Clavamox to Treat Kennel Cough in Chihuahuas

Identification

• Kennel cough is also known as infectious tracheobronchitis or canine infectious respiratory disease complex. Kennel cough may be transmitted to other animals as well as humans, especially those that have compromised immune systems. In order to avoid transmitting kennel cough to other animals or humans, it is important to house sick animals separately.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of kennel cough in chihuahuas may include sneezing, nasal discharge and eye discharge. The dog may also cough excessively due to an increased amount of phlegm. Any cough that does not resolve within two or three days should be examined by a veterinarian.

Treatment

• In mild cases of kennel cough no treatment may be necessary. In chihuahuas that develop more severe cases of kennel cough, an antibiotic may be necessary. Clavamox is one antibiotic that veterinarians may use in the treatment of kennel cough and secondary infections that may result from kennel cough. Clavamox is a broad spectrum antibiotic that has been found to be more effective than other antibiotics, such as doxycycline, in treating chihuahuas with kennel cough.

Prevention/Solution

• Clavamox may help to prevent more severe infections secondary to kennel cough in chihuahuas. Many dogs develop pneumonia after kennel cough, which may be caused by excessive phlegm. It is important not to suppress the cough with antitussive medications, such as narcotic cough syrups, if pneumonia is present. This can depress the chihuahua's respiratory system even further.

Considerations

• There are vaccinations that can help to reduce the likelihood of your chihuahua developing kennel cough. While Clavamox is effective in treating secondary infections that may result from kennel cough such as pneumonia, prevention is always the best course of action. If you are planning to place your dog in a kennel for boarding, it is required that he or she be vaccinated for kennel cough.