Kennel Cough - call vet or no?

[starburst604]

The internet is totally divided on this. Benny came down with it yesterday, classic symptoms. Other than the cough, coughing up mucous and runny eyes he seems ok if a bit lethargic. Eating and drinking fine. When Dunkin had it he was like 5 months old so I called the vet and they did give us some kind of meds for him. He recovered pretty quickly. Should I call the vet for an otherwise healthy 1.5 year old dog or just ride it out as long as his symptoms seem mild?

Timing couldn't be worse as I had planned to board them overnight on Saturday because I'm going to Kenny Chesney/ZBB! I'll have to find someone to give them dinner and walk them now.

[ssmjlm]

I would call and ask. When Sky got it the vet gave her something and then she had to stay away from daycare for at least a week they said.

[deadwing]

I would probably call and ask if they think he needs to be seen, or maybe they can prescribe something without seeing him.

[lessel]

With another dog in the house, I think I'd opt to treat vs. ride it out.

We adopted a ~8mo shelter dog in May and she came home with some respiratory crud. Hers went from runny nose/cough to some pretty vile bloody mucus stuff in a matter of a couple days before we could get her into our vet for the first time. We did a parking lot vet visit and she got antibiotics and antihistamines. Our vet's rec was no contact with other dogs for 14 days.

[starburst604]

Aug 20, 2024 8:23:52 GMT -5 lessel said:

With another dog in the house, I think I'd opt to treat vs. ride it out.

We adopted a ~8mo shelter dog in May and she came home with some respiratory crud. Hers went from runny nose/cough to some pretty vile bloody mucus stuff in a matter of a couple days before we could get her into our vet for the first time. We did a parking lot vet visit and she got antibiotics and antihistamines. Our vet's rec was no contact with other dogs for 14 days.

That's a good point, I'd love if Dunkin didn't get it too. They're both vaccinated but obviously that's not 100%. 

[pinkdutchtulips]

Call the vet. Ellie got kennel cough as a 6 month old puppy when she was boarded over NYE. She was fully vaxxed but the vax missed that strain 🤦🏼‍♀️ The vet put her on antibiotics and she was fine in about a week. With 2 dogs in the house, I’d err on the side of caution and call the vet getting both dogs on meds.

[dexteroni]

I’d definitely call, both to prevent your other dog from getting it and to alleviate Benny’s symptoms and make him feel better faster.

[hermione]

My dog would never get over it without meds. He'd just cough forever.

[starburst604]

I called the vet and they said he should be ok if he stays as he is now, but they do have urgent appointments open tomorrow AM if I want to bring him in. I may do that since their daycare said they'll need a vet note for him to return anyway.

This week apparently is not going to go easy on me! Now I'm on Rover trying to find someone who can come to feed and walk them this Saturday evening while I'm at the concert. I know STBX would do it but eff that. 

Also could he please stop coughing up mucous exclusively on the rug and then lapping it back up?! 🤮

[mrsukyankee]

I gave my dog honey and that helped a LOT. It's basically a dog cold.

[mofongo]

I wouldn't if otherwise healthy. There's no tried and true treatment, and other dog has already been exposed.

Was he boarded recently?

[starburst604]

Aug 20, 2024 11:28:49 GMT -5 mofongo said:

I wouldn't if otherwise healthy. There's no tried and true treatment, and other dog has already been exposed.

Was he boarded recently?

They go to a play group 3 times a week and they were boarded overnight on Sunday when we got home from the hospital. The peace and quiet that day was nice but paying now on the other end lol. The vet office just said supportive care and he doesn’t really need to come in as long as his symptoms remain non-serious like they are. However, his playgroup needs a doctor’s note for him to return so I have to call them back and see how that will work.

[starburst604]

Aug 20, 2024 10:54:05 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

I gave my dog honey and that helped a LOT. It's basically a dog cold.

Ah good to know that works on dogs too!! The coughing has quieted down from overnight thankfully. Just occasional now.

[melmel4854]

I wish I lived closer to you! I would love to give the boys dinner and take them for a walkie! I hope Benny feels better soon!