Suggestions for Dog With Kennel Cough That Will Not Drink or Eat

by LOSO
(PA)

My dog has kennel cough and is on antibiotics but is not eating or drinking. how can i get him to eat and drink?

Vet Suggestion Dog with Kennel Cough that Will Note Eat or Drink

Hello,

In the short term, it is far more important that your dog drink rather than eat. Think of his condition as being similar to a human case of the flu. If we don’t eat for several days, it’s not a big deal, but our doctors always tell us to drink as much as we can. The same holds true for dogs.

Try offering water to him at different temperatures. Some dogs prefer it icy cold while others like it more at room temperature. You can also try adding a small amount of chicken broth to the water to make it smell good. If you can’t get your dog to drink in 24 hours, talk to your veterinarian. He or she could give him a bolus of fluids under his skin that would help keep him hydrated until he’s feeling better.

Try offering him some canned food. Not only is it more palatable than dry, but it also contains significantly more water. If your dog is not eating in two or three days, contact your veterinarian.

Good luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM

Kennel Cough and Dog not Eating or Drinking

by Michael Walker
(villa rica, ga)

Below are two reader questions on Kennel cough and dogs that are not eating or drinking. Advice from our Veterinarian follows the second question below.

Reader Question

I have a 1.5 yr old female America bulldog that has kennel cough. She has had it for about a week, but doesn't want to eat or drink. I've been giving her robitussin dm 4 times a day. The cough seems better but her eating and drinking has changed.