letting the disease run its course may be ok, but for puppies it can readily lead to pneumonia.

Sort of reminds me of going to the Dr about 1.5 yrs ago. All the symptoms started off as viral, but after 8 days it seemed to be getting worse. I went to see the Dr, but got intercepted by a nurse practioner. After a very brief discussion she diagnosed it as a viral infection. I almost had to imply that if she didn't give me some Zithromax, I was going to find a prompt care clinic that would. So she made me promise I wouldn't take it unless I didn't feel better 3 days later. I'm not good at keeping such promises. I started taking them, and presto 24 hrs later I was almost completely back to normal. Again what started out as probably a viral infection turned into a bacterial infection. I never should have been a microbiologist in my younger days, maybe I'd be a better patient!

I've had two dogs get Kennel Cough. My previous dog was about 2 yrs old when she got it, and antibiotics did seem to help her quite a bit within 24 hrs. The other my current male puppy got the Kennel Cough from the shelter. Antibiotics made him feel a lot better at around 36 hrs post treatment. He had the classic signs of heavy mucus from the nose (i.e. started out as blowing clear bubbles), along with the cough. My other had a little cough, but mostly just zapped of strength. Variable symptoms.