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!
Become a credit card member today!Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!APPLY NOWLearn More About Petco Pay Benefits
My senior dog is coughing and has lung congestion. What should I do?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | 15 years and 7 months old | 11 lbs
My dog is 16years old she she is not able to breathe properly it seems as if something is stuck in her and she cough quite often. Took her to the vet they did xray and told there is some congestion in her lungs. Someone advised me Immunocal and told that my dog will be fine. I need your suggestion or advice as in what is the best i need to do for my dog so it recovers and sustain good health
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on October 13th, 2017
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By David Darvishian
Veterinarian
Published on November 20th, 2017
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Brooke. Breathing problems are definitely an emergency. I would advise getting Brooke to your veterinarian for a recheck or an emergency vet if your vet is closed. Breathing problems can have many causes including chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, infections (viral, bacterial, etc), heart valve problems, heartworm disease (not sure in UK), inflammation of the respiratory tract, among many other things. Your vet can re-evaluate her and advise some diagnostics based on the exam findings. Blood tests and x-rays would be indicated as an initial attempt to diagnose what is going on. In a smaller breed dog of this age, I would be looking and listening for signs of a heart murmur and congestive heart failure. Older small breed dogs commonly develop problems with their mitral valve leaking which can result in congestive heart failure. Good luck with Brooke.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on April 12th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Coughing and difficulty breathing can be signs of many conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, heart disease, among many other possibilities. I am concerned that she could be in respiratory distress. I recommend that you have Milly reevaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics to be performed include thoracic radiographs and bloodwork. Treatment would be dependent on findings. Good luck and have a good night!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on November 16th, 2020
The weight doesn't help, but that kind of coughing makes me worry about her developing congestive heart failure. Respiratory infection and pneumonia, among other things can cause coughing as well. I strongly suggest getting her in to see your vet as soon as possible. If she is having congestion due to a heart problem medication can make her much more comfortable. Your vet will do an exam, labwork and likely x-rays. Based on these results your vet will be better able to tell you what is going on and how best to treat it.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful