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Why is my Chihuahua hacking, yelping, and struggling to jump?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 3 lbs

My chichuuchiua has been hacking and coughing for a long time like he's trying to hack something up or can't breathe. He also yelps sometimes when being picked up and having trouble jumping up on things on his own. What could be wrong with him?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on December 8th, 2018

Poor Charlie. There are a lot of different causes for coughing. He could have a severe upper respiratory infection/kennel cough, heart disease or even pneumonia. The yelping when being picked up is likely unrelated but could be due to him hurting somewhere in his back or abdomen. Both of these problems call for an exam by your vet in order to listen to his heart and lungs and also palpating his back, abdomen and other joints to find out why exactly he is helping. I would try to video the cough to help the vet make a proper diagnosis. Your vet will be able to take X-rays if needed and also get him started on the proper meds to help him feel better. They will also be able to prescribe something for the cough to help everyone rest a little better at night. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better really soon !

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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