My French bulldog puppy is coughing, wheezing, and gagging. What to do?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Winona. I am concerned that she may have an upper respiratory tract infection based on the coughing and nasal discharge. If her symptoms persist, she will need to see her veterinarian. I do not think these are more signs even in her breed. As far as the heart murmur, if it does not resolve by 4-6 months of age, then she will need an echocardiogram. You want to be sure there is not a structural problem. I hope this information helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Well, he is quite adorable that's for sure. The skin amd eye issues could be due to allergies. However, while general allergies can cause a cough, this would be a bit unusual and other possible causes of coughing like pneumonia, bronchitis, and heart failure should be investigated. The coughing could also be due to pneumonitis secondary to exposure to the cleaning products. I recommend that you have Pacino evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

It is possible that Kaz might have kennel cough. Kennel cough is just a name for a contagious respiratory infection, that can be caused by several different viruses or bacteria. They don't necessarily pick up the infection at a kennel, but anywhere where they could be in contact with other dogs, the way you or I might pick up a cold. Typically dogs with kennel cough will cough hard enough that they can gag and bring up white foam. If Kaz is acting like he doesn't feel well, then I recommend you take him in for an exam with your veterinarian. If Kaz is happy and playful, and happens to be occasionally coughing, than it is okay to wait a few days to see if it gets better on its own. If Kaz is acting like he doesn't feel well, then call your veterinarian for an appointment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would get her to the vet today. This sounds like she is getting worse and not better. Often times kennel cough can progress into a pneumonia and I would be worried that this could be happening with her. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Poor guy. It is possible he has a mild irritation of his upper airway. Wait things out a bit and just continue to monitor him throughout the day to see if the congestion improves. If it doesn't get better or if his symptoms worsen (i.e. Coughing, labored breathing, etc) then it's best to take Ginme to your vet. Upper respiratory infections (kennel cough) are common in puppies and the symptoms mimic cold like symptoms in people, but the difference is that antibiotics are used to resolve symptoms.

Poor Diesel. The type of gagging and coughing makes me worry about an upper respiratory infection. Unfortunately, they do not have to be around any type of other animals or board facilities to contract this. Since he is starting to become lethargic, I would go ahead and try to get him in to see the vet. The vet will be able to listen to his heart and lungs to ensure everything sounds okay. They will also be able to determine if this is just upper respiratory or if his heart could be involved or if this has progressed to a pneumonia. They will be able to get him started on the proper meds to make him feel better. I hope this helps!

I would discuss with the veterinarian the possibility of brachycephalic airway syndrome. This is a disorder of breeds such as French bulldogs which can result in regular vomiting and regurgitation due to unnatural pressures within their body, as they struggle to breathe through small nostrils and a long soft palette. This syndrome can be corrected with a surgery. This is an excellent resource to cover the topic; https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brachycephalic-airway-syndrome-in-dogs