My husband and I saved the lives of two sweet puppies from the shelter the other day.  The people at the shelter said the pups were showing signs of kennel cough.  I took them to the vet the next day.  (the pups were schedualed to be put down, so we really saved them)  The vet gave me some meds and said it should get better in two weeks.  I am really worried though. 

Bonnie, a chow/lab mix, is doing pretty well.  She has a mild cough and it doesnt happen too much.  He nose is a little runny.  She is active and loving. 

Clyde, a husky/lab mix, is not doing well at all.  He coughs all the time.  It sounds like he is going to die!  His poor little nose is like a water faucet!  I keep cleaning it with a warm wet cloth.  I have been giving him benadryl to help with the cough, but it seems to do nothing.  I feel so bad for him!  He is actually coughing stuff up too!  Its like yellow and yucky!  He is happy and active.  He wants to be in my lap all the time.  Im really worried though! 

Can someone tell me if this sounds like its kennel cough?  I mean should I take them back to the vet???  They have had their first round of shots...  Please help me :(

Jessica,

Good on you and your Hubby for rescuing these two pups.
Are you in the Uk??
It sounds like KC to me. Maybe a bit worse in the Husky mix than the other.
If he is any worse in a day or two I would take him back to the vet.
If he is going to recover he has a lot better chance with you than in the rescue.
Good luck. Keep in touch and let us knw how you all get on.
Give the babies love from me.
How old are they??

The vet would have told you if he was too worried.
D4wn

I am in the US, just moved here from Italy.  Bonnie is 3 1/2 months and Clyde is 2 1/2 months.  They are so sweet!  I have never had a dog before so this is really new and frightening for me.  I just noticed when I cleaned Clyde's nose that the mucus is yellowish/brown.  I dont know if that makes a differance.

Thanks for the advice D4wn.

Hi Jessica,

How are the pups today/tonight?? time difference you understand.
Have they been tested for Distemper /Parvo virus??
If they are still running around it may just be Kennel Cough but if they are still ill I would speak to your vet just in case.
In the UK the rescues won't re-home unwell dogs. I can't understand why they let you take them. They must have known they needed treatment.
I hope they are getting better.
Did you get their vaccs done or were they already done?? Do you have their vacc cards??
When they go to the toilet is it 'normal' or runny?? Is there any blood in it?
If their stools are runny or bloody then I would have them to the vet ASAP.
Another thought. They may just be stressed out. After all they have been in rescue and now been taken to a new home.
I hope everything works out for all of you this was obviously their last chance.

Good luck
D4wn

I took them to the vet yesterday.  According the paper work I got from the humane society when I adopted them, they had their shots for distemper and had been cleaned up for worms.  The pups have distemper and worms :/  I am devistated.  The doctor said the might live, but not to get too attached.  Its a bit too late for that.  He has them on meds, other than that he said there is nothing we can do.

Thanks,

Jes

Jessica,

That's terrible for you.
Don't give up on them I've known pups survive Distemper. Make sure they are getting enough fluids and if they want to eat try them with light meals. Chicken & rice or a bit of scrambled egg.
I'm surprised no one else with a bit more experience hasn't replied to your post.
Are the pups a reasonable weight??
I don't think the Humane Society had wormed them properly but now they have been wormed by your vet that should clear up. Some pups can have 'loose' stools when they are wormed.
You and your Husband give them plenty of love, they need that more than anything at the moment. It's amazing how a poorly dog will rally when he knows he's got a loving home ahead of him.
What medication are they on??
I honestly have never had a dog of my own get Distemper but I'm almost sure that it is the fluids that are the most important.

Good Luck to all of you.
Give the babes a hug from my lot.

Let me know when how they are doing.

D4wn

Jessica,

I just did a search on the forum.
If you go to search in the right top corner, when the box comes up put 'distemper' in the keyword box.
There are a few topics about distemper. Don't read the distemper one it's a bit distressing but if you read 'ataxia due to distemper' it may give you some hope for you two babies.

D4wn

I am not sure the name of the meds they are on.  The script is written in numbers.  The numbers are 20453.  They are both fat... Bonnie weighs more than Clyde but they both are at a reasonable weight. 

The both got loose stool from the worming meds.  Does it cause their poo to smell really bad?  They have very smelly poo and gas. 

Sorry to read your post about your 2 puppies - I hope they're doing ok? Bless them, I bet they really appreciate the love you are giving them even though they are poorly. I'm sure they're little fighters. Please keep us posted on how they are.

Dexy

Currently, Bonnie is doing pretty well.  She seems to be just fine.  Clyde on the other hand has the worst runny nose ever!  He has stopped his constant wretching and is now only coughing every few hours or so.  The stuff coming out of his nose is bright green.  If I had to guess I would say it would glow in the dark.  He is still seeming okay other wise though. 
In the evening time he seems to be running a fever.  I am wondering if there is anything I can give him to bring the temp down? 

The worst part about them being sick... they get to sleep in bed with us now.  This is something I did not want.  I just feel so bad for them that I let them sleep with us.  They also sleep better if they are close to me.  I guess they feel safer next to me. 

I will keep yall posted.

Bonnie, Clyde & Jessica

HI Jessica,

It sounds as if you're doing everything right with your pups.
Clyde's runny nose should clesr up I would think. All the gunk coming out is the phlegm on his chest.
In the UK we have a childrens medicine called 'Calpol'. It is paracetamol based and me vet says a tiny amount of this will bring down the temperature.
It might be worth asking your vet.
If the pups are still eating I would think there is a good chance they will pull through. Just make sure they are eating and drinking enough. It sounds like their weight is okay too. Are their stools still loose??

I always let my dogs in bed if their not well.
Your husband must be very understanding, I always get the evil eye when I let my dogs in bed.

I think you are both doing a good job with these little ones, there aren't many people who would take on sick pups in the knowledge that it is going to be an uphill struggle to get them fit. Along with the vet bills.

It can take a few months for them to recover fully. When they are well just keep an eye out for chest infections and such as they can be a bit more prone to these kind of things.

Good luck.

D4wn

Update:

Bonnie and Clyde are doing great.  Clyde still has a bit of a runny nose.  The mucus is clear so I am not very worried.  I thank you all so much for your advice!!!

hi jessica, i have just read your post, welldone for saving the two pups, so glad they are getting better,
Heidi