-10 for symptoms to show. And according that book, there's really not much the vet can do, other than give her an antibiotic, and I don't see how that would help since it's a viral, not bacterial, infection.
Does anyone have any recommendations on how to stop the cough? She is already on a raw food diet and gets Vitamins A, B, C, D & Cal/Mag. She is also getting garlic & fish oil. I bought some liquid Mullien yesterday and have been giving her that too.
(yeah, I know, not really travel related, but since I can't *travel* anywhere this weekend with my little girl so sick, I thought I'd post this anyhow. Fodorites always have such good advice!)
Thank you!
Jul 2nd, 2006, 07:35 AM
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Our dog also developed Kennel Cough and there wasn't much we could do but let it run its course. The vet gave us something to help the cough just so the little guy didn't get sore from coughing so much. You might check into that. I hope she feels better soon.
Jul 2nd, 2006, 07:54 AM
#4
I think you're right that she picked it up at the groomers. Kennel cough TRAVELS and looks very much like our common cold. It's not typically dangerous for healthy dogs but secondary infections can develop pretty quickly which is likely why your vet gave an antibiotic.
We foster an lot of puppies for the local humane society when kennel cough hits. Our vet doesn't treat the cough unless it's really severe.
Hope your Sasha feels better soon. Sounds like the vaccine would be a good preventative if she's going to be in any kind of regular contact with other dogs.
I'm not a vet but I play one on TV.
We foster an lot of puppies for the local humane society when kennel cough hits. Our vet doesn't treat the cough unless it's really severe.
Hope your Sasha feels better soon. Sounds like the vaccine would be a good preventative if she's going to be in any kind of regular contact with other dogs.
I'm not a vet but I play one on TV.
Jul 2nd, 2006, 08:03 AM
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2 things:
The organism that causes most cases of kennel cough is a bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica), so it may respond to antibiotic treatment. Also, it's also very possible for a case to either be caused by multiple organisms, or for a dog with kennel cough to come down with something else because of a weakened immune system. So antibiotics may help, although it's probably sufficient to watch her for a week, and go to the antibiotics if it doesn't improve or gets worse.
Secondly, kennel cough is not restricted to kennels. If your vet knows that she goes to a groomer, and still said Sasha doesn't need a vaccination, you may want to question the competency of your vet. Dogs can pick up kennel cough anywhere dogs congregate, and the vaccine is pretty common and cheap, so there's no reason to not vaccinate.
The organism that causes most cases of kennel cough is a bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica), so it may respond to antibiotic treatment. Also, it's also very possible for a case to either be caused by multiple organisms, or for a dog with kennel cough to come down with something else because of a weakened immune system. So antibiotics may help, although it's probably sufficient to watch her for a week, and go to the antibiotics if it doesn't improve or gets worse.
Secondly, kennel cough is not restricted to kennels. If your vet knows that she goes to a groomer, and still said Sasha doesn't need a vaccination, you may want to question the competency of your vet. Dogs can pick up kennel cough anywhere dogs congregate, and the vaccine is pretty common and cheap, so there's no reason to not vaccinate.
Jul 2nd, 2006, 08:06 AM
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Thanks everyone. I called the emergency animal hospital yesterday and they said they couldn't do a whole lot and to call my regular vet Monday morning. I'll ask about a cough syrup or something to stop the cough. The mullein has helped some already - I take it when I get a cough too - it helps break things up so you get better soon.
My natural health book said dogs usually get this when they're under stress too. Hmmm... could it be she's stressed because we're moving soon, there's boxes everywhere, fireworks are going off all night, and my friend's guinea pig is here for the weekend?!? She's probably in serious need of some therapy right about now!
Thank goodness for Bach's Rescue Remedy...
My natural health book said dogs usually get this when they're under stress too. Hmmm... could it be she's stressed because we're moving soon, there's boxes everywhere, fireworks are going off all night, and my friend's guinea pig is here for the weekend?!? She's probably in serious need of some therapy right about now!
Thank goodness for Bach's Rescue Remedy...
Jul 2nd, 2006, 08:18 AM
#9
An antibiotic is usually a good idea especially for secondary infections and, yes, you can also get a cough suppressant especially if the cough is keeping your dog (and you) awake. Watch that your dog doesn't stop eating or acting depressed. There are other more severe illnesses that have the same symptoms as kennel cough. Kennel cough is very contagious. If you do schedule an appointment with your vet, let them know that you suspect kennel cough. They will probably have you avoid the waiting room.
