Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog coughs when excited, drinks water. Is it collapsed trachea?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 2 months old

My dog sounds like he's having an asthma attack Everytime he gets excited and I have to rub his throat to help soothe it. He also coughs when he drinks water. It's on going 4 years. He's had antibiotics but nothing has helped. He's a very happy dog normally. Is there anything I can do to help him

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 16th, 2019

Has your dog ever had an xray of his throat (windpipe)? If not I highly recommend that you talk to your veterinarian about such an x-ray. Small dogs often suffer from a collapsed trachea (wind pipe) and this can be diagnosed easily with radiographs.
Here is some information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/collapsed-trachea-in-dogs/

I hope that helps.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 17th, 2016

    She could have a condition called tracheal collapse. This condition causes coughing/checking sounds in the pits gets excited or drinks water. Have you Venerian do a simple physical examination and they should be able to determine if this is present. Tracheal collapse can be managed with medical intervention from your veterinarian.

    Vote Icon

    4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button