Question:
I adopted a puppy (4-8mos) from the shelter and they told me she was treated for Kennel cough but is done with her meds. The day after getting her she still had not eaten/drank and I knew something was not right. They took her back and she had parvo. They treated her and now she is back with me. She is still coughing and is very lathargic. She eats and drinks and has normal b/m but is not acting like a puppy. She wags her tail and comes when she is called but then goes back to "her chair" and lays down. I noticed her breathing is a bit fast but no weezing and she does not seem to have pain. I have not heard her bark and she is the best little girl. Part of me thinks she is just a bit unsure (she was taken to the shelter, spayed, shots, adopted by someone, brought back to the shelter, adopted by me, brought back to the shelter, put in isolation and IV'd, and now back with me. My three little girls love her and so do I but I am so scared she has some type of fatal problem. Our vet appointment is MOnday at 2:30. I can't wait but I guess I have to! I guess my main question is do puppy's ever act like this especailly after what she has gone through? And, how long does kennel cough last? Thanks a bunch!!!

Answer:
Are you sure this puppy has parvo? This makes dogs violently ill, with severe diarrhea and vomiting and is highly contagious! Did she have these symptoms?

Even without the parvo, she has been through an enormous amount of stress. She is probably confused, disoriented and not feeling very well.

I hope she'll be okay.

Answer:
Well, the vet did the parvo test and said it was positive. She did have vomitting and diarrea but it started after I returned her so she was diagnosed and put on the IV very quickly. I am scared she may also have canine distemper due to her lack of energy. I researched distemper and the only signs she shows of that are the lack of energy and cough. Her cough fits right in with Kennel cough though. She has the dry hack then retching and twice retched up a very small amount of white foamy stuff. She is eating and drinking great now and her stools are almost normal. This is going to be a long wait until Monday at 2:30 when she goes to the vet.

Answer:
Kennel cough can last quite a while - up to 10 days, I believe, even with meds. As for not acting like a puppy, LuckyRescue is right. She's been through A LOT in a very short period. She's probably still not feeling 100% physically, and now she's trying to adjust to new people and surroundings. That's a lot of stress for a wee one! :( See what your vet has to say, but don't worry too much right now. Give her lots of love and patience. I bet you'll soon be back here posting, "My puppy is a bundle of energy and won't stop playing! What can I do to tire her out?!" By the way, everyone on this board looooves puppy pictures (hint, hint).

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