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My dog has kennel cough. What safe cough medicine can I give him?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Havanese | Male | neutered | 2 years and 10 months old | 17 lbs

My 17lb 2 yr old dog got kennel cough from another dog. What cough medicine can I give him?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 13th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Shasta!! Kennel cough can be frustrating for you and Shasta! It could be caused by many organisms: Bordatella, viruses, other bacteria and mycoplasmas. It is usually self limiting in a healthy dog and may take 2 weeks. Over the counter human medications are not recommended for pets to suppress the cough. I recommend calling your Vet in the morning and see if they will prescribe cough tabs with out seeing him. A lot of the type Vets put them on a course of antibiotics, but would likely want to see him first. I wish you and Shasta the best of luck!

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