My chihuahua has a dry cough and labored breathing. What's wrong?

I'm sorry Shanelle isn't doing well! Yes, I would take her into to see the vet. At her age, while it could be she has a respiratory infection, it's also possible that she is suffering from heart disease causing the sounds when she breathes. It's best she has a physical exam, geriatric blood tests, urinalysis, and chest x-rays to see what is causing her symptoms so she can be treated. If she did have heart disease, it cannot be cured but the symptoms can be managed with medication. I would have her seen by a vet on Monday or Tuesday. I hope this helps!

It could be allergies, but it could also be that Tacobell has a respiratory infection or something more serious like heart disease causing the cough and wheezing. Without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain what is causing his symptoms, so I do recommend a vet visit to get this diagnosed and treated. Give his vet a call in the morning to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Dino. Poor boy. In a dog his age, this could be caused by something serious like heart disease. Heart disease can be common in senior dogs. I'd have him seen by a vet for this cough, and recommend getting a physical exam, a geriatric blood panel, urinalysis, and possibly chest x-ray done. If he does have heart disease, it cannot be cured but the symptoms can be managed with medication. Give his vet a call to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!

My biggest concern is that she may have have heart disease/failure causing the dizzy spells and fainting. This can also cause them to have difficulty breathing. The other possibility is that she has something wrong with her upper respiratory tract that is not allowing her to adequately get oxygen. This could be a functional obstruction like a cyst or tumor; or could be due to long-standing progressive disease. The shaking and seeming like she can't breathe when held could be an issue, but I would want to know how long this has been happening. Chihuahuas do a lot of shaking/shivering normally, and not for any significant reason. They can also breath-hold when being picked up, so I wouldn't be too concerned if she's done this her whole life. Considering there is a possible problem with her heart and/or lungs it's best to have a vet evaluate her sometime soon. They can easily help determine if there is any need for concern with a good physical exam and thorough consultation. I hope that helps and all is well with Bunz.

I would be extremely concerned about her having a cardiac issue. Please take her to your vet so they can check to see if she has a heart murmur as that can lead to heart failure. Coughing is one of the first symptoms. She is the right age and breed for this to be happening. The other likely cause would be a collapsing trachea. So again, please take her to your vet for an exam. Best wishes.

Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach to address your concern. With the symptoms you are describing, I would have a veterinarian examine her to be on the safe side. I would want to make sure her heart is functioning normally and that there is not a heart murmur or fluid in the lungs. I would also suggest having her blood tested to make sure there are no concerning changes with Lola's systemic functions. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I am also available via consult if needed.

Pharmacy law does not allow online veterinarians to advise clients regarding the use of human medications in pets. You may call your normal veterinarian who may be able to advise you. I do recommend to have Coco examined by the veterinarian today. A bad cough can be a sign of many things, some of which are serious like fluid in the lungs, heart failure or severe collapsing trachea. These issues need to be addressed quickly and with medication that only the doctor can provide. I hope Coco starts feeling better quickly.