Kennel Cough

Our 16 year old cocker spaniel is a spayed female who got kennel cough at the groomers. She has been treated, but is still coughing.  They have given us a drug to use for the cough which does suppress it but I am concerned about the long term affects it might have on a dog her age. I would like to know if you can recommend any type of home remedy for her. She weighs 26 pounds and is in good health otherwise, No heart or lung problems, etc.  I have heard that children's cough syrup works, also baby aspirin, or honey. along with other stuff I have never heard of.  But i do not know if any of this stuff would harm her.  Do you have any recommendations to supplement or replace the pills the vet has given her? thank you.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Human Pediatric Robitussin, or equivalent can be used.  You can use a full child's dose three times per day.  Honey is fine as an adjunct as long as your dog is not a diabetic.

Nothing is as effective as the prescription Tussigon or other prescription cough medicine, however.  Reserve the prescription cough medicine for the really bad times of the day and use the over the counter cough medicine the rest of the time.