Why is my dog coughing and hacking with grey phlegm? Is it urgent?

This is likely an upper respiratory infection called Kennel Cough, this usually resolves within 2 weeks without treatment, but if the cough is too severe it is recommended to go to the vet in order to get cough medicine and antibiotics.

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 Poochie. Poor girl. There could be a couple of things going on with her causing this cough. It could be a respiratory infection, it could be a collapsing trachea, it could be kennel cough, or it could be something more serious like heart disease. I'd have her seen by a vet in the morning for this problem. The vet can diagnose what is causing it, and can treat her. I hope this helps!

This sounds like kennel cough. If she’s been around other dogs a few days ago she may have gotten this from them. Usually if you keep her quiet and she continues eating and drinking she should get over this without treatment in a week or so. If the coughing worsens or she stops eating or becomes lethargic then bring her in for an exam and treatment. They will probably give her antibiotics and perhaps something to stop the coughing. If it’s kennel cough she could be contagious so please keep her away from other dogs until she’s better. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.

I would seek medical attention. Without seeing Riggs in person, there is no way I can say if he's ok or not, nor can I say what is causing his cough. The way you describe the cough does sound concerning, so I do think it's best to get him checked out. I'd take him into the vet this week, give his vet a call in the morning to make him an appointment. Take him in asap if his behavior and/or appetite changes. I hope this helps.

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Coughing can be a sign of many conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, heart disease, among many other possibilities. In a young dog like him, something like kennel cough needs to be considered. I recommend that you have Kingsley evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics to be performed include thoracic radiographs and bloodwork. Treatment would be dependent on findings. If it is kennel cough often times it resolves with supportive care including antibiotics. Good luck and have a good night!