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Dog hacking, spitting foam, and yelping: Is it kennel cough?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 10 years old | 60 lbs

My dog has started making a hacking sound - quite often especially through the night - today I found a couple of foamy spots on the floor. She seems to be eating/drinking fine, but sometimes yelps or whines for no apparent reason while just laying down. She is never around other dogs and hasn’t been anywhere recently where she could have picked up kennel cough.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Ana M, DVM

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 25th, 2019

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lily. Based on your description an upper respiratory tract infection is likely even if she isn't around other dogs. Even a neighboring dog could spread the infection. Similar to colds in humans, you do not need to know who got you sick. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian if her symptoms do not improve within 24 hours or if she stops eating and drinking. I hope this information helps!
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