My dog has an occasional cough and mucus in her throat. Is it serious?

A cough can be respiratory or heart related. I would make sure that Precious does not have a heart murmur. If she does I would consider either a cardiologist or x-ray prior to the dental procedure. It is not normal for an occasional cough but ruling between respiratory and heart will help narrow down what is going on with Precious. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Precious! There are many reasons for coughing: kennel cough, allergies, pneumonia, heart failure or cancer. Since it has only been a few days it is ok to give her more time. Kennel cough takes 2 weeks to resolve. If the cough worsens or hasn’t resolved in 2 weeks then I recommend a recheck and chest X-rays. I wish you the best!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Poochie. Poor girl. There could be a couple of things going on with her causing this cough. It could be a respiratory infection, it could be a collapsing trachea, it could be kennel cough, or it could be something more serious like heart disease. I'd have her seen by a vet in the morning for this problem. The vet can diagnose what is causing it, and can treat her. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Aira! Coughing up mucous and vomiting up mucous are 2 different things. Causes for coughing up mucous are: kennel cough (inflammation of the trachea) caused by viral, bacterial and mycoplasa, pneumonia or something stuck in the mouth or throat or was chewing or eating something that irriated the back of her throat. Kennel cough in healthy dogs is self limiting but in the young and the old there is an increased risk of developing in to pneumonia. Most vets start antibiotics in puppy's with kennel cough. The cough is dry and "goose honk" like. The dog with cough and then gag (cough hard enough to hit the gag reflec) and sometime will bring up white foam or bile. They are usually eating and happy still. Causes of vomiting in puppies are: intestinal parasites, viral (especially parvo virus) or bacterial infections, dietary indiscretion (ate something gross), foreign body ingestion (ate something that is stuck causing a blockage), toxin ingestion, food allergy/intolerance, reaction to a new food/treat or table food. If this was a one time episode and Aira has been fine since then I would watch her. As long as she is eating, drinking, playful and no longer coughing or vomiting sit tight. If the episodes continue she should be examined by your Vet. i wihs you the best!

If the problem returned I would let Precious' vet know. They may want to see her for a recheck, or start her on another course of antibiotics to make sure whatever is causing the issue is completely gone. Your vet will likely want to make sure she is healthy and can breath properly before she can be given a dental cleaning as these involve anesthesia.

Hello. Hope is such a cutie! A cough may be due to inflammation, irritation, infection or something more serious like heart disease, heartworms or some primary lung disease. Hope does not look like an old dog, so a serious problem is less likely. If you have any honey, this is a great, natural way to ease a cough. Give her a teaspoon every 3-4 hours & if the cough continues & worsens into tomorrow, do have her evaluated by your veterinarian. She may benefit greatly from some medications, such as antibiotics or a cough suppressant. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Misty is adorable!! If she was around other dogs within the last two weeks she could have kennel cough. I would recommend calling your veterinarian to have them listen to her chest. Coughs in dogs can be heart or lung related. If your veterinarian hears anything in Misty's lungs they may recommend X-rays looking for bronchitis or pneumonia. If she is lethargic, not eating, vomiting, has nasal discharge or has a fever I recommend a veterinarian sooner then later. I hope she feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!