My dog coughed/hacked then stopped. Does he need an emergency vet?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The 'hacking' maybe secondary to a cough. A cough be due to numerous causes, these include infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal), inhaled irritants/chemicals, heart problems, primary inflammation (bronchitis), allergies, and even cancer, amongst others. There is no way you can treat a cough at home. The vomiting could be induced after the coughing episodes or there could be something causing the vomiting such as gastroenteritis or other GI or non GI causes. IN a big dog such as Buddy, something to worry about would with noproductive wretching and 'vomiting' would be Gastric DIlatation and Volvulus (GDV). That is where the stomach flips upon itself and fills with gas and fluid. This is a surgical emergency and could be fatal if not rapidly diagnosed and treated. You should bring Buddy to a veterinarian for evaluation.

If his respiratory rate is normal, he's eating and drinking, seems to be feeling good (not acting lethargic), and recovers quickly from these coughing fits (within 2ish minutes), I don't think you need to take him to emergency. A mild degree of coughing is to be expected in these guys. Try to get a video if you can, that way when you do take him in, the vet can see the severity of what you are seeing at home. I would recommend you call your vet and see if you can increase the dose of Tussigon. Use the following guidelines for when to take him to ER: *respiratory rate at rest persistently above 40 breaths per minute *unrelenting cough or any coughing fit that causes his tongue to turn a blue or purple color *not eating, or acting increasingly tired and lethargic *any new symptoms arise (vomiting/diarrhea, change in the appearance of his belly such as appearing bloated, etc) I hope that's helpful for you! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor George! If he's eating and drinking, isn't having trouble breathing, and is otherwise acting normally, this can wait until the morning. Should he not be eating or drinking, has trouble breathing, and/or is very lethargic, take him into an ER vet right away. Best of luck.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Poor Scottie! He could have a respiratory infection, kennel cough, or heart disease causing his coughing. I would rest him tonight, keep him warm and comfortable, and bring him into the vet first thing the morning. The vet can diagnose what is causing the cough, and can treat him. Best of luck.

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!

Hello! I would recommend taking Mercy into the vet to be checked. Excessive hacking isn't a normal behavior. Sometimes dogs that chew on sticks can get sharp pieces stuck in their tonsils, which gives them a constantly scratchy throat. It could be that the hacking is actually a cough and a sign of an respiratory problem, such as bronchitis. Some dogs also experience acid-reflux, which can cause hacking. Your vet can perform a physical exam and listen for signs of inflammation in her lungs, and may recommend some sedation for a thorough oral examination to ensure she doesn't have anything stuck in the back of her throat. I would recommend trying to get video of her hacking behavior prior to visiting the vet, as this will greatly help them differentiate the cause. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Rocco. I'm sorry he isn't doing well. It could be heart disease, but it could also be a respiratory infection. As long as he isn't in respiratory distress and having severe trouble breathing, you can wait until the morning. Should he go into respiratory distress, this cannot wait until the morning. In that case, please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. I hope this helps!