Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My puppy's throat is red, wheezes, and gulps painfully after play.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Belgian Malinois | Female | unspayed | 7 months and 1 day old | 46 lbs

had my malinois pup looked at a couple weeks ago at the vets because she was making a high pitched wheezing noise from her mouth when exhaling every time she would run around/chase her ball and has a hard time eating kibble with hard gulping (looks painful). Vet never looked in her mouth or throat but did take an X-ray of chest and said our puppy was fine. Recommended Zyrtec daily, she’s on Zyrtec since then and no improvement. After her run today I notice her throat looks red. Is this normal?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on September 25th, 2018

Her throat and trachea do look irritated. If your vet isn't willing to examine her mouth and throat, I would get a second opinion at another clinic. Since she has had no improvement since her last visit, I feel she should be seen again, either by your current vet or by another one who will check her throat.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My puppy fell, hit throat, dry heaving, struggling to swallow. Is it serious?

He likely knocked his throat hard enough that eating or swallowing is irritating the vagus nerve and causes retching. You should monitor this and if it does not get better by tomorrow or if he has breathing problems, he will need to be seen by a veterinarian or at a petER. In the case of respiratory problems this is an emergency and he needs to be seen right away.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my puppy making choking noises? Kennel cough or allergies?

My best guess is she has kennel cough. It is the most common reason for coughing in puppies. I can almost guarantee that there is nothing stuck in her throat and that it is not an allergy. Both are very unlikely. The vet should have checked her throat as you can usually make them cough with palpation of the trachea. She should be on antibiotics and cough medicine. I suggest you call the vet back and discuss kennel cough and treatment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog sounds like something is stuck in her throat, what should I do?

Her mouth may be painful or there could be something in her throat. Offer her some food and water. If she is able to eat and drink, there likely isn't something in her throat and I would take her into a vet in the morning to get this checked out. If she won't eat or drink, get her into a vet immediately.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 5-month-old puppy is clearing his throat. Is this normal?

If it is an occasional occurrence then it may be nothing abnormal but if he is doing it frequently then he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. He could have a respiratory infection and/or inflammation and need an antibiotic and and anti-inflammatory to treat.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why does my puppy have a red throat and ulcers that won't heal?

That is faucitis (inflammation of the cavity at the back of the mouth – the fauces) and definitely not normal. That tissue should be biopsied and sent to a laboratory for analysis. There are many possible underlying causes. That biopsy will help to determine what is causing this.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog had kennel cough. Should I take him to the vet for gulping?

With his consistent symptoms, I recommend having him seen by the vet. There are many causes of respiratory symptoms, including heart disease, and I’m a bit concerned about his decreased exercise tolerance. Cantona may need medication to manage what’s driving his symptoms. Your vet will likely recommend chest x-rays to different a respiratory problem from a heart problem. Hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy wheezes or clears throat but acts normal. See a vet?

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, I would recommend you take Luna into see her veterinarian soon. The symptoms she is experiencing such as trying to clear her throat, may actually be a cough. Coughing and wheezing can be indicative of an upper respiratory infection. She may need chest x-rays to confirm an upper respiratory infection and may be placed on antibiotics. I hope this helps and I wish you and Luna the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share