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My dog has a dry hacking cough. What can I give her to stop it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 5 years and 8 months old | 45 lbs

Hi, My Dog is coughing almost like in a hacking sound. Nothing is coming up. It's almost like she's trying to cough up fluids but nothing is coming up. I What can I give her to take away this cough?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Catherine Stecyk

Veterinarian

Published on May 14th, 2019

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If your dog is coughing, she should be evaluated by a veterinarian for an exam and chest x-rays at their next available appointment. She could have pneumonia, asthma, or something such as heart disease that is causing her to cough. It is important to determine why a dog is coughing before suppressing the cough, as this could worsen something like pneumonia or heart disease, which require medications such as antibiotics or diuretics, respectively. Please do not give anything like cough syrup to her, as these can contain chemicals that are toxic to dogs. I hope this is helpful!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on May 9th, 2019
Poor Carly. It could she has a respiratory infection, or she could have something more serious like heart disease. I do think it's important to have her checked out by a vet, and I would take her into one tomorrow. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 14th, 2018
I recommend having Mia seen by your vet to help determine the cause of her hacking. She may be dealing with a bacterial or viral infection (such as kennel cough), be dealing with environmental allergies (which can lead to reverse sneezing, which can sound like hacking), or have something stuck in her throat. Seeing your vet is the best way to determine the cause of her symptoms, and also allows them to recommend treatment. If you notice her having difficulty breathing, or if she has blue gums, exercise intolerance, a productive cough, lethargy, decreased appetite, or collapse, please get her to a vet immediately , as it could mean there is something more serious going on with her that needs to be addressed immediately. See the following link for more information on kennel cough: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951478 Good luck, and I hope Mia feels better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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