My dog is coughing and shaking. Is it a cold or something serious?

It sounds like your dog picked up a severe upper respiratory tract infection. This could be kennel cough, but also canine influenza or pneumonia. Please take him to your veterinarian for an exam. Since he is shivering, and lethargic, this could be a life-threatening condition.

Coughing 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.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I do not think that Mika's symptoms should just be chalked up to a cold. They do seem more serious than that. The most worriesome thing is that he isn't really eating or drinking. The gagging without vomiting sounds more like "kennel cough" but the other symptoms don't really match that. I strongly suggest you get Mika to your vet for an exam as soon as you can. I think you are correct to be worried about him. Best wishes and I hope he is back to feeling better soon.

Poor guy. Upper respiratory infections in dogs are usually caused by a bacterial infection. Other possible causes are a fungal infection, or allergies. It's best to take him to the vet to get examined and medications to treat this. If he does have an upper respiratory infection then he will be prescribed oral antibiotics to take care of it. I hope he gets well soon!

Oh no, poor Little Girl! She could be coughing from a respiratory infection, but unfortunately there aren't any medications you can give her OTC. I would have her seen by a vet tomorrow. The vet can diagnose if she is suffering from a respiratory infection and can prescribe medication to treat it. Tonight, if she's congested, you can try using a humidifier or bringing her into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Luna. If there is nothing stuck in her throat, then I worry that she is coughing due to a respiratory tract infection. Has her veterinarian discussed the possibility of an upper respiratory tract infection or the more serious case of pneumonia? She may need antibiotics. I hope this information helps!

Poor Brownie! The good news is that his nose being cold and wet is not a sign of illness in dogs. A dog's nose can go from cold and wet to warm and dry simply by lying in the sun or next to a heat source. It is concerning, however, that he is not eating or drinking, and is shaking and laying around. It is serious when a dog won't drink water, and I would have Brownie seen by a vet right away. This not eating and drinking could be caused by a systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. He could be shaking because he has a fever. The vet can diagnose what is causing his symptoms, and can treat him for them. I would take him into a vet right away.