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My dachshund puppy coughs and gags at night. Is it kennel cough?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired) | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 27 days old | 5 lbs

10 week old male miniature dachshund puppy coughing on a night time sometimes sounds like gagging, Happens occasionally during the day once or twice? Recently had second vaccination and has also been flea and worm treated

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 30th, 2019

The most likely diagnosis is kennel cough; they can contract this even if they have been vaccinated for it. I suggest you get him to your vet for an exam (not an emergency). Kennel cough can progress into a pneumonia especially in these little guys so you should start treatment before it gets worse. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
The most likely diagnosis is kennel cough; they can contract this even if they have been vaccinated for it. I suggest you get him to your vet for an exam (not an emergency). Kennel cough can progress into a pneumonia especially in these little guys so you should start treatment before it gets worse. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on October 20th, 2018
Cough can be caused by an infection, heart problem or lung condition, it is important to first know the cause before treating it as treatment is different from condition to another.
The most common disease causing cough is a viral/bacterial infection called Kennel cough, this disease usually resolves without treatment within a couple weeks but if the cough is too severe it is recommended to go to the vet in order to get cough medicine and antibiotics.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 30th, 2019
Most likely the puppy has kennel cough and it is highly probable that the other one will come down with symptoms as well. It is very contagious but it is not usually fatal. That being said, we do tend to treat dogs with kennel cough (especially puppies as their immune systems are immature) with antibiotics and cough suppressants so they don't end up with a secondary pneumonia. I would suggest you have him/them to the vet for an exam.

( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/kennel-cough-or-tracheobronchitis-in-dogs )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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