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Why is my dog coughing like he's choking? Is it kennel cough?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | 2 years old | 65 lbs

I have a 2 year old German Shepard He's been coughing like if he was choking on something. Why?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on May 21st, 2017

That could be commonly due to an upper respiratory tract inflammation/ infection or possibly due to something that Cody has ingested and has irritated his oesophagus/trachea. Kennel cough is a common cause of cough.
A check up and possibly antibiotics are required if signs persist more than 8 hours.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Juliana, DVM
Veterinarian
Coughing in a young dog is often caused by "kennel cough". Kennel cough is usually caused by a virus and leads to a hacking cough, sometimes followed by a wretch at the end. Some people think it sounds similar to a cat with a hairball. You can YouTube "dogs with kennel cough" to see if Cody sounds similar. If he does, and he is otherwise bright and alert with a good appetite and good energy I would just keep him home and away from other dogs for at least 7 days and until to coughing subsides. Since it is usually viranthere is no specific treatment. If the coughing is keeping him awake over night , he develops discharge from nose or eyes, or he becomes lethargic I would have a veterinarian evaluate him. They will make sure hisblings sound ok and prescribe cough suppressants and antibiotic as indicated. Other potential causes of a hacking cough include swallowing plant material that had gotten stuck in the tonsils , infections in the lungs, heart worm disease, and heart issues. All of these reasons would require evaluation by a veterinarian as well. I hope Cody is feeling better soon!
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Maria DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 24th, 2018
I highly recommend having a veterinarian take a look at Charlie. Coughing in dogs can be respiratory or heart-related. Your veterinarian can listen to Charlie and x-ray him to see if they can pinpoint which one it is and after that, they can determine treatment or if more diagnostics are needed. Especially with Charlie's age, I would recommend letting them look at him before it gets worse.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 11th, 2019
Hello. Coughing can be an indication of a wide range of conditions. In an older dog, my first concerns would be some kind of heart or pulmonary problem. But, this could also be something infectious like kennel cough or bronchitis. It is best to have Polly evaluated so that any treatments necessary can be started. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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