My dogs have been exposed to kennel cough within the past weeks. Long story short, my aunt got a new puppy about two weeks ago. It was previously treated for kennel cough about a month (so the rescue said) before they got it and is showing no symptoms. Two other dogs that have come into contact with the pup (my aunt's other dog and my grandparents' dog) have come down with it. Seems like it took about 1 week for symptoms to show in them...

Well, of course, I had let my 7 month old GSD play with the new pup. Last time was last Sunday...and unfortunately they were totally playing. My pup is showing no signs yet. Then my pup has been in contact with my two older GSDs, one of whom is almost 9 years old and has EPI (she is who I would be most worried about).

UGH UGH UGH!

Any thoughts on this matter? My three are all minimally vaccinated and raw fed, hoping that works in their favor! Kira and Grace had mild KC years ago and got over it with no problem...hoping for some immunity there.

I would also love some ideas for coping with KC, especially with my g-parent's dog. She is a little Yorkie, 10 years old. My nana is recovering from colon cancer, a broken hip, and hemorrhagic stroke that left blood in her brain still...she just finally got out of a nursing home. This is the last thing they need!

Well, I think most cases clear up on their own. Still, it can turn into deeper-seated bronchial infection and even possibly-deadly pneumonia. I'd probably call the vet about the ten-year-old guy.

So far no symptoms in any of your dogs?

If coughing does start, I personally would see the vet because cough control can help prevent tracheal damage.

And there are home things (I know folks who swear by the bedtime bathroom-steam thing followed by very careful drying and a warm bed).

All JMO. Others will know more. I have had very little experience with it, luckily.

I worked in a kennel for years so ive seen alot of this.Always a good idea to talk to your Vet but really its a wait and see kinda thing.Any symptoms you need to get them in to be on the safe side.
Sometimes they will get it and sometimes not....just give a call to your vet.
Good luck.

Thank you both

Well, my grandpa took the yorkie to the vet. Vet said it isn't kennel cough (mostly based on the fact that she couldn't reproduce the cough in the office from what I can gather). Lily was prescribed Temaril-P, which is a combo antihistamine & prednisolone. I am still saying it is KC, but it is likely that my g-pa didn't get the information back and forth right (sort of like playing a game of "telephone"!)

Connie - No, my dogs have not shown any symptoms. Fingers crossed and I am going to increase a few of their supplements to full dosage in hopes of preventing any issues and to boost the immune system. (Thinking fish oil up to 1000mg/every 10 lbs of body weight and bumping their B-Naturals Immune Blend to full dose as they regularly get a 1/2 dose. Any thoughts on Vitamin C, Connie?)

Will read up on home remedies to be prepared...

Thanks again!

I don't know about upping supplements if you mean vit/min. Vit C, for example, can trigger diarrhea in large doses, Vit A can accumulate to toxic levels, many minerals have very little wiggle room ....

But vitamins "on the hoof," so to speak, are pretty hard to get into trouble with. Berries, for example, are low in sugar and rich in vitamins and phytochemicals.

Dogs manufacture C, and many give extra, but a sudden supplement increase might trigger GI distress. OTOH, a boost comes naturally in, say, strawberries and parsley, foods I like to provide as part of the dogs' diet.

If I upped the B-Naturals, they would be at the recommended full dosage. I give a half dose on a regular basis per the advice of Lew Olson. I would not be going beyond what is recommended.

I love the idea of adding foods that have naturally occurring Vit.C and other things, though I could kick myself because I just cleaned out the fridge and threw out strawberries (what was I thinking?? was a crazed automatic clean sweep!)

PS

Several of the virus-protection actions people can take are also applicable to dogs. Exercise, plenty of fluids (baited water, anyone?), and phytochemicals all, IMO, apply to both species.

Coincidentally, I just received my most recent LB order, and it included this:

http://leerburg.com/icepup.htm?news=05112009

I make it up often in winter and pour it warm over the food. The ingredient list is as impressive as all the THK products, but the smell alone is evidence to me of what good food it is.

All JMO!

 Quote: Melissa Hoyer

If I upped the B-Naturals, they would be at the recommended full dosage.

Oh, yeah, that would be good.

Thank you for the Ice Pups recommendation...I actually have been meaning to order some THK for some variety and I will get that too. Looks like I will be heading to the produce department tomorrow morning too

(Going to pass on this idea to a friend as well who has been having trouble with her dog who has reflex dyssynergia and hasn't been drinking enough...)

One thing I meant to say: Don't make huge quantities of Ice Pup broth at once. Like any real food, it has a fairly short shelf life after rehydration. About three days' worth is max, IME. After that, it starts to sour.

I warm it back up in the microwave in a glass Pyrex measuring cup (they are micro-proof) on very low power.... not to cook; just to warm it a little.

I really like that stuff, summer and winter.