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My 9-week-old puppy keeps hacking and coughing. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Goldendoodle | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 28 days old | 8.6 lbs

My Golden Doodle is going on 9 weeks old. He just developed this hacking and coughing. He does it about every 30 min. What could this be?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on April 9th, 2018

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!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on August 21st, 2018
Cough can be caused by an infection, heart problem or lung condition, it is important to first know the cause before treating it as treatment is different from condition to another.
The most common disease causing cough is a viral/bacterial infection called Kennel cough, this disease usually resolves without treatment within a couple weeks but if the cough is too severe it is recommended to go to the vet in order to get cough medicine and antibiotics.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Kristin DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 5th, 2018
I'm not sure if by "hack" you mean cough or vomit. There are several possible reasons for both. Causes of coughing include kennel cough, pneumonia, heart disease, collapsing trachea, and others. Causes of vomiting include eating foreign objects resulting in blockages, pancreatitis, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, and much more. In either case, if the coughing or vomiting persists, a veterinarian should take a look at Bear to try and determine the cause. Some causes are more serious than others, and it is impossible to know the cause without at least a physical exam, and possible further diagnostics. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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