Hi,
I have a 5 month old Eskie who was having some extremely loose stools. After about a week they were back to normal, but he has developed a cough and I wasn't sure what it was. It sounds like a human's cough, except more raspy. However, he is still able to bark, and he does not seem very sick (he is very happy and hyper), and I didn't want to take him to the Vet unless necessary. What should I do?
2007-11-29 03:53:49 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Lots of good healthy food and water and exercise. If the cough in a week take him to the vet. He may have picked up something from another animal and need antibiotics. Dog do not display pain and it's hard to tell when they are hurting because in the wild the weak dogs get attacked. But you can tell if he lays around doing nothing....he doesn't feel good. So watch his behavior.
And for what it is worth I bough a "wellness" policy on both of my dog at the PetSmart, clinic and it covers all their shots, tests and wellness check up and I don't have to panic every time they need to go to the doctor. It cost about $20 a month and so far this year has saved me about $4000. One trip that would have been over $600, was completely covered. It's been the best investment I've every made. It is not an accident policy and doesn't cover everything, but still a security.
2007-11-29 04:05:56 · answer #1 · answered by Lyn B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely sounds like Kennel cough.
This is very contagious to other dogs for a time.
Head for the vet.
you will have to keep your dog separated from other dogs for a while .
My kennel came down with it a few years back just before a dog show and trial. Needless to say I ended up having to pull all my dogs from the event and lost a ton of entry money.
As far as the runny stool goes add some cooked rice into your dogs diet when he has it. It will help firm it up.
Good Luck
2007-11-29 12:02:47 · answer #2 · answered by dogtrainer7 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Has your puppy been in contact with other puppies. Does the cough sound like something is stuck? Could it be Kennel cough? If it is your dog would still appear healthy:
Symptoms
Aside from the hacking cough, your dog will appear generally healthy, with a good appetite. He'll simply suffer through it -- but obviously if he could voice a preference, he'd choose to not be ill in the first place.
2007-11-29 12:01:55 · answer #3 · answered by tswright 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me a lot like kennel cough. It's usually a bacterial infection (sometimes viral) and they can appear otherwise healthy except for that nagging cough. It is highly contagious to other dogs, so keep him away from other dogs. Your vet may suggest antibiotics or other treatment, so a visit wouldn't be a bad idea.
2007-11-29 11:58:19 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If nothing else, call your vet, and tell him what you are seeing and ask him what he thinks.
2007-11-29 12:05:15 · answer #5 · answered by DP 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DEFINITELY take him in to see the vet!
2007-11-29 11:58:13 · answer #6 · answered by Marina 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