Sick puppy - YorkieTalk.com Forums

CTYorkie · 02-17-2006, 01:32 PM

Hi all,

We've only had our Yorkie for a week. He is 13.5 wks old and weighs 2.7lbs. Two days after we got him, we took him to a vet for a checkup & were told he had a mild case of kennel cough & that it would resolve on its own. He was not concerned about collapsing trachea. On Wednesday, Buddy was worse so we took him to a different vet for a 2nd opinion. She put him on zithromax and told us to call back in a week. She was not concerned about collapsing trachea either. He's been on the med for 3 doses.

It is nerve-wracking to watch him coughing/hacking, sneezing so much - sometimes it is quite scary (for him & us!!!) to see the gagging. His nose is runny but clear. He doesn't want to eat puppy food (never was too fond of it) or even moist dog food. The 2nd vet said not to give him human food but I tried some chicken broth with rice & he refused that too. If I break up a soft chewie and leave it on the floor, he'll scavenge it and eat it up... I give NutriCal just to make sure he gets some calories. He's had a bm every day, today they're a little green - prob. from the med. He dislikes drinking from a bowl and the water seems to trigger a coughing fit so he's not drinking so much. He's gone at least a couple times a day that we could see...

I'm beside myself. I'm so freaked out that it might be more serious like the trachea thing. Also, my dd could not be immunized against pertusiss bc of an allergic reaction to the vaccine...having just read that kennel cough is related to whooping cough, I'm wondering if the dog could making her sick too! What do you think?

For those who might wonder, we got him from a pet store (please, please NO flames -we'd tried & tried "reputable" breeders; after weeks of leading us on, they kept the pups as possible show dogs; others just didn't bother to return our calls/emails - this went on for months. My dh didn't like the idea of rescue coming to our home whenever they wanted to check on the dog. And around here the shelters had mixes of pitbull/Rottie or other large dogs. I don't know why I'm explaining myself...just feel like I'll be judged or something.)

Anyway, after all this with the breeders, we came across this little Yorkie with just the cutest personality. I could hold him like a baby, tickle his tummy, look in his mouth, etc. right from the start. And my dh, who would have been described as dog-tolerant before, just fell in love with this one. He was 12 wks when he got to the store & was only there 4 days before we bought him, 7 by the time we got to take him home. We played with him every day until he could come home with us & several Yorkie owners looked in and commented on his temperment and what wonderful dogs Yorkies could be. The vet even was impressed with the vaccinations & deworming care this puppy had and all the staff wanted to hold him. But now he is sick and just doesn't want to play much but will once in awhile. I think he's not getting enough rest bc of the coughing. I got infant Robitussin but he won't take it yet. Should I try to trick it into him?

If you've ever dealt with kennel cough like this, would you please share some insights? BTW, I have panic disorder and this surely isn't helping - I'm beside myself worrying about this sweet little puppy and yet wondering if I'm too worried about something that will resolve. Please send only good thoughts & helpful advice. Thanks so much, sorry this is so long.

chachi · 02-17-2006, 01:41 PM

I havent had experience with kennel cough but from what I have read on here they can hold on to it for quite a while sometimes. I would keep giving the nutrical and try to get him to eat. I have a sick yorkie also and he isnt eating so I got him some cottage cheese and he ate that. You could also try some chicken and rice. I will be praying for your little guy and I hope he gets better soon.

schatzie · 02-17-2006, 01:47 PM

I have not ever experienced kennel cough with any of my fur babies. I do apologize I cannot give you any insight on this.

Keep close contact w/ your vet if you feel you see no improvement. These little one's can get better fast or get worse fast also...Try not to worry yourself too much. I know that's easier said then done.

Continue to try all types of bland foods. Baby food (Gerber meat sticks), boiled chicken, chicken livers, rice, etc.

I hope your baby is better soon. Please keep us posted.

