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My dog is snoring and coughing after spay. Is a vet visit needed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year old | 35 lbs

My new dog is a year old Australian shepherd/ Healer mix and was fixed 5 days ago. She has been making a snoring sound when she’s awake and coughing that started today and has happened 3 times so far. The snoring sound is quiet, you have to listen closely unless she’s asleep and you can hear it a little bit more loudly. She sounds congested when she’s breathing. Do I need to take her to the vet?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on April 11th, 2018

Congratulations on your new addition!
When a dog is spayed, we put a tube down their throat to help them breathe under anesthesia which can sometimes cause irritation. That might be responsible for the mild snoring. But usually a cough that is associated with that tube will start right away (not 5 days later). You didn't mention where Juniper came from, but if she was recently adopted from a shelter, she certainly could have developed an upper respiratory infection from the shelter. Often these upper respiratory infections are viral, but they can develop secondary bacterial infections as well. If Juniper seems lethargic (more tired than normal), is developing discharge from her nose, does not want to eat, or her cough is getting worse, then I would definitely recommend having your veterinarian examine her.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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