New adopted dog has discharge & sneezing. When will antibiotics help?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year old | 32 lbs
We just adopted our dog 3 days ago from a shelter. He is 1 year old and has always been a shelter dog. Brought him to the vet yesterday for an initial exam. He does have nasal discharge, and some discharge from the eyes as well as sneezing. He is on antibiotics and started last night. He is definitely sleeping all day and still has all the nose stuff coming out. How long before the antibiotics kick in? And is there anything I can do to help him feel better?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 17th, 2016
Congrats on your new dog! It sounds like Rocky may have kennel cough, and while antibiotics can help with the symptoms, it will not cure them. Kennel cough has to run it's course, and infection typically lasts 3-4 weeks. He could also have a respiratory infection causing his symptoms, but without seeing him in person I can't say for sure what is the cause behind his symptoms. That being said, you may see some relief from symptoms with the antibiotics within 48-72 hours. If he's congested, you can try using a humidifier or bringing him into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 4th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding your puppy. I am sorry to hear that his symptoms keep recurring. He may need x-rays of his chest and blood work as a next step to look other causes of the cough or complicating factors. Based on these results, he may require a different antibiotic if his cough is determined to still be due to an upper respiratory tract infection. In the meantime, you can turn the shower to hot and close the bathroom door. Allow the steam to build up. Then place the puppy in the bathroom to breathe the warm humid air. This can lessens his congestion. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on February 6th, 2018
Congrats on your new puppy, but I'm sorry Author is sick! It could be he is suffering from kennel cough, which is a highly contagious respiratory disease that dogs can easily pick up in a pound. I would take him into a vet for an exam. The vet can confirm if he does have kennel cough, and can prescribe medications to help with his symptoms. Any dog with kennel cough should be isolated for at least two weeks, possibly longer depending on the severity of the infection. Keep him in a well-humidified area, and use a harness instead of a collar to minimize coughing. Rest him for at least seven days to minimize irritation of the airways caused by excessive coughing. Give any medications as prescribed by your veterinarian. You can bring Author into the bathroom with you while you have a shower, as the steam may help with the respiratory irritation. I would have him seen by a vet today if possible. Good luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 26th, 2017
Congrats on your new dog! I am sorry that he's feeling unwell, however. It could be that he is suffering from kennel cough, which is causing him to not eat, sneeze, and wheeze. Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease, but it is self limiting and usually the animal is better in three to four weeks. I would have him seen by a vet today. While there is no cure for kennel cough, the vet can prescribe medications to help his symptoms. At home, you can try gently warming really smell wet food to tempt him to eat. If he's congested, you can try using a humidifier or bringing him into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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