Patti · 02-17-2006, 06:35 PM

Cali had it when i got her the end of August and was on 3 different rounds of antibiotics gave it to my older pom and it took over 3 months for both of them to finally get over it. I just kept taking her in for check ups evrey couple of weeks to check her lungs. I also have a panic disorder and Cali has been sick so many times in the 6 months that I have her that my nerves are shot! I hope he feels better soon. I would just make sure that you take him to the vet if you feel he is not getting better or getting worse.

chattiesmom · 02-17-2006, 06:41 PM

I haven't had any experience with kennel cough, so I can't give any advice, but I can send you a great big welcome to YT. I am sure someone here will be able to help.

smmrpm · 02-17-2006, 07:16 PM

Welcome to YT!! My boy started having a cough about a week after we brought him home from the breeders, we took him to the vets and they didn't say anything about kennel cough but said sometimes with all the stress of a new home and diffferent things they come incontact with that it can sometimes cause coughs. They put him on an antibiotic and we also realized he was worse with his blankets in his crates - we used gain detergent and found that when we switched to using dreft(used a lot for babies clothes and such) that he didn't cough nearly as much. It took a couple of weeks to get over it and to this day we don't use that detergent and have never had another problem. I hope your new baby gets better soon!! Post pics when you can!!

JWebb · 02-17-2006, 08:16 PM

I also have a sick yorkie and have had trouble getting her to eat. I can get her to eat chicken baby food. I also could get her to eat the baby food chicken sticks but since i read on the label that it contained onion powder I was afraid it might make her sick. I just gave her the strained chicken baby food. You might try to put a little rice in it and you may have to mash up the rice as well. I give my baby nutrical a couple times a day as well. Good luck with your baby.

By the way welcome to YorkieTalk. Please keep us updated on how your baby is doing.

Judy

whispersmom2 · 02-17-2006, 09:02 PM

I am by no means an expert but I do have a lot of experiences with the numbers of critters I have had over the years. First, do you have copies of ALL of the meds the puppy miller and then the shop gave that baby? When very strong antibiotics or steroids are given too early the immune system can go into total collapse and things like lupus, Cushings and so on show up. I want to stay on track here so that is all about those things.
I know a person whose pet shop gift Yorkie was in the hosp. 2+ of the first 3 weeks she was home. She nearly died BUT, they made the pet shop pay all the vet bills by getting everything ready to go public.
Anyhow, I was taught a procedure many years ago to help control spasm in the trachea. That would require a demo.
Sounds like your baby has either viral or bacterial ifections. So, how to give cough med. I use NUTRI-STAT not nutrical..NS is stinky like cod liver oil and mine love it. Okay, here is one way to handle giving the syrup. Have 2 tubes of NS. Put the dose of cough med in the open tip of one tube and let the dog lick a sample out of the plain tube and squirt the meds in from the next one. They get so confused, they will eat or drink anything...

judyonlypooh · 02-18-2006, 10:25 PM

Hi I am sorry to hear your baby is sick. I am from CT too did you buy her in CT? I called alot of people for puppies.

bugaboosmom · 02-18-2006, 10:56 PM

I'm so sorry this had to be your first thread. I'm happy you got a lot of info. I don't have any personal experience but I know it can sometimes be hard to clear up. I wish you and your yorkie the best during this ordeal. Keep us posted.
P.S. I also have panic disorder.

Oscar's Mom · 02-19-2006, 05:44 AM

I am sorry to hear your baby is sick. We bought an English Bulldog one time that came home sick. The breeder said that he was coughing like that because he had just had the kennel cough immunization - the kind they squirt up the nose not an injection. I am convinced he had Kennel Cough. The sounds of that poor puppy coughing still haunt me. He pulled through with meds but he coughed his poor little head off and they were really big hard coughs. It did not seem possible for such a sound to come from such a little bulldog. I don't remember what the vet put him on but it was only the first of many problems we had out of him. Just try to get him to eat and drink...whatever it takes, hold him and comfort him when he has those spells and tell him it is o.k. and be sure and take your medication as well...you need to take care of yourself. I also suffer panic attacks and know that the extra stress is no fun. We will be hoping for the best for you and your baby.

