Question About Coughing Dog

A cough can be a simple reaction to something clogging the airway, or it can be a sign of an infection in the making. Share our visitors' questions about coughing dogs.

Visitor Questions About Coughing Dogs

Boxer Has Dry Cough

Hi,

I have a two-year-old Boxer that has developed a dry cough, but he only coughs when he gets excited to see people. I know this sounds strange, but he can go all day and not cough until he gets excited about something.

It actually sounds like something is irritating his throat, and he is trying to cough it up. This lasts for a few seconds then it's gone, and he is off running about again.

He is eating and drinking normally. But I'm very worried as he has never had anything wrong with him before, and I always worry it's going to be the worst news from the vet. This only started over the weekend, so I think I will call the vet when they open this morning just to be on the safe side. Do you think I have reason to worry so much and call the office? I don't want to waste their time.

Thanks for your advice~~ Kerry

Expert Reply

Hi Kerry,

Although I don't think your dog has a serious problem as of yet, getting him checked out by your vet is a very good idea, and you are definitely not wasting anyone's time. This could be a case of kennel cough in the making, and vets prefer to give treatment before the illness is further advanced.

Right now, the coughing is only triggered when your dog breathes harder, typically during exciting moments. If this is truly the beginning of a respiratory infection of some type, the coughing will increase as sputum builds up in the lungs.

All that said, I wouldn't worry too much. Your vet will surely be able to nip any infection in the bud, and your Boxer should be good as new in no time.

Thanks for your question~~ Kelly

Dam has Developed a Cough

Hi,

My nine-year-old Lab has just given birth to one puppy, and we never even realized she was pregnant. All seems well considering her age, and mother and pup both seem to be doing very well together.

There is just one thing that bothers me. My bitch has developed a cough. I'm not sure if it's because she is cleaning and licking the pup, or if it's something more serious. She only gave birth two days ago, but she is eating and drinking well.

~~ Vickie

Expert Reply

Hi Vickie,

In my own experience, none of my bitches ever developed a cough from cleaning their puppies, so I think there might be something else going on.

Have you had your bitch in to see the vet for her post-partum check up yet? If not, you need to schedule an appointment. Your vet will examine your bitch for overall health, and also ascertain whether the afterbirth was retained or expelled. He/She will also check your bitch's temperature for signs of fever.

You can use this visit as an opportunity to talk to your vet about the cough. The vet will listen to her lungs and check her for kennel cough, a common respiratory infection that is similar to the human cold. Heartworm and roundworm checks may also be in order. Hopefully there is nothing seriously wrong and the cough will clear up on it's own.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for a healthy mom and puppy!

~~ Kelly

Is Kennel Cough Getting Better?

I have a five-month-old Boxer that has kennel cough. Our vet prescribed an antibiotic (Cephalexin) eight days ago, and although the runny eyes and nose have slowed down considerably, she is still coughing/sneezing (not as much) and gagging. Should I be concerned?

Thank you~~ Vicky

Expert Reply

Hi Vicky,

I does sound as though the antibiotic is having the desired effect. Your vet prescribed this medication to kill off any secondary bacterial infections that would increase your dog's kennel cough symptoms, so that's why you're seeing the reduction in coughing and sneezing.

However, the antibiotic is useless agsinst the actual virus that causes kennel cough, so the illness simply has to run its course.

We've just added a few articles on this topic that I believe you might find useful right now. They offer further tips about how to provide additional support to ease your dog's symptoms.

Check out:

• Home Treatment for Kennel Cough
• How Do I Cure Kennel Cough

If it makes you feel better, I feel confident that your vet is pursuing the right course of action. If you still have any worries, don't hesitate to give the clinic a call.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes that your dog recovers quickly.

~~ Kelly.

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