is it alright to give my 6 month old german shorthair an over the counter cough medicine for her kennel cough?

Question

We just bought our gorgeous 6 mo. old german shorthaired pointer, Sadie, on Thursday. We bought her from a breeder, however her living conditions were pretty awful. She was caged outside with 3 other dogs her size, andno type of shelter from the cold wind, snow, and rain. We noticed on the ride home that her nose was dry, and she seemed a bit dehydrated. She couldn't get enough water, yet was reluctant to eat. She then began coughing around mid-afternoon on friday. I have heard it is ok to give a dog 2 teaspoons of robitussin DM before bed, and i want to get some added suggestions from ppl who have experienced similar roblems. I will be taking her to the vet, but money is tight this week, and i don't want to see her suffer until next week, when i can afford antibiotics or other perscrition meds from the vet. Please help!!

The vet doesn't really beive its the best idea to give antibiotics for kennel cough, because it is so contagious and so likely to come back repeatedly. as most ppl know, if antibiotics are taken too often, it can cause the body to become resistant to them, and unable to fight off the infection on its own. most vet sites and animal health sites i have visited have said that it clears up on its own, and cough suppresants will help alot, as they will take away from the discomfort the dog is feeling. i am going to the vet this week, and if i am able to help my dog feel more comfortable until then, it would be great. i would appreciate any HELPFUL answers. please don't answer if u just want to tell me that i am incapable of caring for a dog, because that isn't my question. thanks to anyone that is truly trying to help!

The vet doesn't really beive its the best idea to give antibiotics for kennel cough, because it is so contagious and so likely to come back repeatedly. as most ppl know, if antibiotics are taken too often, it can cause the body to become resistant to them, and unable to fight off the infection on its own. most vet sites and animal health sites i have visited have said that it clears up on its own, and cough suppresants will help alot, as they will take away from the discomfort the dog is feeling. i am going to the vet this week, and if i am able to help my dog feel more comfortable until then, it would be great. i would appreciate any HELPFUL answers. please don't answer if u just want to tell me that i am incapable of caring for a dog, because that isn't my question. thanks to anyone that is truly trying to help!

Answer 1

First you said you couldn't take her to the vet until next week, then you said that the vet doesn't believe in giving antibiotics. So did you indeed take her to the vet? Or did you just call on the phone? A phone diagnosis is not the same as an actual check-up. So when the vet actually sees your dog, he may change his mind.

I also question the vet here. Yes, he's right - OVER-prescription of antibiotics leads to resistance. To deny giving your dog ANY antibiotics at all is questionable. In other words, if your dog was on antibiotic after antibiotic or if she were on one for too long, this would be bad. But to deny the dog any treatment now for fear of resistance is cruel.

I definitely would report this breeder to your local Human Society. It's clear the pups were poorly treated. The remaining pups could be rescued. In the future, if you ever buy from a breeder, resist buying from one like that. Check out the breeder thoroughly. Explore the home, the yard, and try to meet the pup's parents (usually at least one is on site). This will give you a good clue as to how good the breeder is. Your breeder is the worst type. So while it's nice you rescued this poor pup, you may be dealing with ailments for the rest of its life. This breeder needs to be fined and shut down. So please take action here!! Document all you wrote, including any illnesses your pup has. Also, if possible, see if you can take pictures of the breeder's area again (this may be tough...).

I realize $$ is tight, but you have to realize that a pet of any type is now a responsibility. Would you deny a child medicine because $$ was tight? If so, then please don't become a parent! You have to find ways to get $$ (payment plans are often possible at vets).

There are vaccines for kennel cough and I recommend them to all dog owners. Most kennels will not allow a dog to stay there unless it has been vaccinated and has a clean health record. It may be too late for your pup to get vaccinated, but there may also be other types of kennel cough, so please ask your vet about that.

I wish you and your new pup well.

Answer 2

Do NOT give OTC products to your dog without checking with your vet first...while some are safe many are not and of those that are careful dosages must be done.
Also unless a vet has diagnosed your dog with Kennel Cough you can't be sure that is what she has. There are many illnesses taht mimic each other.

Answer 3

Never...Kennel cough is an infection and needs to be treated with antibiotics...Never give your animal human medicine unless you know what you r doing or a vet tells you that it is alright....

Answer 4

Nope! Take her to the vet for antibiotics!! Luckily, antibiotics for kennel cough is not that expensive!!

Answer 5

first, take the dog to the vet. do not give otc meds to dogs! if you can not afford the costs, ask for a payment plan.

second, report this person to spca. sounds like a puppy mill to me.

Answer 6

NO, NO ,NO!!!!!

Have I made myself really clear!!!!
Why do you people go and get dogs if you can't afford to care for then no matter how long you have owned them. Personally I would report the breeder for animal abuse!!!!

Answer 7

of course not!!!!! phone the vet for and appointment and she/he will give you antibiotics, let her rest and no rough play, keep her away from other animals