CTYorkie · 02-19-2006, 11:38 AM

Just a quick update: Buddy is improving (yeah!) although the spells remain frightening, their frequency is decreasing and happen mostly when he wakes up, drinks water or comes in from the cold (quick potty run). I think the zithro is starting to work. He remains quite a finicky eater - seems he'd rather be a "vacumn cleaner" looking for morsels than eat his own food. Anyhow, I did speak with a friend (another panic sufferer) whose dd is a VMD! The dd was able to provide consolation that I didn't have to worry about it transferring to my dd and what to watch for... We are keeping a close eye on Buddy & will be talking with the vet Monday. FWIW, the store has promised to pay for all treatment and dh is bringing in copies of the vet's diagnosis and the bills. I'm just sorry he's going through all this. And grateful to all of you who shared your own experience (including dealing with panic disorder) - it is so nice to know I'm not alone!
Cheryl

artierae · 02-19-2006, 04:44 PM

Cheryl, I just saw this thread, and would like to say that probably the best part of Yorkie Talk is that there are so many people who can give you advise and share their experiences with you. This alone should make you feel better, just knowing you are not alone in whatever problem you might have. The people here are so good to help and to share their knowledge, as well as letting you know they share in your health concerns. This is one of the things I like best about YT.

judyonlypooh · 02-19-2006, 06:12 PM

Cheryl I 2nd that !!! Y.Talkers are the best...I have gotten some great advice and I appreciate everyones kindness and willness to help. I am happy to hear your lil one is doing better

nyisles84 · 02-19-2006, 06:21 PM

i've had my puppy since october, 5 months now...and he is almost 9 months old...he has had this couch everytime he drinks...he'll drink his water and cough 2-3 times when he's done. He has been on medicine for it 3 doffernt times. he has gone in to be neutered and hes perfectly healthy all around. i wonder what this could be.

02-17-2006, 01:32 PM	#1
CTYorkie Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: CT Posts: 42	Sick puppy Hi all, We've only had our Yorkie for a week. He is 13.5 wks old and weighs 2.7lbs. Two days after we got him, we took him to a vet for a checkup & were told he had a mild case of kennel cough & that it would resolve on its own. He was not concerned about collapsing trachea. On Wednesday, Buddy was worse so we took him to a different vet for a 2nd opinion. She put him on zithromax and told us to call back in a week. She was not concerned about collapsing trachea either. He's been on the med for 3 doses. It is nerve-wracking to watch him coughing/hacking, sneezing so much - sometimes it is quite scary (for him & us!!!) to see the gagging. His nose is runny but clear. He doesn't want to eat puppy food (never was too fond of it) or even moist dog food. The 2nd vet said not to give him human food but I tried some chicken broth with rice & he refused that too. If I break up a soft chewie and leave it on the floor, he'll scavenge it and eat it up... I give NutriCal just to make sure he gets some calories. He's had a bm every day, today they're a little green - prob. from the med. He dislikes drinking from a bowl and the water seems to trigger a coughing fit so he's not drinking so much. He's gone at least a couple times a day that we could see... I'm beside myself. I'm so freaked out that it might be more serious like the trachea thing. Also, my dd could not be immunized against pertusiss bc of an allergic reaction to the vaccine...having just read that kennel cough is related to whooping cough, I'm wondering if the dog could making her sick too! What do you think? For those who might wonder, we got him from a pet store (please, please NO flames -we'd tried & tried "reputable" breeders; after weeks of leading us on, they kept the pups as possible show dogs; others just didn't bother to return our calls/emails - this went on for months. My dh didn't like the idea of rescue coming to our home whenever they wanted to check on the dog. And around here the shelters had mixes of pitbull/Rottie or other large dogs. I don't know why I'm explaining myself...just feel like I'll be judged or something.) Anyway, after all this with the breeders, we came across this little Yorkie with just the cutest personality. I could hold him like a baby, tickle his tummy, look in his mouth, etc. right from the start. And my dh, who would have been described as dog-tolerant before, just fell in love with this one. He was 12 wks when he got to the store & was only there 4 days before we bought him, 7 by the time we got to take him home. We played with him every day until he could come home with us & several Yorkie owners looked in and commented on his temperment and what wonderful dogs Yorkies could be. The vet even was impressed with the vaccinations & deworming care this puppy had and all the staff wanted to hold him. But now he is sick and just doesn't want to play much but will once in awhile. I think he's not getting enough rest bc of the coughing. I got infant Robitussin but he won't take it yet. Should I try to trick it into him? If you've ever dealt with kennel cough like this, would you please share some insights? BTW, I have panic disorder and this surely isn't helping - I'm beside myself worrying about this sweet little puppy and yet wondering if I'm too worried about something that will resolve. Please send only good thoughts & helpful advice. Thanks so much, sorry this is so long.

