Why is my puppy coughing like he's choking? When should I see a vet?

A cough can be caused by respiratory issues including lower airway disease or upper airway disease like a collapsing trachea. It can also be a sign of heart disease. Teddie needs to be assessed by a veterinarian to determine the cause of the cough and for recommendations to be made about what could benefit him from a medical perspective. They may want to perform x-rays to assess his heart and lungs.

He is adorable!! Sometimes Yorkies and other small breed dogs have a condition known as collapsing trachea, where the cartilage of the trachea is weak and results in the trachea temporarily narrowing (collapsing) which leads to a honking cough. If he recovers quickly and doesn’t become distressed, then at this time there’s no need for treatment if indeed that’s what’s going on. It may get worse with time, in which case cough suppressants can be tried. In severe cases, surgical stenting may be recommended. Ideally, take him to your vet so they can diagnose whether or not this is the problem and best advise you moving forward. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to an upper respiratory infection that could be now affecting the lower respiratory system as well such as kennel cough. It is very important that you have Teddy evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to gather more information and proceed with an exam to determine what would be best at this point. They are likely going to consider prescribing antibiotics. I am hoping for a speedy recovery!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Coughing can be a sign of many conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, heart disease, among many other possibilities. In a young dog like him, something like kennel cough needs to be considered. I recommend that you have Kingsley evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics to be performed include thoracic radiographs and bloodwork. Treatment would be dependent on findings. If it is kennel cough often times it resolves with supportive care including antibiotics. Good luck and have a good night!

This sounds like he has an upper respiratory condition or possibly early collapsed trachea. You will need to take him to your veterinarian for an exam and possibly x-rays. There is really nothing you can do other than keep him from over-exercising until you can take him to the vet.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Canelo! It is possible that he has kennel cough which can be cause by either a bacterial or viral infection. It is contagious between dogs. The cough sounds loud and goose honking. A lot of the time it is worse when they are resting, Sometimes they cough and gag up white phlegm. Most of the time kennel cough is self limiting and resolves in 2 weeks. But in young puppies some Vets like to start antibiotics to prevent pneumonia. Other causes for a cough is collapsing trachea which can be genetic in Pomeranians but is usually worse with excitement. I'd schedule an appointment with your Vet to have him looked at. Good luck!

Hello! It would be helpful to know how long Ellie has had this cough, if she is vaccinated, and if she has been around any other dogs. At her young age, I would be worried about her contracting something contagious. Kennel cough usually runs its course without problems, but sometimes can progress to pneumonia. It is similar to a human common cold. However, canine influenza and canine distemper can both present in young pups as upper respiratory signs and both of these viral infections require treatment from a veterinarian. Signs of a serious infection include: Green nasal/eye discharge, lethargy, not wanting to eat Hereditary non-infectious causes of a cough could be collapsing trachea or a heart defect. I would recommend seeing your vet, but calling first to let them know your pup may be contagious. Your vet will listen to her heart and lung sounds, then possible recommend x-rays to find out what is causing her cough. I hope you find this helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!