Puppy is sick!

by sam

We recently adopted an 8 week old male australian shepherd puppy from an adoption center (ARF) and he was fine at first, but started coughing constantly. We brought him to the vet and they said he had kennel cough and told us to give 1/4th tablet of antibiotics twice a day.

We did so and he was getting better until he vomited the next day. His vomit is bubbly and almost looks like baby vomit. We took him to the vet who said it might be the pills and gave him an injection of anitbiotics instead. He also gave him some fluids and fed him 1/4th a can of canned puppy food. He told us to give him this dog food in 4ths throughout the day and to eventually mix it with dry food. He thought he might have parvo but his temp was fine and he was still alert (for example, he will sort of chew on stuff if you put it in front of him and will lick ice, etc. He also lifts his head when people enter the room or a noise is made.) He got better for the rest of the night but in morning he had diarrhea for a little bit and it didn't come back.

Now he is the same (lethargic but still aware) and he is throwing up every hour or so) what is wrong with him and what should we do? oh and by the way he has no appetite.




Hi Sam
I'm sorry your puppy is feeling ill, I know how worrying it is when that happens.

I'm not a veterinarian I'm afraid and can't give a professional opinion here, but from what you describe it certainly sounds as though your puppy has Kennel Cough at the very least.

This isn't unusual for puppies/dogs who have come from shelters or kennels where a lot of dogs, often coming in unvaccinated, are kept. Kennel Cough (or Bordatella as it is also known) is generally self-limiting and antibiotics are the appropriate treatment to make sure no secondary infections (such as pneumonia) occur.

As the vomiting started after you gave him the anti-biotics, I would guess that it is a reaction to the medication. Again, not unusual. Antibiotics can cause vomiting and diarrhea in some pups/dogs. Again this usually improves over time and as the pup becomes more used to the medicine.

However, as your puppy is vomiting repeatedly, he is at risk of becoming dehydrated. If he will drink, adding some Pedialyte (available in baby section of stores and pharmacies), or Gatorade to his water will help. But if this continues, I would strongly recommend taking him back to your vet. He may need an IV for fluids, at least until his tummy settles down.

If your vet is considering as a possible diagnosis, make sure that you get a fecal test done for this. Parvo needs early and aggressive treatment in puppies. Personally I'm not sure what you're describing 'fits' a Parvo diagnosis, at least at this point, but it is definitely not something you want to take a chance with. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Overall, I would recommend taking him back to your vet for further evaluation, little puppies can get very sick, very fast and it's important to be 'on the ball' with them.

I wish you the very best of luck and hope that he is doing much better soon.