[ldawg65]

I just rescued a Yorkie, which I believe was a puppy mill dog. She has a very very quiet bark and the first day did not bark at at. When I got her they thought she had kennel cough as she was coughing/sneezing. She is now on an antibiotic and has been for 4 days now. The sneezing/coughing gets worse when she goes outside and she likes to roll in the grass almost like she is itchy. I am wondering if it is allergies. She also came to me severely skinny and her skin was in scabs *supposidly flea dermatitus*. Her skin has improved as I am putting ointment on her and giving her olive oil in her food and oatmeal baths, however, her quiet bark and sneezing really concern me.

[Lucky098]

It could be allergies..

Or it could still be kennel cough. Just because she is on antibiotics, doesn't mean that the symptoms are going to go away.. Para Influenza is a virus, and like all viruses, it needs to run its course. Any antibiotics given is to help suppress any secondary infections and help fight the bacterial version of kennel cough, Bordetella.

Being a small dog, and possibly coming from a puppy mill, there may be a chance that the kennel owner de-barked her themselves. It's a very cruel and painful act of shoving a rod down the dogs throats. If that is the case, she may always have a quiet bark.

Most vets would like to see the animal on antibiotics for 7-14 days for any type of improvement.

I would also suspect that she is rolling in the grass due to her skin condition. Ever have a scrape or burn start to heal? It itches. You could try rubbing her down with vitamin E oil/lotion to see if it will help.

Sounds like you really got yourself a rescue dog. Her illnesses and conditions are going to take time. Let her body heal and stay in contact with your vet.

Good luck with her :)