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Why is my puppy coughing or throwing up mucus? Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | 2 months and 10 days old | 390 lbs

Earlier today my puppy threw up or coughed up mucus. What does that mean?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 2nd, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Aira!

Coughing up mucous and vomiting up mucous are 2 different things.

Causes for coughing up mucous are: kennel cough (inflammation of the trachea) caused by viral, bacterial and mycoplasa, pneumonia or something stuck in the mouth or throat or was chewing or eating something that irriated the back of her throat. Kennel cough in healthy dogs is self limiting but in the young and the old there is an increased risk of developing in to pneumonia. Most vets start antibiotics in puppy's with kennel cough. The cough is dry and "goose honk" like. The dog with cough and then gag (cough hard enough to hit the gag reflec) and sometime will bring up white foam or bile. They are usually eating and happy still.

Causes of vomiting in puppies are: intestinal parasites, viral (especially parvo virus) or bacterial infections, dietary indiscretion (ate something gross), foreign body ingestion (ate something that is stuck causing a blockage), toxin ingestion, food allergy/intolerance, reaction to a new food/treat or table food.

If this was a one time episode and Aira has been fine since then I would watch her. As long as she is eating, drinking, playful and no longer coughing or vomiting sit tight. If the episodes continue she should be examined by your Vet.

i wihs you the best!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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