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Why is my 6-month puppy congested, coughing, vomiting, and not eating?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | English Bulldog | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 6 months old | 40 lbs

Hi. My 6 month old English Bulldog puppy has had cold like symptoms for a week - you can hear congestion when he breaths and occassionally he "coughs" which could also be a retch, its hard to tell. He just started vomiting too, 3 times so far and he is obviously feeling nauseous as he won't eat. I don't know if all the symptoms are connected - last night we fed him broccolli and cauliflower for the first time, that was about 18 hours ago. Please help

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Megan, DVM, CVA

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on July 21st, 2017

Poor Ron! The congestion and the vomiting could be related or it could be two separate problems. It sounds like he likely has a respiratory infection. I would see your vet for an exam and possible antibiotics. Your vet will be able to do X-rays if needed to ensure he hasn't developed pneumonia as well. The vomiting could be from swallowing a lot of mucus or it could be something's separate like a bscterial infection, viral infection, eating something he shouldn't, etc. Your vet will be able to help determine this as well eith the exam. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 12th, 2017

    Hi, sorry to hear rascal isn't feeling well. The first thing that comes to mind when a young dog is vomiting is he ingested some foreign material or food that is making him sick. It is good that he kept down the bland diet but if he is not acting right, he needs to see a vet. I would search the house, outside areas and his toys to see if there is anything he could have eaten that is stuck in his stomach or intestines somewhere. An X ray at your vet can tell you that. He may be tired from all the vomiting but I would have a vet check him. If he is negative for a foreign body, some fluids under his skin and an injection of anti nausea medication usually fixes things. Good luck, i hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 30th, 2017

    Poor Rascal! That does not sound normal and he should have some diagnostic tests done to determine the cause. He could have an infection, parasite, congenital problem, and/or an obstruction. Your vet should test a stool sample for parasites, run blood-work, and take an x-ray to help diagnose. If your vet can't determine the reason he is vomiting then you could take him to an internal medicine specialist for a second opinion. Hope he is all better soon!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 21st, 2017

    Yes, I think I would be concerned about this in a young puppy. I would get him to a vet as soon as possible. It could be the beginning of a viral disease like parvo. He may have ingested something he shouldn't have that could cause either gastric upset or an obstruction in the GI tract. It could be related to intestinal parasites. Too many things it could be for me to narrow it down online.

    I would get him to a vet ASAP so he can get the proper diagnosis and treatment. I hope this helps. Best wishes!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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