02-17-2006, 01:41 PM	#2
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	I havent had experience with kennel cough but from what I have read on here they can hold on to it for quite a while sometimes. I would keep giving the nutrical and try to get him to eat. I have a sick yorkie also and he isnt eating so I got him some cottage cheese and he ate that. You could also try some chicken and rice. I will be praying for your little guy and I hope he gets better soon. __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

02-17-2006, 01:47 PM	#3
schatzie *Moderator Emeritus* Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tontitown Arkansas Posts: 4,909	I have not ever experienced kennel cough with any of my fur babies. I do apologize I cannot give you any insight on this. Keep close contact w/ your vet if you feel you see no improvement. These little one's can get better fast or get worse fast also...Try not to worry yourself too much. I know that's easier said then done. Continue to try all types of bland foods. Baby food (Gerber meat sticks), boiled chicken, chicken livers, rice, etc. I hope your baby is better soon. Please keep us posted. __________________ ~~~~ Schatzie and Ransom ~~~~

02-17-2006, 06:35 PM	#4
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	Cali had it when i got her the end of August and was on 3 different rounds of antibiotics gave it to my older pom and it took over 3 months for both of them to finally get over it. I just kept taking her in for check ups evrey couple of weeks to check her lungs. I also have a panic disorder and Cali has been sick so many times in the 6 months that I have her that my nerves are shot! I hope he feels better soon. I would just make sure that you take him to the vet if you feel he is not getting better or getting worse. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

02-17-2006, 06:41 PM	#5
chattiesmom Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alabama Posts: 17,674	I haven't had any experience with kennel cough, so I can't give any advice, but I can send you a great big welcome to YT. I am sure someone here will be able to help. __________________ Silk Step-In Harnesses www.foxypups.etsy.com

02-17-2006, 07:16 PM	#6
smmrpm Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 800	Welcome to YT!! My boy started having a cough about a week after we brought him home from the breeders, we took him to the vets and they didn't say anything about kennel cough but said sometimes with all the stress of a new home and diffferent things they come incontact with that it can sometimes cause coughs. They put him on an antibiotic and we also realized he was worse with his blankets in his crates - we used gain detergent and found that when we switched to using dreft(used a lot for babies clothes and such) that he didn't cough nearly as much. It took a couple of weeks to get over it and to this day we don't use that detergent and have never had another problem. I hope your new baby gets better soon!! Post pics when you can!! __________________ Max, Piper, Emma & Buttercup Click HERE to see our Pictures

02-17-2006, 08:16 PM	#7
JWebb Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 33	I also have a sick yorkie and have had trouble getting her to eat. I can get her to eat chicken baby food. I also could get her to eat the baby food chicken sticks but since i read on the label that it contained onion powder I was afraid it might make her sick. I just gave her the strained chicken baby food. You might try to put a little rice in it and you may have to mash up the rice as well. I give my baby nutrical a couple times a day as well. Good luck with your baby. By the way welcome to YorkieTalk. Please keep us updated on how your baby is doing. Judy

02-17-2006, 09:02 PM	#8
whispersmom2 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MD Posts: 2,985	I am by no means an expert but I do have a lot of experiences with the numbers of critters I have had over the years. First, do you have copies of ALL of the meds the puppy miller and then the shop gave that baby? When very strong antibiotics or steroids are given too early the immune system can go into total collapse and things like lupus, Cushings and so on show up. I want to stay on track here so that is all about those things. I know a person whose pet shop gift Yorkie was in the hosp. 2+ of the first 3 weeks she was home. She nearly died BUT, they made the pet shop pay all the vet bills by getting everything ready to go public. Anyhow, I was taught a procedure many years ago to help control spasm in the trachea. That would require a demo. Sounds like your baby has either viral or bacterial ifections. So, how to give cough med. I use NUTRI-STAT not nutrical..NS is stinky like cod liver oil and mine love it. Okay, here is one way to handle giving the syrup. Have 2 tubes of NS. Put the dose of cough med in the open tip of one tube and let the dog lick a sample out of the plain tube and squirt the meds in from the next one. They get so confused, they will eat or drink anything...

