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Why is my dog coughing, sounds stuck, and spitting white foam?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | unspayed | 10 lbs

I have a 9 year old maltese who just started coughing. It sounds like she has something stuck in her throat but she doesn't. She was spitting up white foam but just coughing now. Any ideas?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on January 27th, 2020

Unfortunately, it's impossible to know the underlying cause of the coughing without a physical exam and possible radiographs. Pets can cough due to allergies, parasites, collapsing trachea, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, infections or something stuck in the throat. Treatment is different for each of these conditions.
Here is a great link about coughing:
https://www.petcoach.co/article/coughing-in-dogs-and-cats-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment/
Any pet who is coughing more than a few days, acting lethargic, having any changes in breathing, not eating/drinking well or if they are getting worse should be examined by the veterinarian.
At home, keep activity and barking minimal. The barking and panting can cause more irritation. A humidifier can help as can an omega 3 fatty acid supplement. These actions may or may not address the underlying cause.

I recommend to have Darling examined by his veterinarian today if she has been coughing more than a few days. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on March 7th, 2018
I am sorry to hear that Ralph is coughing. Many different problems can cause cough. It is rare to have something stuck in the throat, but it is possible. Also upper red infection such as kennel cough, heart worm infection, heart disease, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cancer are all possible causes. Unfortunately an examination and often chest x-ray is needed to determine a diagnosis. In the meantime keeping him quiet would be a good idea. Also humidification can be helpful. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on September 3rd, 2017
I'm so sorry Isabell is sick. Although I can't tell you for sure, I would certainly be worried that Isabell's cough could be kennel cough. It is the most common cause of a cough that sounds that loud (like a seal) and is irritating enough for her to cough up foam or fluid. Here is more information on kennel cough.
https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=600
At this point, I think it is time for veterinary care. Your vet can evaluate what they think is going on, prescribe a cough suppressant and any other medications that is recommended. When dogs are coughing enough to produce foam, I find that I need a cough suppressant to break the coughing cycle from the irritation regardless of the cause.
I hope that helps! Thanks for using PetCoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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