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My dog is lethargic, hunched, coughing, vomiting white foam. What now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 40 lbs

My dog is very lethargic, walks somewhat hunched over as though she is in great discomfort, and acts unusually apprenhensive around me. Her appetite has diminished and she has been coughing and vomiting a frothy, foamy white substance? What should I do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on November 5th, 2017

Sounds like Mama is definitely in a pretty significant amount of pain, and probably experiencing some nausea as well. In order to determine the cause, a physical exam should be performed by a veterinarian. They will be able to tell you if further diagnostics are required to come up with a reason for Mama's current state. In the meantime just so you can be sure immediate attention isn't required, consider obtaining a temperature (normal is 99 - 102.5), checking the gums for pinkness / moisture, and checking the skin for normal elasticity. If Mama appears stables in these regards, there is no reason to think she needs to be rushed out tonight.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Anna M., DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 4th, 2020
Hello, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Bruno really needs to be seen by a vet to determine what's wrong. Decreased energy, exercise intolerance, decreased appetite/thirst, vomiting, and coughing could indicate heart disease, kennel cough, pneumonia, cancer, etc.... a thorough exam and potentially chest x-rays and bloodwork would be needed to determine what's wrong and get Bruno on the right medication.

Hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on June 26th, 2018
I hate to hear that Jasmine is so sick. She sounds like she is pretty uncomfortable. These can be signs of many things including some serious conditions such as an intestinal blockage, stomach torsion or pancreatitis. I would recommend to have her seen today. The rapid breathing is likely an indication of discomfort which is the most concerning. I hope she starts feeling better quickly!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dogs are coughing, vomiting foam, and lethargic. What's wrong?

Considering your description I would consider the cough as the primary sign, whereas the vomiting episodes could be secondary to intense inflammation of the trachea and potentially bronchi. This kind of cough could be due to infective causes (like kennel cough syndrome), which is usually self limiting and does not require treatment (maybe that is the case of Buddy, the older one) unless systemic signs are present. Having said that, considering that there are systemic signs of lethargy I would recommend a check up as antibiotics may be needed.

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Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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