dog with bronchitis

Question
My dog Samantha is a dalmation, I took her to the vet and she seems to have bronchitis.First the gave CEPHALEXIN 250mg pills.IT didn't help her she still has a hacking cough that sounds like a horn. I took her again to the vet then he gave me another medicine to give her, TUSSIGON PILLS and TRIMETH/SUL 960mg. While I was giving her the medicine her cough decreased and then her coughing stop but then after fininshing the pills the cough appear again and I don't know what to do because I already spent about $900 dollars, and none of the medicine is helping her, I can't really afford to pay more money, especially if is not helping her. can you please help me i would appreciated so much!!!!

Answer
Hi Liz,

It sounds as though your dog just wasn't on the medication long enough, since she responded to it, but the coughing returned when the medication ran out.
You probably don't need to bring your dog back to the vet, but you should call the doctor and ask for more medication.

You should be aware that some dogs with chronic bronchitis develop permanent damage to the airways, and the disease cannot be cured, only controlled. Periodic relapses of cough are not unusual and require treatment when it flairs up. Sometimes the cough is not entirely eliminated, but reduced.

Walking your dog with a harness, rather than a neck collar will help some. If your dog is overweight, it may be making her bronchitis worse. Exercise wold have to be started gradually if she is not used to it because it can irritate her airways.  If she starts to cough while walking, stop walking, and let her finish. Gently massaging her throat  while she is coughing is a good way to help her while she is coughing.

Airborne irritants, such as cigarette smoke and dust can cause a dog with Bronchitis to cough. Using a cool air humidifier or vaporizer in the area where your dog spends a lot of time might help her. When you use a humidifier or vaporizer you have to keep it very clean, otherwise it spews bacteria, which won't help your dog.

Keeping your dog's teeth clean would help her cough because diseased teeth and gums are breeding grounds for bacteria. Cleaning your dog's teeth will help eliminate secondary infections. Your vet can show you the correct way to brush your dog's teeth.

Best of luck,
Patti