Quote Originally Posted by cyber-sibes
Well, looks like we're going tro get to find a new vet immediately here in our new home. Sherman suddenly developed a cough about 2 days ago. It's very dry, nothing comes out, but he keeps hacking. His eyes have icky goobies, and I noticed some blood drops on the ground where he's been hacking. I looked up all the symptoms and it sounds like Kennel Cough. Odd, because I had him vaccinated against this for the first time with his shots last Dec. He's never had it before.

I read that I can use an over-the-counter human cough supressent to try to give him some relief till we get into a vet. Any suggestions on what works well? I don't have any in the house, so I'll be going out to get some.

What a bummer. He & Star were cooped up nose to nose in the car for a 16 hour drive, so I wouldn't be surprised if she gets it too. She had two days of digestive problems when we got here, and ate her first real meal last night. I have them seperated now, and am hoping we can get in somewhere first thing Monday morning.
Robutussin cough syrup- children's dosage can be used. Make absolutely sure it does not have Tylenol, or any other pain-fever reducers added in. Since there is alcohol in the syrup, the chances of you getting puppy to take it straight is very slim. Mix it in with a little milk to dilute the alcohol fumes up the nose, and add in a little honey.

If your dog received the kennel cough shot, then it's only good for 6 months. The nasal vaccine is suppose to be good for 1 yr, but that assumes it was administered correctly, and the dog didn't sneaze 99% of it back out on the floor.

If Sherman coughed any time during the car ride, or Star trotted over a coughed on surface, she has already been exposed. Then it comes down to whether her vaccination will protect her. If you mention to the Vet you suspect kennel cough, they will probably wisk you right into an exam room to keep their entry area clean. Faster service.

Antibiotics make a dramatic difference in speeding recover. The Bordetella that quickly follow up the viral infection seem to be responsible for most of the symptoms. Usually 48 hrs after the start of antibiotics the dog is asymptomatic.