puppy kennel cough

[Sharilyn]

What is the best recommendation for a puppy with kennel cough? We have consulted with our vet and he recommended Pediatric Robitussin 4 times daily. If she does not improve within the next few days, he wants to put her on an antibiotic.
BUT, I read that kennel cough is a virus not a bacterial illness. This article said that antibiotic treatment was unnecessary since Kennel Cough is viral. The pup is only 2 weeks old, she was bred in our home, so we have the mom as well. Anyone know of a home remedy that has worked for you? :confused:

[poodlesmom]

I have never heard of a home remedy but I have heard (don't know the validity of it) that kennel cough will eventually go away on its own. I'm not sure I would trust that especially with such a young puppy. I do know that it is highly contagious. I personally would go along with your vet's recommendation. I would say the pediatric robitussin is a "home remedy" and if that doesn't work the antibiotic is necessary.

Good luck with your furbaby. Hope she gets better soon.

[Sharilyn]

GOOD NEWS! The Pediatric Robitussin Drops worked! She has not been coughing for the past 2 days! I only used it about 3 days and could not believe how fast it worked. We are still watching her continually though, as well as her siblings. So far so good!:p

[lizzybetty]

Hi all, I've just joined your forum. I'm from the UK. Thought I'd like to talk to other dog lovers in the world. In reply to your puppy kennel cough, I had a puppy who had it and my vet told me to get a vaporiser and put the pup in the bathroom and use vicks in the vaporiser twice a day for 20 minutes. If it lasts for more than 4 to 5 days and there is still green snot running from their nose then you will have to see the vet again. But my pup was fine after 3 days and her symptoms were quite bad so hopefully this is the solution you are looking for. I've got a question for you: do you know of anyone in America who teaches complementary therapy for dogs or horses in particular shiatsu?

[RWDVM]

Dear Sharylin:

In case you haven't read any of my posts, I am a vet. I am very pleased that the cough went away with just symptomatic therapy. Just wanted to let you know that the most common cause of kennel cough is not viral. Kennel cough is most commonly caused by a bacteria called bordatella bronchiseptica. The article you read was wrong I am afraid.

Roger L. Welton, DVM
Veterinarian, Webmaster http://www.askdvm.com

[Sharilyn]

Roger, Thanks so much for the info! I have a copy of that article where they state that Kennel Cough is viral. I will try to get that websight and send it to you. The puppy is fine now. I was just wondering , since she got over it so fast, did she really have it in the first place? We noticed the cough on a Tuesday, called the vet on Thursday, started the meds same day, and by Saturday she never coughed again!

[Sharilyn]

Forgot one thing! The parents of the puppies recently had their bordetalla shot (June 2003). Does this not protect the newborn pups?