Thomas is so sick with Kennel cough...does anyone have any home remedies? Any help would be appreciated!!

[Debbie and Thomas]

Last week I posted here about my GD Thomas having a tick. After a trip to the vet it was removed and he was put on antibiotics just in case this gross thing was carrying anything.  Then on Thursday morning he woke up with this weird honking noise.  It continued all day so back to the vet.  He has "kennel cough".  The vet prescribed "clavamox"  which is a comination of amoxicillin and clavulate.  He said the kennel cough as a virus but that this drug would prevent any kind of secondary infection.  Last night he coughed(more like a gagging honking noise) most of the night and today has been doing the same thing and spitting up all kinds of mucous which is clear. I was told to watch out if it was greenish in colour. Has anyones dog had this nasty virus and is there anything I can do to help this poor doodle?  I gave him chicken broth with a bit of canned stew for dinner tonight as I thought his regular dry kibble would hurt his throat.  Any ideas would be appreciated!!  I am so worried.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I did go through a bout of kennel cough with one of my guys (can't remember which one right now). It was just as you described without the spitting up of mucous. It took about three days on the meds for the cough to subside. One thing that always works for us is sugar free fruit pops. They absolutely love them, and it helps a lot with their hydration. I sure hope Thomas is feeling better really soon. Please keep us posted.

[Sally]

one important thing is to see if Thomas is feeling fine otherwise. (meaning energy level normal, eating normal, potty normal .....although Duncan finally ended up with loose stool as a result of all the antibiotics). Duncan had Kennel Cough right after labor day. I'd say it was a week or so before he was 100% and 2 weeks before I let him near other dogs but only 1 or 2 days of intense coughing and mucus. That first night he seemed sad/scared but afterwards he was his normal happy self just hacking a lot. If Thomas seems lethargic, not interested in food, listless etc. then I'd say take him back to the vet. But if he enjoys his day otherwise it'll probably just run it's course. Also, I would massage his neck and keep him off leash and collar as much as possible to keep the airways from getting irritated.

[Debbie and Thomas]

You are so right Sally...we have kept his collar off and massaged his neck and throat. Friday night was so scary and then Saturday he coughed all day and spit up mucous. Then last night (Sat) he slept well with no coughing and today he is his old self and only coughs a bit when he gets excited. He was scared too...everytime he coughed and brought up this yechy stuff he would look up at me or Jack with very sad and confused eyes. Hopefully his recovery will continue.

[shelly]

Awe... POOR Thomas and POOR YOU!!! Sick dogs are just like sick kids... they worry me so much when they are sick...I don't know any remedies.. but did you try google-ing it??? Hope he feels better soon! I know... this kennel cough always has me so worried - especially when it comes time to bring her to be groomed - like now....Feel better poor Thomas!

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

When Wally had kennel cough, I remember it improving over the course of several days with antibiotics. I also recall needing to keep him apart from other dogs for a few weeks, as kennel cough is highly contagious. Our vet suspected that he contracted it by sharing water at the dog park. I no longer allow him to drink from shared water sources. I hope that Thomas' condition improves soon.

[Debbie and Thomas]

It is now Sunday evening around 6 pm...he is doing GREAT. He had me so worried yesterday...coughing almost non stop the entire day and throwing up yechhy stuff. My husband and I went to bed early and the doodle came with us. NO coughing all night...but I still never slept as he was almost right on top of me..(the doodle..not the husband..haha) so I got up at 6:19 this morning!! The doodle and husband Jack slept until 8:30 and went out for a walk!! NO coughing!! He was all frisky too like his normal self. Once every couple of hours he has a spasm but no more throwing up. I truly believe that this "clavamox" did the trick. He has another 10 days of this medicine so I will keep him away from other dogs until he is completely recovered and the meds are finished. I was very worried because my sisters lab have kennel cough and it went to pneumonia and she almost died...she was on IV at her vets for several days. She was older though and thom is only 2 so he is young and strong. Thanks everyone...he is on the road to recovery!!!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

So glad to hear Thomas is doing a lot better. I was having flash backs of my daughter's poor Luna when I typed our experience to you. With dogs things happen soooo fast and if you are not on top of it the results can be bad. Glad he is his frisky self! Happy T-Day!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Very glad to hear that Thomas is feeling much better!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Good news. I know how worried you must have been. Sounds like he is on the mend! Good job mommy.

[shelly]

>WHEW! Thank God! Now you have something else to be truly thankful for Thursday! (but wait.. forgot... you're Canadian...did you already have your Thanksgiving???) Either way! SOOOO glad Thomas AND you are feeling better!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Just seeing this - that medicine works wonders. Peri was vaccinated and still caught it, took meds and within 36 hours the coughing subsided. Glad Thomas is much better :)

[ej]

Speedy recovery Thomas! Hugs and kisses from Z & K.