Is my dog's cough and wheeze a side effect of recent vaccinations?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While kennel cough is caused by a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica, other bacteria and viruses can cause upper respiratory infections. These can occasionally progress to pneumonia if not treated appropriately with antibiotics and supportive care. Other causes of coughing include collapsing trachea, heartworm disease, heart disease, and masses. I recommend having Tator seen by a vet to rule out the conditions above and receive appropriate treatment. In the meantime, I recommend limiting Tator’s activity so that he does not get stressed and using a harness rather than a collar for walks.

Unfortunately it's impossible to know the underlying cause of the coughing without a physical exam and possible radiographs. Pets can cough due to allergies, infections or something more sinister. Even vaccinated pets can get kennel cough though it tends to be less severe (just like humans can get the flu even though they have the vaccine). Treatment is different for each of these conditions. At home you can try rest for a few days so no running or anything to cause panting. Keep her from barking as well. If you don't want to wait you can certainly have her examined today. Otherwise if the coughing doesn't improve after a few days or if it gets worse at any point, I recommend to have Sadie examined by her veterinarian. Best of luck.

Hi Nadia. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Chances are Tortuga has kennel cough. The vaccine is not 100% protective (just like our flu vaccine) so even if a dog has been vaccinated they can still get kennel cough. The symptoms are usually milder and the course of the disease is shorter in dogs that have been vaccinated versus those that haven't so giving the vaccine is definitely warranted. I suggest you just monitor him for now since he seems to be acting normally. If the coughing gets worse or he starts showing other symptoms then get him to your vet for an exam: * ocular and/or nasal discharge * vomiting/gagging/retching * not eating * lethargy Of course, if you are worried you should take him to your vet for an exam now. There is no harm in doing that. Sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

The kennel cough vaccine can cause minor irritation to the sinuses which can result in some sneezing or snorting. This can also be from allergies or an infection starting. If you notice any change in appetite or an ocular discharge then I would him techies by your vet. If not it will dry up and pass on its own

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection. There are different upper respiratory tract infections possible and unfortunately kennel cough is only one (although the most common) of them. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Coughing can be a symptom of many issues in our pets and some are more serious then others. The cough can stem from something occurring with the heart/vessels, lungs, airways, upper throat, or inside the chest/outside the lungs. There can be parasite causes (such as heartworms, lung worms, etc.), infectious causes (bacteria, viruses; unfortunately the Bordetella vaccine does not always prevent kennel cough as it is typically a complex of viral +/- bacterial causes, although typically there is exposure to other dogs in the history for this ailment), inhaled foreign material as you suggest, airway change (like tracheal (large airway) collapse), disease of the lung (such as bronchitis or pneumonia), and several other causes in various areas (inflammation, etc.). Is Stella otherwise normal (eating normally, playing with good energy)? If so this is a good sign. If you feel like she is otherwise not feeling well in association with the cough or the cough continues/worsens or is moist or productive it would be best to have her evaluated by your family vet. That way he or she can listen to her heart and lungs. A chest x-ray may also be recommended as an initial step. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi, it is most likely the Bordetella vaccination. It is a bit like our flu vaccination and can cause mild flu signs.I would have her checked over as she could be running a temperature. Hope this helps.