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Why is my Yorkie coughing white thick saliva and swallowing it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | 2 lbs

My yorkie our of random starts coughing out white thick saliva. And I try to take it out of her mouth but she just swallows it back. I wanna know why she is caughing that ?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on December 6th, 2017

Poor Mimi! There are many different conditions that can cause coughing of white phlegm or saliva like this. Some possibilities would include a respiratory infection like kennel cough, heart disease, bronchitis, collapsing trachea, or pneumonia. Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so it's important to get a diagnosis first.

I would recommend taking Mimi to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to. He/she can listen to her heart and lungs, and may also recommend chest x-rays or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem.
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