My senior dog has chronic congestion. What's the real cause?

Poor Cherry! I'm sorry to hear that she's having this problem. There are many things that could cause coughing and difficulty breathing along with congestion in the lungs - some common possibilities would include heart disease, pneumonia, or even cancer. It would help to have more information about what your vet found during her physical exam (such as whether she has a heart murmur or not), as well as some additional diagnostic tests such as blood work, an echocardiogram, etc. to help diagnose the problem. Treatment and prognosis will depend on what the underlying problem is, so without this information, it isn't really possible to tell you whether she will be okay or not, or what you can do to help her. I would recommend calling your veterinarian to ask for some additional clarification on what they believe is wrong with her. If they aren't sure, or if they don't have any additional suggestions for how to proceed from here, you can get a second opinion from another local vet or request referral to an internal medicine specialist for further work-up.

It is not normal for dogs to have chronic nasal congestion at a young age. Would be concerned about upper respiratory infection that might need antibiotics. I would recommend taking Him to a veterinarian to make sure his lungs sound clear.

Tiny Tim is a little old man and just like in people old dogs can get congestive heart failure. Having fluid in his chest, coughing at night while sleeping, exercise intolerance can certainly point towards such a congestive condition. Of course he could also have contracted an upper respiratory infection or inhaled a foreign body that is now stuck somewhere in the upper airways. You should take Tiny Tim to your veterinarian for a geriatric exam. A respiratory infection is usually treated with antibiotics and sometimes anti-inflammatories, A foreign body needs to be found and removed, and if a heart condition is diagnosed, he will be prescribed diuretics and medication to help the heart do its job more effectively. Your vet will want to do blood tests and an x-ray of the chest.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Oh no, poor Buddy! This could be caused by an upper respiratory infection, fungal infection, foreign body, or a nasal tumor if he is an older dog. You can try putting him in a room with a humidifier, or brining him into the bathroom with you when you take a shower. The steam from these may help temporarily relieve any congestion he is experiencing. I would have Buddy seen by a vet in the morning . The vet can diagnose what is causing his difficulty with breathing through his nose, and can discuss treatment options with you.

No there is not likely any correlation of congestion with an ear infection. It is best to have her checked out by your vet. Congestion in a small breed dog that is older can be very concerning and may indicate heart or lung disease.

These signs could be compatible with a respiratory tract inflammation/infection or potentially could be related to heart disease. Considering the lethargy, a systemic sign, I would recommend a check up as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause and establish appropriate treatment. Antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.