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My dog is hacking with bad breath. Is it kennel cough or serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 10 months old | 22 lbs

2yr old Cockapoo bitch, occasionally hacking like she needs to cough something up. Moderately bad breath, can't see or feel any foreign object. No apparent breathing difficulty or noise with respiratory effort Suspect kennel cough. Any warning signs / symptoms that would suggest something else to watch out for please?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 10th, 2017

You're correct, these symptoms in a young dog are commonly caused by a bacteria or virus that contributes to the Kennel Cough complex. I would watch out for worsening of a cough, panting even in a cool environment, decrease in appetite, or trouble breathing. Occasionally, the harshness of the cough can cause enough irritation to the trachea that a secondary bacterial infection can get started. If the cough is getting worse, I recommend that Eva see a vet. After examination, the vet can decide if antibiotics or anti-inflammatories are needed for recovery.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 11th, 2018
This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a chronic tracheitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective/kennel cough). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 11th, 2019
He is probably suffering from an upper respiratory infection. 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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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