Obxgirl, kennel cough was the first thing I thought of while reading about the big "dogs at Farmer's Market" controversy. Loved the "played one on tv" comment!
Obxgirl, kennel cough was the first thing I thought of while reading about the big "dogs at Farmer's Market" controversy. Loved the "played one on tv" comment!
Jul 2nd, 2006, 08:20 AM
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Weasel, you must have been posting while I was posting... According to everything I have read, it's a viral infection, but bacterial infections can result from complications. I seriously do not want her on antibiotics again. She has been on them 3 times this year alone because of a weird rash and horrible ear infection. I think that's probably the reason why she got sick - her immune system is so low from all the antibiotics. While they kill off the bad bugs, they also kill off the good bugs too! I have been giving her probiotics lately to rebuild the good bugs, but it's only been two weeks so far.
Sasha has had health & allergy issues since she was a puppy. Since I've put her on a raw food diet 6 months ago, most of her issues have improved. Last night I was reading that rashes and ear infections can sometimes occur after you start the raw food diet so now I'm regretting giving her antibiotics for those other issues this past spring, when in reality, it was probably her body's way of detoxing. So now to give them again seems to defeat the purpose of rebuilding her immune system. However, I will obviously keep a very close eye on her and talk to my vet tomorrow.
As for the vaccination, the vet basically left it up to me. Since she is only ever around other dogs at the groomer's and always seems to have weird reactions to vaccines, I elected not to give it to her. I was also reading last night that once they get it, they're immune for 1-2 years afterwards.
Thank you everyone for the good wishes!
Sasha has had health & allergy issues since she was a puppy. Since I've put her on a raw food diet 6 months ago, most of her issues have improved. Last night I was reading that rashes and ear infections can sometimes occur after you start the raw food diet so now I'm regretting giving her antibiotics for those other issues this past spring, when in reality, it was probably her body's way of detoxing. So now to give them again seems to defeat the purpose of rebuilding her immune system. However, I will obviously keep a very close eye on her and talk to my vet tomorrow.
As for the vaccination, the vet basically left it up to me. Since she is only ever around other dogs at the groomer's and always seems to have weird reactions to vaccines, I elected not to give it to her. I was also reading last night that once they get it, they're immune for 1-2 years afterwards.
Thank you everyone for the good wishes!
Jul 2nd, 2006, 08:27 AM
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Thanks Birdie. I'm definitely watching her closely. As of now, she's still eating and going to the bathroom normally, and she still wants to play all the time too! The only symptom I am noticing is the horrible sounding cough. She's sleeping more but only because I am giving her natural "doggie downers".
And yes, it's definitely contagious and I'll let my vet know before I bring her in. The emergency clinic said to keep her away from other dogs and don't walk her for 2 weeks. They also said the guinea pig we're babysitting this weekend couldn't get it - hope that's true. Although, if that darn thing throws another piece of crap out of its cage, I might rethink that.
And yes, it's definitely contagious and I'll let my vet know before I bring her in. The emergency clinic said to keep her away from other dogs and don't walk her for 2 weeks. They also said the guinea pig we're babysitting this weekend couldn't get it - hope that's true. Although, if that darn thing throws another piece of crap out of its cage, I might rethink that.
Jul 2nd, 2006, 08:35 AM
#13
travel_addict, When our foster puppies were infected, I distinctly recall my vet asking if we had guinea pigs or rabbits as they could get it too.
>>"dogs at Farmer's Market " controversy<<
Haven't heard about this Birdie! Is it a Last Word tempest?
>>"dogs at Farmer's Market " controversy<<
Haven't heard about this Birdie! Is it a Last Word tempest?
Jul 2nd, 2006, 08:39 AM
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Just another thought. A neighbor of mine a few years ago thought her dog got kennel cough and it turned out to be a collapsing trachea. The cough sounded simular. The dog is fine but when the cough is bad he gets a dose of meds which quiets the cough. He also gets walked with a harness around is body and not a leash that can add pressure to the neck area. It seems to be something common in small dogs like poms.
