Why is my dog coughing after being outside? Is it kennel cough?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection which sometimes can even affect the lower respitatory system or lungs. It is sometimes due to bacterial or viral infections. This is a relatively common disease in puppies especially if not vaccinated. It is contagious and usually dogs get it from other affected dogs. Coughing can of course happen due to other pulmonary conditions like pneumonia for example. I recommend that you have Naja evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may take thoracic radiographs and may prescribe antibiotics. Good luck and have a good day!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Jackie. Many states right now are experiencing outbreaks of respiratory problems in dogs. All of us in the profession are always worried about canine flu outbreaks. I would advise that if the condition worsens or doesn't resolve, have your veterinarian evaluate Jackie. There are many causes of coughing and having a thorough history would help narrow that down. Of course kennel cough, allergies, things in the air that are irritants, etc are all possible including many others. Again, with everything going on now across the United States, I would advise a trip to your vet's office with her. They can evaluate her and then advise some treatment or diagnostic testing to screen for a cause. They may advise fecal tests, blood tests, x-rays, or other tests to determine a cause. Better to be safe in this case. Good luck with Jackie.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Although there are many causes of coughing (heart disease, collapsing trachea, pneumonia, etc.), the most likely cause for the coughing given Emmie's history is 'Kennel Cough' or Infectious tracheitis. This is a viral infection that causes irritation in the trachea and a cough. It can become very severe such that the coughing prevents eating/sleeping and leads to weight loss and depression. If the coughing is severe you can ask your vet about anti-tussives (anti-cough medication). Sometimes this infection leads to a secondary bacterial infection, and the cough becomes 'wet' and at this stage antiboitics are required. I recommend a visit to your vet, x-rays might be required depending on how the lungs sound when your vet listens to the chest. Best of luck with Emmie.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She could be having a productive cough which should not be confused with vomiting. Being a chihuahua, this could be congestive heart failure. Many other things can cause similar symptoms like pneumonia. For this reason, I do think that you should have Luna evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck!

Hi there and thank you for choosing Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Coughing can be an indication of illness related to either the respiratory or cardiovascular systems, or both. Dogs who have been around other dogs who have kennel cough can develop the illness as it is contagious. It is also a self-limiting illness meaning that it will go away on its own in about 2 weeks time. If Angel is experiencing coughing at certain times like at night or during exercise this points more to a problem with the heart. There are of course other things that can cause coughing. While It does not sound as though you need to rush to the vet with Angel, It wouldn't hurt to have her examined by a veterinarian. If you notice the cough worsens, does not appear to be resolving, her behavior changes, she seems to tire quickly after exercise, etc. Angel should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Hopefully this helps and best of luck to you and Angel.

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.

Hello, and thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm glad that you contacted your local vet already - even if they don't have availability today, I recommend scheduling the earliest opening they have to get Louis examined. With his history of going to doggy daycare, his age, the comment from your vet that they've been seeing other cases recently, and Louis' symptoms, this sounds like it may be kennel cough. Until Louis is seen by your vet, keep him away from other dogs as he is likely contagious. Kennel cough can be caused by either a virus or a bacteria, but your vet may decide to start him on an antibiotic if they suspect it may be a bacterial cause such as bordetella. As long as Louis is acting bright and happy at home, and eating normally, then this isn't an emergency and can wait until your vet is available. However, if at any point you notice Louis becoming lethargic, his breathing becomes exaggerated or labored, or if he loses his appetite, then you should bring him in to an emergency clinic if your primary vet can't fit him in sooner, to make sure he's not developing something more concerning such as a secondary pneumonia. There are other things that can cause coughing in dogs, such as parasites, allergies, and heart problems, but I would rate these much lower on the list of concerns. Hope this helps!