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My vaccinated puppy is coughing and sneezing. When to see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Border Terrier | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 18 days old

Hi! Tortuga has been sneezing since a week now, multiple times a day. He eats, drinks and plays well and he is still the happy puppy I know. However, since yesterday he has a very bad cough as well. Other than that, he seems to feel good. He has had all his vaccinations, including the Bordetella Bronchiseptica (or kennel cough) vaccin. Since he seems okay besides the symptoms, should I consult a vet? Is there anything I can try to do myself? I hope you can help me. Kind regards, Nadia

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 9th, 2018

Hi Nadia. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Chances are Tortuga has kennel cough. The vaccine is not 100% protective (just like our flu vaccine) so even if a dog has been vaccinated they can still get kennel cough. The symptoms are usually milder and the course of the disease is shorter in dogs that have been vaccinated versus those that haven't so giving the vaccine is definitely warranted.

I suggest you just monitor him for now since he seems to be acting normally. If the coughing gets worse or he starts showing other symptoms then get him to your vet for an exam:

* ocular and/or nasal discharge
* vomiting/gagging/retching
* not eating
* lethargy

Of course, if you are worried you should take him to your vet for an exam now. There is no harm in doing that. Sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry.

Hope this helps. Best wishes!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 12th, 2017

    It sounds like he could have a respiratory infection. Your vet can examine him on Friday to determine if his vaccines should be postponed. If he doesn't have a fever and is otherwise acting ok than he can probably be vaccinated. Your vet may want to prescribe an antibiotic.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 12th, 2017

    It sounds like Kiba may be getting a respiratory infection, and I would have him seen by a vet in the morning. When a dog has a respiratory infection, they may benefit from medications such as antibiotics, which can be prescribed by the vet. In the meantime, if he's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing him into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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