AimeeM Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 It's probably kennel cough, isn't it :( I didn't think it could be, because they're vaccinated for that in the shelter, but there's no denying the hack and gag. Of course it happens when I have a sick kiddo at home, because hey - that's the way things work, lol. Poor pup :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livetoread Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 It's my understanding that there are different forms, and even if it was vaccinated, the vaccine doesn't offer complete coverage. Still, better than nothing. My dog came back from boarding with it just last week, but she got her last vaccine a year ago and I think the coverage is only six months. It's been about seven days, and she's better now. Poor thing tried to bark and ended up sounding like she was dying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest submarines Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: I hope he pulls through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted May 12, 2014 Author Share Posted May 12, 2014 It's my understanding that there are different forms, and even if it was vaccinated, the vaccine doesn't offer complete coverage. Still, better than nothing. My dog came back from boarding with it just last week, but she got her last vaccine a year ago and I think the coverage is only six months. It's been about seven days, and she's better now. Poor thing tried to bark and ended up sounding like she was dying. That's where we are now. Everything I'm reading says not to rush to the vet, that it's preferable for the body to heal itself (vs antibiotics) and that if it isn't better in a week, to take him in. Does that sound right, or should I make an appointment now? I don't think our dogs ever had kennel cough! And we boarded frequently! I was wondering why this particular pup never barks - probably because he's too busy coughing :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 Yup. The vaccine is like the flu vaccine, it doesn't cover all every strain and isn't 100 percent. Get some cough meds to keep it from getting too bad. the more they cough the more they irritate things the longer it lasts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted May 12, 2014 Author Share Posted May 12, 2014 Yup. The vaccine is like the flu vaccine, it doesn't cover all every strain and isn't 100 percent. Get some cough meds to keep it from getting too bad. the more they cough the more they irritate things the longer it lasts. What kind of cough meds, though? He's only 2 months, 21 days, and about 12.6 lbs. Can he take infant cough syrup? (I remember that Luke could take anything we could, within reason, with appropriate dosing) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 When I brought m puppy home from the shelter he got sick the next day. Of course I freaked and took him to the overnight vet. It turned out that getting Pedyalite in him is what helped the most. This experience saved my friend a bundle when her shelter kitties were under the weather :-/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 That's where we are now. Everything I'm reading says not to rush to the vet, that it's preferable for the body to heal itself (vs antibiotics) and that if it isn't better in a week, to take him in. Does that sound right, or should I make an appointment now? I don't think our dogs ever had kennel cough! And we boarded frequently! I was wondering why this particular pup never barks - probably because he's too busy coughing :( yes and no. You don't have to rush off this morning, no. And the antibiotics prevent secondary infection, like pneumonia, more than anything. So if those are needed depends on how strong the pup is otherwise, and how likely to get sicker. But the cough meds can keep it from lasting as long/getting worse. The more the dog coughs the more damage done, and the longer it takes to heal. Keep puppy quiet as much as possible for the same reason. (the cough is not productive...there is nothing to "cough up" so no need for it. it is much more like croup...the issue is the the trachea area, not the lungs) If it were my dog, and just a mild cough now and then I wouldn't go to the vet. If it was a constant or frequent cough I'd go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted May 12, 2014 Author Share Posted May 12, 2014 yes and no. You don't have to rush off this morning, no. And the antibiotics prevent secondary infection, like pneumonia, more than anything. So if those are needed depends on how strong the pup is otherwise, and how likely to get sicker. But the cough meds can keep it from lasting as long/getting worse. The more the dog coughs the more damage done, and the longer it takes to heal. Keep puppy quiet as much as possible for the same reason. (the cough is not productive...there is nothing to "cough up" so no need for it. it is much more like croup...the issue is the the trachea area, not the lungs) If it were my dog, and just a mild cough now and then I wouldn't go to the vet. If it was a constant or frequent cough I'd go. Okay. That sounds good - thank you. He has to go in this week, regardless, for a check up, so I'll give him cough meds. He's already very quiet (never barked). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 What kind of cough meds, though? He's only 2 months, 21 days, and about 12.6 lbs. Can he take infant cough syrup? (I remember that Luke could take anything we could, within reason, with appropriate dosing) There is a doggy cough medicine, I totally forget the name of it, sorry! All I'm remembering is that it was back ordered for a really long time, lol. Not helpful to you now. (that was years ago). And fYI, several human medications are VERY dangerous to dogs! Ibuprofen and Tylenol come to mind as being very toxic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 A;lso, a newly adopted dog should go to the vet anyway. I know they are checked out at the shelter, but you really want an impartial person to check the dog out. So for that reason too I'd say, make an appointment for tomorrow, or this afternoon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted May 12, 2014 Author Share Posted May 12, 2014 There is a doggy cough medicine, I totally forget the name of it, sorry! All I'm remembering is that it was back ordered for a really long time, lol. Not helpful to you now. (that was years ago). And fYI, several human medications are VERY dangerous to dogs! Ibuprofen and Tylenol come to mind as being very toxic. Really?! A GSD specialist/vet was the one who recommended we give Luke ibuprofen, if I recall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted May 12, 2014 Author Share Posted May 12, 2014 A;lso, a newly adopted dog should go to the vet anyway. I know they are checked out at the shelter, but you really want an impartial person to check the dog out. So for that reason too I'd say, make an appointment for tomorrow, or this afternoon. He does have to go in within a week. Unfortunately, it will definitely have to wait until at least tomorrow - I have a sick kiddo today, and our sitter can't come over when I have a sicko (or, really, I hesitate to ask her to expose her children when I'm not sure if that's contagious - tummy related). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 I did find this, but given that overdose is fatal, I'd wait and get meds from the vet, or dosing from them at least. Also, I'd want to rule out something more serious. Does the cough sound "like something is stuck in his throat"? If so, it's kennel cough :) I actually never had people call in saying it was kennel cough...they would call in a panic saying the dog sounded like it had something stuck in its throat. And it was ALWAYS kennel cough when they said that. If it is a deeper cough, more productive, the vet needs to check for something more serious. There is a doggy flu, and pneumonia, that small puppies can get. It's more rare, but goes around and shelters are the more common place to catch it. (and greyhound kennels, for some reason). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 He does have to go in within a week. Unfortunately, it will definitely have to wait until at least tomorrow - I have a sick kiddo today, and our sitter can't come over when I have a sicko (or, really, I hesitate to ask her to expose her children when I'm not sure if that's contagious - tummy related). Tomorrow should be fine unless puppy is very lethargic or otherwise acting very sick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted May 12, 2014 Author Share Posted May 12, 2014 I did find this, but given that overdose is fatal, I'd wait and get meds from the vet, or dosing from them at least. Also, I'd want to rule out something more serious. Does the cough sound "like something is stuck in his throat"? If so, it's kennel cough :) I actually never had people call in saying it was kennel cough...they would call in a panic saying the dog sounded like it had something stuck in its throat. And it was ALWAYS kennel cough when they said that. If it is a deeper cough, more productive, the vet needs to check for something more serious. There is a doggy flu, and pneumonia, that small puppies can get. It's more rare, but goes around and shelters are the more common place to catch it. (and greyhound kennels, for some reason). Yes - it sounds like a hair ball. He does not seem lethargic. I mean, he's very chill in general, but perks up to play with our other dog (an IG) noticeably, and DEFINITELY has an appetite, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 We've had a dog come with kennel cough (despite vaccine), but our newest pup had pneumonia! It started off at bedtime sounding like regular kennel cough but progressed very quickly during the night to scary. I hope your new furry guy is okay! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 Our dog has had a weird cough and gag type thing a few times - he was boarded over Easter week, but this just showed up before this last weekend? It does sound like there's something stuck - I wondered if he'd aspirated something. He did it a bunch all at once one evening, then I heard nothing for a couple days, then again for a few minutes yesterday afternoon, then nothing since then. He seems fine otherwise, energetic and a fine appetite. Is this just a virus type thing that will pass and I shouldn't worry? We just lost our favorite cat this weekend (very sudden - stopped eating abruptly, couldn't hold anything down, turned out to be a tumor all over his stomach/intestines/pancreas), and I can't handle any more pet sadness! So please tell me this is just like a cold... Also we have to board him again near the end of June - they won't accept dogs with a cough - this should be long gone by then? We know nothing about dogs - this is our first one; we've always been cat people, so sorry if I'm asking the obvious... