Why does my dog cough after playing tug of war and growling?

It is possible he has a sensitive trachea or a condition called tracheal collapse, which is when the trachea briefly narrows in diameter when the pet gets excited or plays. If he is otherwise doing well, then you can monitor him for now for any progressive symptoms. If he starts coughing throughout the day, then a vet visit is needed for further evaluation and x-rays to confirm this suspected diagnosis and to then start treatment. Otherwise he should be fine if he is only doing this after playing with the other dog. Just keep him play time to a moderate level (20-30 mins) to avoid excessive coughing. I hope that Gizmo does well here moving forward. Best wishes and take care!

There could be many different reasons for a cough. I would video tape the cough since certain coughs can indicate certain things. Is it from a collapsing trachea or maybe a reverse sneeze. I would recommend chest xrays first to rule out lung pathology also. I would recommend asking your veterinarian if he has a heart murmur. To rule out a heart condition he would need to see a cardiologist. If he has a murmur I would strongly recommend a Cardiologist. If no heart murmur he can still have heart disease and a cardiologist would be indicated just to state it is not heart-related. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Occasional coughing in a young dog is not necessarily a cause of concern, just like occasional coughing in a person is not always problematic. As long as buddy is still eating, drinking, urinating, and defecating normally, I wouldn't worry terribly about what you are seeing. If he is playing and moving around with energy, it is unlikely that the coughing has anything to do with exercise intolerance or an underlying cardiorespiratory disease. This could not be ruled out however without some imaging at your veterinarian. Jack Russell Terriers can also be prone to having a collapsing trachea, a condition that can cause coughing during periods of excitement. Depending on the extent of the collapse, the coughing could become more frequent and more severe. This is another condition that could not be verified without x rays. I don't think that this is something that currently requires a veterinary visit, but I would mention it to the doctor at your next wellness visit.

Yes sometimes upward pressure on the chest or neck can elicit a cough, especially if unexpected. If she is acting normal continued monitoring should be fine. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

There are quite a few things that can cause a cough like this. Some common possibilities would include allergies, chronic bronchitis, a collapsing trachea, or heart disease. If the cough has been going on for a while, I would recommend discussing options for further work-up with your vet to help determine what is causing it. Diagnostic testing such as general blood work (a CBC and chemistry panel), chest x-rays, and heartworm testing would all be helpful, if these tests haven't been done already.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! He may just be a little sore. Continue to monitor him for now. However, if at any point he develops any lameness, pain, discomfort or any other sign, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

It is not normal for her to be coughing after playing but if she has a touch of kennel cough then that may be why she is coughing. I suggest you get her to your veterinarian for an exam to be on the safe side.