My dog coughs after walks but is otherwise active. Should I worry?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Precious! There are many reasons for coughing: kennel cough, allergies, pneumonia, heart failure or cancer. Since it has only been a few days it is ok to give her more time. Kennel cough takes 2 weeks to resolve. If the cough worsens or hasn’t resolved in 2 weeks then I recommend a recheck and chest X-rays. I wish you the best!

Coughing can be a symptom of many issues in our pets and some are more serious then others. The cough can stem from something occurring with the heart/vessels, lungs, airways, upper throat, or inside the chest/outside the lungs. There can be parasite causes (such as heartworms, lung worms, etc.), infectious causes (bacteria, viruses; unfortunately the Bordetella vaccine does not always prevent kennel cough as it is typically a complex of viral +/- bacterial causes, although typically there is exposure to other dogs in the history for this ailment), inhaled foreign material as you suggest, airway change (like tracheal (large airway) collapse), disease of the lung (such as bronchitis or pneumonia), and several other causes in various areas (inflammation, etc.). Is Stella otherwise normal (eating normally, playing with good energy)? If so this is a good sign. If you feel like she is otherwise not feeling well in association with the cough or the cough continues/worsens or is moist or productive it would be best to have her evaluated by your family vet. That way he or she can listen to her heart and lungs. A chest x-ray may also be recommended as an initial step. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I always think a cough is worth evaluating. Some reasons are more benign than others, but it is always a good idea to know why your dog is coughing so you can be aware of how it may progress and prevent future problems. The first step is to have your veterinarian examine Scooter and take x-rays of his chest. That will evaluate his trachea for tracheal collapse (https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1527), his lungs for evidence of bronchitis (https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3151), his heart for evidence of heart disease, as well as a number of other conditions. Each of those diseases has different treatments and potential complications, so we want to know what to expect in the future if Scooter has any of those diseases. And sometimes treatment will really help them feel better even if you think his lack of activity is normal for him, it may be due to his cough, so treating it may be very beneficial. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

This could be an upper respiratory infection such as kennel cough , but could also be a sign of heart disease, especially if Chico is an older dog. Another very likely possibility is that Chico has a collapsed trachea. You will need to take Chico to your vet for an exam and x-rays (which will rule out collapsed trachea and lung edema caused by congestive heart failure). Your vet;s exam will also detect any problems with the heart, that may be causing the cough. Please cschedule an appointment with your vet soon.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Ginger! Unfortunately due to Ginger's age I really worry about the sudden onset of a cough. If she was young I'd say ride it out and give her time but not at 16 years old. I worry about heart failure and cancer the most. As a Pomeranian she could have collapsing trachea that is a bit aggravated due to allergies or an infection. If she was groomed lately or around other dogs then it could be kennel cough, which tends to run it's course in 2 weeks. The best thing for Ginger is to be looked at by your Vet. I wish Ginger the best!

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. What you're describing sounds as if Angel may have a respiratory infection. This could explain why he is so tired and lethargic. Rather than waiting until the infection potentially worsens, I would recommend having him examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate Diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. He will likely need an antibiotic to help treat this. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Misty is adorable!! If she was around other dogs within the last two weeks she could have kennel cough. I would recommend calling your veterinarian to have them listen to her chest. Coughs in dogs can be heart or lung related. If your veterinarian hears anything in Misty's lungs they may recommend X-rays looking for bronchitis or pneumonia. If she is lethargic, not eating, vomiting, has nasal discharge or has a fever I recommend a veterinarian sooner then later. I hope she feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!