My Chihuahua has a dry cough. Are there affordable alternatives?

Poor guy. It can take 48-72 hrs for antibiotics to take effect. So if it is not past that point then he likely needs a bit more time. If you feel the coughing is too severe, and he isn’t coughing up mucous or fluid, then he can safely be prescribed a cough suppressant by your vet. You can also try some warm water and a small amount of honey, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties to help with his cough. Poor guy. I hope Vincent feels better soon. Take care.

Hello there! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to post your questions regarding Maxx. It looks like he is on quite the combination of medications to try and suppress the coughing. I personally do not find that the cough tabs help much. I have had great success using hydrocodone or butorphanol tablets. The albuterol is good for a bronchodilator. You might consider talking to your veterinarian about using a inhaler called flovent. Fluticasone might be a better option to use. I would talk to your veterinarian about these other options and see if this would work best for Maxx. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available to talk with via text or phone using the consultation service

Pharmacy law does not allow online veterinarians to advise clients regarding the use of human medications in pets. You may call your normal veterinarian who may be able to advise you. I do recommend to have Coco examined by the veterinarian today. A bad cough can be a sign of many things, some of which are serious like fluid in the lungs, heart failure or severe collapsing trachea. These issues need to be addressed quickly and with medication that only the doctor can provide. I hope Coco starts feeling better quickly.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Brachycephalic syndrome refers to a combination of conditions including smaller than normal nostrils, a longer than normal soft palate, and some other malformations of the back of the throat. It is unlikely that a chihuahua will have this condition. Conditions that can cause chronic coughs in dogs include a collapsing trachea, heart enlargement, or issues with the lungs. These conditions can be identified with an x-ray or CT scan and may require life-long treatment. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!

Unfortunately there are no OTC medications you can give Chloe. If she's coughing again, she needs to see the vet to get medications prescribed to treat it. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ Check out these resources to see if one can help you, and please take her into the vet. Best of luck.

If nothing else has helped for the bronchitis, I have to wonder is it bronchitis for sure? Could it be anything else? X-rays, heartworm Test, CBC, parasite check are all important. If your vet has ruled out everything else, then yes, you could try an antihistamine to see if there is an allergy component. If not, a lot of people have luck with trying an inhaler with their dog. You are lucky to be in Canada and not here in the States as inhalers are a lot less expensive there! They are used with a mask and spacing system.

You didn't mention if his cough improved with each treatment. I am presuming that it improved, but then started again when you finished the medication. Since the cough has been going on for a period of months, is dry and recurs without medications, you could be dealing with something like chronic bronchitis, but there are other things that your vet needs to look for as well. I have attached information below on chronic bronchitis. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3151 If that is what BigMoe is dealing with, he may need to be on some medication long term instead of just a short term medication. I know you're on a fixed income, but I would speak to your vet about how BigMoe has responded to TemarilP and Hydrocodone and decide on your next treatment plan. Good luck! I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using PetCoach.