Why does my dog cough excessively during playtime? Is it serious?

Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think if she drinks water slowly and has no issue I think that she is just vomiting the water because she drinks it too fast. Just try to slow her down when she is drinking. I do not think she has kennel cough if she's had this hacking cough for months. Kennel cough is self limiting. You didn't indicate what breed Pepper is but I see that she is small. My best guess for the cough is that she has collapsing trachea. Collapsing trachea is a congenital abnormality of the tracheal rings making them weaker. It effects small breed dogs like Yorkies, Pomeranians, etc. Usually they cough when exercising or pulling on the leash. I'd monitor for progression of the cough or issues with her breathing. Keep her thin because dogs that are overweight have a harder time with collapsing tracheas Good luck!

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 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.

Does she have a heart murmur? I would recommend having a veterinarian listen to Mischi's heart to see if she is coughing due to a heart problem or a respiratory problem. I would also video take the cough to show your veterinarian when you bring her in. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Goodness Princess is cute! If Princess is eating, playing, isn't lethargic and isn't vomiting you can continue the benadryl since it helps. If the cough is still present monday I would have her examined by your Vet. Possible causes are: Kennel cough, heartworm disease, collapsing trachea, heart disease, allergies, or other infections. I hope this helps and I wish Princess the very best!

Thanks for using PetCoach! In general, what you describe does fit with a collapsing trachea but I would also check out this video to make sure it’s not reverse sneezing you’re seeing. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U3L4v0W2_Sw If that is what you’re seeing, great news- it’s rarely anything to worry about. I’ve attached some links to more information about collapsing trachea but other, causes of coughing/wheezing include: kennel cough, allergic bronchitis (consider if anyone smokes anything in the home, incense, etc). And very unlikely but possible would be heart failure, fungal infection, and cancer. If it persists, worsens, or you’re concerned, it’s time to see the vet. Often x-rays are recommended to help narrow things down. https://www.petcoach.co/article/collapsed-trachea-in-dogs/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/coughing-in-dogs-and-cats-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment/ Hope this helps. Best of luck to you and Sophie!

I recommend bringing him to a veterinarian and having them listen to his chest. This may be respiratory or heart related but having a veterinarian auscultate them is the first step. It may require x-rays to determine what it going on also. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.