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Why is my dog coughing, breathing heavily, and sneezing blood?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female

My dog has been coughing or breathing heavily and just recently was sneezing blood..can you please tell me what is wrong with her? I’ve been wanting to take her to a vet clinic but I don’t have the money.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 14th, 2018

I'm sorry Chiquita isn't feeling well. I am worried that she may have a very serious problem going on. I don't see her age noted. If she is an older girl, my first concern would be some type of cancer. Either primary lung cancer or spread of cancer to the lungs (the primary cancer is somewhere else such as in the lymph nodes, liver, etc), could result in heavy breathing and coughing. Other possible causes include pneumonia and heart failure. Sneezing blood could be related, or it could be a separate issue. Sneezing blood could be a sign of a nasal tumor or foreign material such as a grass seed in the nose.

You can use a cool mist humidifier nearby where she is resting; this may bring her some relief. Offer her a variety of soft food, as well as plain chicken and or peanut butter to try to entice her to eat if she's not eating-- however DO NOT force feed her as this could result in her aspirating the food (the food going into her lungs rather than into her stomach) which would worsen the problem.

Get her to a vet if at all possible. A vet's office may be able to direct you to a low cost clinic in your area. You could also consider applying for Care Credit; which gives you a period of time (usually 6 or 12 months) to pay of the balance interest free. Here is the website: https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/?dtc=Q640&exact=care%20credit%20for%20pets&sitecode=CCDTCSEMQ640&gclid=CjwKCAjwpIjZBRBsEiwA0TN1r_bz-ABB4SjQyGZd2mNjhlCo5ifWA41i0S4BgGmVCGLkICQKIeUN7RoCgTIQAvD_BwE

I hope thats helpful for you. Sending best wishes to you and Chiquita!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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