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livetoread Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 That's where we are now. Everything I'm reading says not to rush to the vet, that it's preferable for the body to heal itself (vs antibiotics) and that if it isn't better in a week, to take him in. Does that sound right, or should I make an appointment now? I don't think our dogs ever had kennel cough! And we boarded frequently! I was wondering why this particular pup never barks - probably because he's too busy coughing :( I didn't take ours in because she was eating and drinking fine and wasn't lethargic. I figured as long as she wasn't getting worse, we'd wait it out. I also figured the vet didn't need her hacking all over things, infecting other patients. She was bad for about five days, then started sounding better. She did cough up a little bit of white mucus several times, but that has stopped too. Not sure what I would have done if she was a pup though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 Our dog has had a weird cough and gag type thing a few times - he was boarded over Easter week, but this just showed up before this last weekend? It does sound like there's something stuck - I wondered if he'd aspirated something. He did it a bunch all at once one evening, then I heard nothing for a couple days, then again for a few minutes yesterday afternoon, then nothing since then. He seems fine otherwise, energetic and a fine appetite. Is this just a virus type thing that will pass and I shouldn't worry? We just lost our favorite cat this weekend (very sudden - stopped eating abruptly, couldn't hold anything down, turned out to be a tumor all over his stomach/intestines/pancreas), and I can't handle any more pet sadness! So please tell me this is just like a cold... Also we have to board him again near the end of June - they won't accept dogs with a cough - this should be long gone by then? We know nothing about dogs - this is our first one; we've always been cat people, so sorry if I'm asking the obvious... I think incubation is up to 10 days, but can't really remember, sorry! So maybe! If it isn't very often yes, just keep an eye on him. How old is the dog? What breed? Some breeds are prone to collapsing tracheas and some are prone to cardiomyopathy, which also present with a cough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 A dog doesn't have to be boarded to "catch" kennel cough. It's certainly common in crowded situations like boarding kennels, but they can get it from a contagious neighborhood dog walking through your yard. Or sniffing each other through a fence. Or if you walk your dog where a contagious dog has been. One of my dogs caught it as a puppy and it had been many weeks since he'd been at the vet's office or face-to-face with another dog. In general I take a wait and watch approach with kennel cough, but with such a young puppy I'd be inclined to get a vet's opinion. I'd also ask the vet about holding off on any vaccines that may be due right now, and giving the pup a week or so to get over the KC first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 I think incubation is up to 10 days, but can't really remember, sorry! So maybe! If it isn't very often yes, just keep an eye on him. How old is the dog? What breed? Some breeds are prone to collapsing tracheas and some are prone to cardiomyopathy, which also present with a cough. He's half Papillon and half Pomeranian. He's about 3 years old, so not a pup anymore. He hasn't coughed at all today that I've heard (knock wood). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 He's half Papillon and half Pomeranian. He's about 3 years old, so not a pup anymore. He hasn't coughed at all today that I've heard (knock wood). With that mix and an intermittent cough I'd definitely consider the possibility of a collapsing trachea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 With that mix and an intermittent cough I'd definitely consider the possibility of a collapsing trachea. Yikers, do you think I should bring him to the vet, or just wait to see if it stays away? What happens if the trachea collapses - that doesn't sound good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 No need to panic, really. It's a fairly common problem in some toy and small breed dogs. Mainly what you need to do is avoid putting any extra pressure on the trachea. So use a harness when walking instead of a collar, watch his weight and avoid exercising him too hard. There are some medications that can help, and I think sometimes surgery is necessary. But the people I've known whose dogs have had it have been able to manage it with just the simple lifestyle things. WebMD -- Collapsing trachea in dogs You might want to do more research and see if the symptoms seem to fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 I think I had read when we got him that they could crush their tracheas if they pull to hard, so I already have gotten him a harness (that actually attaches in the front, so he can't pull at all). I've been using that for walks, but I do take him out just in the yard on his regular collar, and he does pull sometimes if he smells something interesting or if he thinks my dd might be somewhere (he loves her and can't stand being separated). I'll read the link - thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 No need to panic, really. It's a fairly common problem in some toy and small breed dogs. Mainly what you need to do is avoid putting any extra pressure on the trachea. So use a harness when walking instead of a collar, watch his weight and avoid exercising him too hard. There are some medications that can help, and I think sometimes surgery is necessary. But the people I've known whose dogs have had it have been able to manage it with just the simple lifestyle things. WebMD -- Collapsing trachea in dogs You might want to do more research and see if the symptoms seem to fit. Agreed, with that mix I'd want to rule that out too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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