Dog coughing, lethargic: URI? How to help at home before vet visit?

Poor Baby. She likely has an upper respiratory infection. A lower airway infection (pneumonia) is possible also but typically pets are much sicker and have fluid sounds from the chest if this were the case. Upper respiratory infections in dogs are not like people colds, because they generally are caused by a bacterial infection which requires a short course of antibiotics to get rid of. Therefore, it's best if you get Baby seen by your local vet to be examined and prescribed medication. I would make it a point to get her seen within the next 24 hrs if at all possible, before her condition gets any worse. Don't be tempted to give her any over be counter cough medicine, because she has, what sounds like, a productive cough (coughing up fluid and phlegm) and therefore you don't want to suppress her cough. The vet will give her the exact medication she needs to get well again. I wish Baby a full and speedy recovery!

She may have a cold. If she is that uncomfortable with the coughing then I would recommend bringing her to a veterinarian to have them evaluate her. They can listen to her lungs and make sure it is upper respiratory and nothing else. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I'm concerned about your dog, especially since her symptoms are getting worse. She could have a respiratory infection, or it could be something more serious such as heart disease. I think she needs to see a vet now. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I am sorry to hear that Honey is not feeling well. It sounds as though Honey is quite nauseous with her licking her lips. There are many possible causes of what you are describing and because of that, I would recommend having her examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I would recommend starting with an examination and then having her blood tested to see if there are any concerning changes on her blood test. This may not be her time to go yet as she may have something treatable such as an infection. I hope this helps and that Honey gets better soon! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Lethargy, inappetence, weight loss, nasal discharge and abnormal breathing sounds sometimes can be observed with an upper respiratory infection (think of it as a sinus infection just like humans get). Sometimes it is severe enough that it travels to the lower respiratory system (lungs) and causes pneumonia. Whining could potentially be associated with this while penis discharge is likely a separate issue. I recommend that you have Honkey evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Your veterinarian is likely to run some bloodwork and take chest radiographs to rule out pneumonia. Good luck! I will keep my fingers crossed that he gets better soon!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Cooper is having wheezing episodes. There are a variety of causes for what you are describing, including an upper respiratory infection, tracheal irritation, asthma, allergies, or another underlying issue. As they are persistent and non-resolving, I would recommend Cooper be evaluated by his regular veterinarian to try to determine what may be going on, have any necessary testing done (xrays, etc) and start a treatment plan if needed. Good luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Pete! Was Pete put on antibiotics when he was seen? Kennel cough is caused by many viral, bacterial or mycoplasma organisms. There is only the ONE vaccine for Bordatella. A lot of dogs sadly get a different bacteria or virus that causes the kennel cough signs. Kennel cough is very goose honkey. Since Pete is lethargic, has a decreased appetite, is pacing at night and is 12 years old he should be rechecked. I would recommend X-rays of his chest. If his heart and lungs look clear then either put him on antibiotics and a cough suppressant if he isn't on anything or change the medications since he isn't improving and is actually getting worse. I worry about older dogs with possible kennel cough. The young and the old have increased risk for kennel cough to progress to pneumonia. I hope this helps and I wish Pete the very best!