[tashaclaire]

Chloe is 13 weeks now and she is still trying to get over her upper respiratory infection(i guess this is kennel cough?)... this has caused her not to be able to get her 12 week vaccinations yet (the vet said we didn't want to stress out her system). But I have a few questions, so here they are:

1. Kennel Cough - The vet said that the infection has to go away by itself, that it would run its course and she would be fine. He gave her an antibiotic, Amoxi-Drops, as well as an injection at the office to avoid any secondary infection (pnemonia, etc.)... he said that it usually runs its course in 10 days( so to stop giving her the antibiotic in 10 days). Today is day 10, and she definatly still has the cough. She is still congested (more at night and when she first wakes up), and while it seems to be getting less often and less harsh, it is still there. Is this normal? Has anyone else had a puppy with this that lasted longer than the 10 days the vet said? If so how long? Did you give your puppy a children's cough syrup to relieve the cough, and how much? If it did last longer did you keep giving the antibiotic? Any information on this would be so great, thank you!!

2. Acidophilus - I know that when I was very ill (my kidneys began to shut down... weird for a 18 yr. old) I was I tons of antibiotics and medicines. The doctor told me to take acidophilus for a long time after that. Would this help my little one in a small amount? Since antibiotics can be so hard on the good bacteria in your body too I dont want her to have a compromised immune system after this... does anyone feed their puppy acidophilus? In what form (powder, pill, yogurt, etc.)? Any experience with this would also be greatly appriciated!!

3. Grinding Teeth - When Chloe is sleeping every once in awhile she will begin to grind her teeth... also, but very rarely, when she is awake. I know she is teething so could this be the cause? Anyone else have this experience?

4. Seperation Anxiety - I got Chloe on May 22nd, and she still has never been alone. She is so small that we are just afraid she may get hurt somehow or just anything (I am a nervous mother!). The vet said with puppies and especially since she has the upper respiratory infection, it is very important not to stress her out. This is another reason I have never left her alone. Usually when I go to work my sister or my mom watches her, but tomorrow (6/12/2006) is the first day that our schedules do not work. My sister had to fly out to Chicago for a funeral and she wont be here like she usually is in the mornings to watch Chloe. I am afraid to leave her alone!! Will this be too much stress on her right now? Plus she is still so small and I give her NutriCal every 4 hours and have to make sure she is eating and drinking... should I be as nervous as I am or will she be fine? Please, someone help!! Tell me what I should do.... find someone else to watch her, or will she be fine on her own??

Sorry this post was so long, any help anyone has would help me soo much!! Thank you!!