Benji Update...

[Rafferty]

I've been back to the vet this morning and told him that Benji is not getting any better. I explained that he is still coughing just as much and that I can now hear liquid moving around as he coughs. The vet took his temperature and said it was fine, and that I should just carry on with the antibiotic (Zithromax) and the other medication (Romilar) but that I should increase the dose slightly on the Romilar. He explained that I just need to be patient and wait for the medication to kick in. Zithromax and Romilar are actually human medications, not animal ones. Is it common for these medications to be used in treating kennel cough??

Any suggestions of anything else I can do to help Benji feel a little better? He's tired a lot of the time as he's up all night coughing. I'm equally tired as I'm up all night soothing him! Also, any ideas on how to get him to take the medication? I administer it with a syringe into his mouth but he absolutely HATES it and struggles and cries. I've tried covering the end of the syringe in something sweet, which worked once but then he got wise to my tricks! Any other ideas??

Thanks everyone

[lankeela]

Benylin children's dose will sooth the cough. Will he eat a knob of butter? You can syringe the liquid into the middle and by the time he realises whats in it it will have been swallowed.

[LoftyLottie]

I would check with the vet though. Although I agree that Benylin can be given to dogs Benylin might react with the other drugs little Benji is getting.

I remember sitting up all night with my dog once with Kennel Cough. It is very distressing to hear, but it isn't usually as bad as it sounds. He will be tired but as the vet says the medicines will kick in soon.

The vet told me that it is a far worse illness in dogs with deep chests. Is that Benji in the photo. I had a yorkie called Benji. Lovely little rescued dog who sadly died last year aged 15.

Hope he is better soon. x

[anneasquith]

the butter is a good idea . so is jam or even a little piece of cheese.

[LoftyLottie]

honey perhaps. My dog likes honey!!

[Rafferty]

I'll try the butter idea, thanks guys. The medicine really doesn't smell very nice - I wouldn't be keen on taking it myself. With his heightened senses it must be awful! And yes Lofty, that's Benji in my picture. I've had Yorkshire terriers all my life, absolutely adore them. I lost one two years ago and have never been so heartbroken. Sorry to hear about your Benji.

I'll keep you all up to date with any developments. Thank you for your kind words and support

Melanie and Benji

[wolf63]

Make sure that he is drinking as much as he can - he is just a tiny little thing and could get dehydrated.

Puppies are supposed to be energetic bundles of fun and mischief - Benji must be feeling really miserable and ill, poor wee thing.

[jules77]

Manuka honey soothes a cough and is also a natural antibiotic.

[woofgang]

if its smelly then try mixing it with sardines...they have a strong smell too and might mask the meds