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Parent585675
Sun, Feb 25, 2024
Others

My dog was diagnosed with bronchitis and was given a 10 day supply of amoxicillin. He drastically improved while on the antibiotic, but 24 hours after his last dose he is wheezing and coughing like he was before the antibiotic


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Dr. Fanconi
Dr.Tail Vet

It's not uncommon for symptoms to improve during antibiotic treatment only to recur if the infection was not completely eradicated or if the bronchitis has a chronic component.

In this situation, it's important to ensure your dog is in a well-ventilated environment and to minimize exposure to smoke, dust, and other potential irritants that could exacerbate respiratory symptoms. Keep your dog well-hydrated, as this can help to thin mucus secretions and make coughing more productive.

This could involve a longer course of antibiotics, a different type of antibiotic, or additional medications such as bronchodilators or anti-inflammatories. However, these changes should only be made after re-evaluation by a veterinarian.

In the meantime, you can use a humidifier in the room where your dog spends most of his time to help soothe his airways. If your dog is experiencing mild discomfort, you can gently pat his sides to help loosen any mucus in the chest, which may provide some relief from the coughing.

Be alert for any signs of distress such as difficulty breathing, blue-tinged gums, or a significant decrease in energy or appetite. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, such as pneumonia or a severe flare-up of bronchitis, and would require immediate veterinary attention.

Additionally, if your dog's cough is productive and he is bringing up mucus, keep the area clean and dispose of any tissues or materials used to clean up after him to prevent the spread of any infectious agents.

It's also crucial to continue with flea and tick preventatives, as some respiratory symptoms can be related to parasites that affect the lungs, such as heartworms, which are transmitted by mosquitoes.

If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to come back to us! Thank you.