Sick Pit Bull!!!!?

Question

Okay guys, I have already asked about the kennel cough. Now a new question. My baby is coughing sooo hard now, and there is not a local vet emergence room in my area. I had a friend that works with dogs tell me that I could give him children's cough syrup to help supress the cough until the vet opens on Tuesday. The only problem is that I can't get him to take the meds. I have to force it down him and he is too big of a dog for me to hold down and force the meds all at the same time. Anyone know of an easier way?

Answer 1

That's good that you'll be taking her to the vet. If there's no emergency vet, do you have something like a pharmacy that you can visit?

There are a few home remedies for kennel cough, for use for mild symptoms or in addition to the vet (or if you can't get to the vet).

This site recommends Vitamin C, echinacea, goldenseal and homeopathy: http://www.urbanhound.com/houndTalk/Forum.asp?linkid=3205&linklevel=1

More home remedies: http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/cough.html

There is also a homeopathic cough remedy for dogs. I'd recommend calling around to pet stores to see if they have it: http://www.naturalcanine.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=TNC&Category_Code=KC

Here are some more homeopathic remedies: http://www.auntjeni.com/kennel.htm

I don't know how much you know about homeopathy. It's a natural/alternative medicine that's efficacy has been debated, but nearly all agree that it has virtually no side effects, so it shouldn't do any harm. I've given it to my dogs some but I've taken it more myself. I've found it to be highly effective. Usually it comes in little white pellets which are mostly tasteless and slightly sweet. When I give it to my dogs, I crush it between two spoons and then put it on their tongue. As much as possible (whether you're taking it or your dog is), don't touch the pill/powder. Depending on where you live, it might be more difficult to find a homeopathic pharmacy. Check your yellow pages. There's a regular pharmacy by my house that also has a large homeopathic division.

Answer 2

It may be a blessing you haven't been able to get that stuff down his neck. Don't give your dog that cough medicine. If he has kennel cough he may not be comfortable until Tuesday but he won't die before you get him to a vet. Those over the counter cough medicines never worked for me or my kids and doubt it will for your pup either. Not to mention that if it contains aspirin it could kill your dog. If the dog is healthy it's own immune system will work against the cough kind of like ours does against a cold. There is no "cure" for the common cold in humans you know. It has to run its course. But, do take him in just to be safe. In the meantime don't get him excited which makes it harder to breath. Keep plenty of fresh water down for him since fluid helps thin the mucus and makes it easier to cough up.

For future dosing though, always request pill form of medicine for him. Two things work well for me with dogs and pills. Most dogs love peanut butter. Smear that pill with peanut butter and just give it to him. He'll slurp it right down and look for more. Secondly, push the pill in a little ball of liverwurst or hot dog. Again, it's gone in short order and no fussing.

When you do take him to the vet you'll more than likely go home with a penicillin based med for him. Give it as long as the vet recommends. Takes a little practice but easy once you get the hang of it.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I worked in a private no-kill shelter where they gave a dog Mrs Stewarts Bluing, a laundry product, putting a tablespoon in a water bowl for a large dog. It did seem to help resolve the kennel cough but I would be cautious about using any product, including this one, without the advice/approval of a Veterinarian. Here's a site on the un-official use of the product I mentioned:
http://216.109.125.130/search/cache?ei=UTF-8&p=Mrs+Stewart%27s+Bluing+for+Kennel+Cough&fr=slv8-&u=www.mrsstewart.com/pdf/animalingestion.pdf&w=mrs+stewart%27s+bluing+kennel+kennels+cough&d=RjLFS_4-PSil&icp=1&.intl=us
An emergency clinic may charge you for a phone consultation to ask what you can safely give your dog over the counter (incl. asking about the above product) while waiting to get in to see your Vet on Tues.
This is an old school remedy and when the shelter used it, they kept it quiet because it is NOT a recognized use of that product. It did work though.

Answer 4

I posted on your 1st question so be sure to read my answer there too. Use a liquid medication and syringe (without the needle), or measure out the dose and use a turkey baster. Put the end of it in the very corner of his mouth and inject. It might take a few times to get the full dose in since you are alone, but the liquid will be easier then a pill if he's going to fight you

Answer 5

As well as the cough syrup, try if some steam won't ease his breathing - place a bowl of boiling water on the stove or even shut yourself up in the bathroom with him and run the hot shower with the windows shut (if you are not in an area affected by drought).

Good luck!

Answer 6

Have the medicine next to you and cuddle with him and lay him on his side. When he relaxes, put your leg over his chest behind his front paws, so that he can't get up and tilt his head up and back a little and put the medicine in and hold his mouth shut and blow in his nostrils until you know he has swallowed it. I, however, would only give the medicine if you know it is safe, coughing won't kill your dog, but if there is something that he is allergic to in that medicine, it can.

Answer 7

i have a pit,too. you just have to take charge and pull back the scruff of the back of neck & already be prepared to use the dropper or other forms of meds and then administer and then stroke throat. p-nut butter is good,too. it's true about meds being same as humans but extreme caution due to overdosing. also emergency vets $$$$$$$$$$$$$$. try to get their input, though. plus call spca, shelters,etc. for other info/help.

Answer 8

Have you got any small squeeze bottles to squirt the syrup down his throat? Or mix some into some canned dog food a small amount and have him eat that.

Answer 9

In the children's department, they have medicine droppers that work well for dogs. They look like large eyedroppers but they have measurements on them. I usually put it in the corner of their mouth & squirt fast so most of it goes down the throat before they have the chance to spit it out. One thing to be careful of is please be sure the medicine does not have tylenol in it as that can affect her liver.

Answer 10

Yeah don't listen to your dumb friend.. Wait and call the vet and ask them..