Jul 2nd, 2006, 08:46 AM
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Since animal lovers seem to be checking this thread, does anyone know of someone willing to TRAVEL to Lee County, VA, southwestern corner, to adopt a little rescue mutt? She is so precious, but we cannot take another just now.
http://tinyurl.com/q4re2
http://tinyurl.com/q4re2
Jul 2nd, 2006, 08:55 AM
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"According to everything I have read, it's a viral infection, but bacterial infections can result from complications."
You may want to read the stuff below regarding the cause. Kennel cough is not exclusively caused by a virus, and in fact, there's usually a bacteria involved (80-90% of the time). Not sure what your sources are, but the field of vet medicine changes rapidly, so it's not a good idea to rely on just one source which may be out-of-date.
http://tinyurl.com/qtes8
"Before you bring your dogs to a boarding kennel, dog show, puppy school, or other
situation where they'll be around a lot of dogs, it's a good idea to vaccinate your dog
against kennel cough," says Dr. Jennifer Brinson, veterinarian at the University of Illinois
Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital in Urbana. "Kennel cough is a highly contagious
respiratory condition thought to be caused by a bacteria called Bordatella. Kennel cough
vaccines are not generally necessary for house dogs that rarely have contact with other
dogs."
http://tinyurl.com/q5ohy
http://tinyurl.com/s5cws
You may want to read the stuff below regarding the cause. Kennel cough is not exclusively caused by a virus, and in fact, there's usually a bacteria involved (80-90% of the time). Not sure what your sources are, but the field of vet medicine changes rapidly, so it's not a good idea to rely on just one source which may be out-of-date.
http://tinyurl.com/qtes8
"Before you bring your dogs to a boarding kennel, dog show, puppy school, or other
situation where they'll be around a lot of dogs, it's a good idea to vaccinate your dog
against kennel cough," says Dr. Jennifer Brinson, veterinarian at the University of Illinois
Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital in Urbana. "Kennel cough is a highly contagious
respiratory condition thought to be caused by a bacteria called Bordatella. Kennel cough
vaccines are not generally necessary for house dogs that rarely have contact with other
dogs."
http://tinyurl.com/q5ohy
http://tinyurl.com/s5cws
Jul 2nd, 2006, 08:56 AM
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oh cmcfong, Mia sure is cute! It looks like she had an 'affair' with a beagle too by the looks of her pup! It's sad how some people treat their pets, isn't it? I really wish we could adopt her, but I have enough issues with Sasha, and since she's a little jealous of the guinea pig, another dog would probably send her over the edge! You're a good person to take care of Mia & the pup - the world needs more people like you!!
No_name - scary about the collapsing trachea! Looks like Sasha will be going to the vet tomorrow just to make sure my diagnosis is correct and it's nothing more serious.
And obxgirl, I'll ask the vet about the guinea pig getting it.
Birdie - yes, the guinea pig is SO messy, and at first, I was really disgusted by the thing and actually even a little afraid to stick my hand in his cage! I have to admit that after a few days, he is kinda growing on me though - I even picked him up this morning! Hope my dog doesn't make him sick too.
Heidi
No_name - scary about the collapsing trachea! Looks like Sasha will be going to the vet tomorrow just to make sure my diagnosis is correct and it's nothing more serious.
And obxgirl, I'll ask the vet about the guinea pig getting it.
Birdie - yes, the guinea pig is SO messy, and at first, I was really disgusted by the thing and actually even a little afraid to stick my hand in his cage! I have to admit that after a few days, he is kinda growing on me though - I even picked him up this morning! Hope my dog doesn't make him sick too.
Heidi
Jul 2nd, 2006, 09:04 AM
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Thanks Weasel. Scary stuff! She'll be going to the vet in the morning. Hope she'll make it through the day without any complications. She's been sleeping pretty hard by my feet for the last few hours so that's good - she needs it after being up most of the night. Heck - I think I need a nap too!
Jul 2nd, 2006, 09:09 AM
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Pup caught kennel cough when he was 6 months old, from a dog at his obediance classes 
Glad you are taking Sasha to the vet.
From now on, you will want to have her vaccinated, pup as never been to a kennel either but of course, now you know, that is not really how they get it.
Best of wishes to your sweet pup!
Glad you are taking Sasha to the vet.
From now on, you will want to have her vaccinated, pup as never been to a kennel either but of course, now you know, that is not really how they get it.
Best of wishes to your sweet pup!