02-18-2006, 10:25 PM	#9
judyonlypooh Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: ct Posts: 130	Hi I am sorry to hear your baby is sick. I am from CT too did you buy her in CT? I called alot of people for puppies. __________________ Judy & Zoey

02-18-2006, 10:56 PM	#10
bugaboosmom Luv My Bug! Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: california Posts: 1,573	Welcome To Yt. I'm so sorry this had to be your first thread. I'm happy you got a lot of info. I don't have any personal experience but I know it can sometimes be hard to clear up. I wish you and your yorkie the best during this ordeal. Keep us posted. P.S. I also have panic disorder. __________________ TARMAR'S YORKIES

02-19-2006, 05:44 AM	#11
Oscar's Mom My Little Biker Dude Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,065	Hang in there... I am sorry to hear your baby is sick. We bought an English Bulldog one time that came home sick. The breeder said that he was coughing like that because he had just had the kennel cough immunization - the kind they squirt up the nose not an injection. I am convinced he had Kennel Cough. The sounds of that poor puppy coughing still haunt me. He pulled through with meds but he coughed his poor little head off and they were really big hard coughs. It did not seem possible for such a sound to come from such a little bulldog. I don't remember what the vet put him on but it was only the first of many problems we had out of him. Just try to get him to eat and drink...whatever it takes, hold him and comfort him when he has those spells and tell him it is o.k. and be sure and take your medication as well...you need to take care of yourself. I also suffer panic attacks and know that the extra stress is no fun. We will be hoping for the best for you and your baby. __________________ ****************** Debbie G. - Oscar's Mom ****** PRAYERS FOR ALL THOSE KICKING CANCER'S BUTT!!! **************** RIP SHARON 8-10-63 to 9-21-08

02-19-2006, 11:38 AM	#12
CTYorkie Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: CT Posts: 42	Just a quick update: Buddy is improving (yeah!) although the spells remain frightening, their frequency is decreasing and happen mostly when he wakes up, drinks water or comes in from the cold (quick potty run). I think the zithro is starting to work. He remains quite a finicky eater - seems he'd rather be a "vacumn cleaner" looking for morsels than eat his own food. Anyhow, I did speak with a friend (another panic sufferer) whose dd is a VMD! The dd was able to provide consolation that I didn't have to worry about it transferring to my dd and what to watch for... We are keeping a close eye on Buddy & will be talking with the vet Monday. FWIW, the store has promised to pay for all treatment and dh is bringing in copies of the vet's diagnosis and the bills. I'm just sorry he's going through all this. And grateful to all of you who shared your own experience (including dealing with panic disorder) - it is so nice to know I'm not alone! Cheryl

02-19-2006, 04:44 PM	#13
artierae Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 916	Cheryl, I just saw this thread, and would like to say that probably the best part of Yorkie Talk is that there are so many people who can give you advise and share their experiences with you. This alone should make you feel better, just knowing you are not alone in whatever problem you might have. The people here are so good to help and to share their knowledge, as well as letting you know they share in your health concerns. This is one of the things I like best about YT.

02-19-2006, 06:12 PM	#14
judyonlypooh Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: ct Posts: 130	Cheryl I 2nd that !!! Y.Talkers are the best...I have gotten some great advice and I appreciate everyones kindness and willness to help. I am happy to hear your lil one is doing better __________________ Judy & Zoey

02-19-2006, 06:21 PM	#15
nyisles84 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 12	i've had my puppy since october, 5 months now...and he is almost 9 months old...he has had this couch everytime he drinks...he'll drink his water and cough 2-3 times when he's done. He has been on medicine for it 3 doffernt times. he has gone in to be neutered and hes perfectly healthy all around. i wonder what this could be.