My dog's kennel cough isn't easing up. Can I give her Robitussin?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 7th, 2017

  I'm sorry that Bandit is suffering from kennel cough! Unfortunately without seeing him in person, I cannot recommend giving him Robitussin for her cough. That requires a veterinary-client-patient relationship that cannot be achieve via an internet forum. In addition, I cannot say it will be safe for him. The problem with giving cough suppressants like Robitussin is that if the infection does turn more serious (i.e. into bronchitis or pneumonia) suppressing the cough is not recommended, as it will likely prolong the infection. The best thing to do is to have Bandit rechecked by your veterinarian to determine if the infection has progressed, and if not, to give prescription cough suppressants. You can try putting him in a room with a humidifier or taking him into the bathroom with you when you take a shower. The steam may help temporarily relieve some of his symptoms of congestion. I hope this helps!

  

  3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 25th, 2019

  I can't recommend giving Jude Robitussin because I can't see him in person to say it's safe. Any dog with kennel cough should be isolated for at least two weeks, possibly longer depending on the severity of the infection. Keep your dog in a well-humidified area, and use a harness instead of a collar to minimize coughing. Rest your dog for at least seven days to minimize irritation of the airways caused by excessive coughing. You can bring your dog into the bathroom with you while you have a shower, as the steam may help with the respiratory irritation. See if you can find a vet to see him. I hope this helps.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 16th, 2016

  You can give Robitussin for the cough (1 tea spoon per 20 lb), although it's not always enough for kennel cough. Cough can be caused by an infection, heart problem or lung condition, it is important to first know the cause before treating it as treatment is different from condition to another. The most common disease causing cough is a viral infection called Kennel cough as you mentioned, this disease usually resolves without treatment within a couple weeks but if the cough is too severe it is recommended to go to the vet in order to get cough medicine and antibiotics.

  

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  Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 25th, 2020

  Hello. I am so sorry, but we are unable to make any medicinal recommendations on this site. But I can send you to a site where you can read more about this. Please go to www.petplace.com/article/dogs/drug-library/15-more-human-over-the-counter-drugs-safe-for-dogs/ Thanks for contacting PetCoach.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful