Weddingbee boards

You really should take him to the vet, he could be very sick (coughing every 5 minutes makes it sound like its in an advanced stage).

Check out this website, it will give you a better idea:

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/coughing-dogs-causes-treatments

Here is a section from that website (still please call a vet):

• A deep, dry, hacking cough made worse by exercise or excitement is characteristic of kennel cough.
• A moist, bubbling cough indicates fluid or phlegm in the lungs and suggests pneumonia.
• A high, weak, gagging cough, followed by swallowing and licking the lips, is characteristic of tonsillitis and sore throat.
• A spasm of prolonged coughing that occurs at night or while lying on the sternum suggests heart disease.
• A “goose-honk” cough in a toy breed dog indicates a collapsing trachea.

I would call the rescue tonight or tomorrow morning & let them know what's going on. If they have a vet on site or one they work with, they should be able to give you more info. You should ask to talk with their vet & ask them questions such as what to look out for that would be a serious signs/symptoms & how long before you see improvements (the ASPCA site says it can last 6 weeks or more in puppies & may still be contagious for awhile, even when the symptoms go away).

This is from the ASPCA website: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-kennel-cough.aspx

How Is Kennel Cough Treated?

• Dogs with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs.

• A humidifier or vaporizer can provide some relief. You can also allow your dog into the bathroom while you shower. The steam will help soothe her irritated breathing passages.

• Avoid exposing her to cigarette smoke or other noxious, irritating fumes.

• A cough suppressant or antimicrobial may be described. Your vet can be able to determine if they would be helpful to your dog.

• If your dog pulls against her collar while being walked, replace it with a harness until the coughing subsides.

• Supportive care is very important—be sure your dog is eating, drinking and in a stress-free environment.

When Is It Time To See The Vet Again?

You should see some improvement in your dog’s condition within one week of treatment, but be alert to how long the symptoms last. If your dog has nasal discharge, is breathing rapidly, refuses to eat or seems lethargic, take her to the veterinarian right away. Serious cases of kennel cough can lead to pneumonia if left untreated.

 Poor pup :(. Hope he recovers fast... but it sounds like it'll probably take a few weeks at least. Document his symptoms, this will help the vet when you go in. Depending on what your rescue says, I'd probably also take him in to a vet to be checked out. Every 5 minutes just seems really often, you could call a vet & see if it sounds like its something really serious, but most vets won't give much advice over the phone (can be a liability). Also a vet could prescribe a cough suppressent & your pup may benefit from that. His poor throat :(. Good luck!! Keep us updated! Oh... what's your pup's name?

ETA: I've never seen or dealt w/ Kennel Cough but just wanted to stress that its really important you talk to a vet tomorrow because your pup could be VERY sick! I mean, they may even want you to bring him to the ER or something, so please please call them in the morning!

@MsNarwhal:  I googled the Cefa drops & its what some vets prescribe to dogs with kennel cough. I found it listed on a few different sites as what vets gave them, not something OTC (though I suppose it may be something OTC). Some dogs it worked, others it didn't, so hopefully OP can get to a vet tomorrow!