Coughing dog.

Dr. Marie replied:

Hmmm...interesting. I am guessing that this is not connected to the treats at all, but rather it could be kennel cough. There are other possibilities too.

Have a look on my page about kennel cough. I've got some videos there that show dogs with kennel cough. Often it can sound like they are choking.

I know you would think that Harley would get sick as well, but it's just like viruses with us. Sometimes my daughter and I may have a cold but my husband may be fine. It all depends on how your immune system deals with the virus.

There are other things that can make a dog cough such as a heart problem, or something called collapsing trachea, but these usually don't come on all of a sudden like this.

If Tazz is still eating ok it's probably ok to wait for a couple of more days before deciding if you need to go to the vet. Here are some criteria that would make me want to see the vet right away:

-If he doesn't want to eat.
-If the coughing is so severe that it is bothering everyone. (The vet can prescribe cough suppressants).
-If Tazz seems really really unwell.
-If your gut is just telling you that this is something more serious.

If it is kennel cough, most dogs recover within a week, but sometimes the cough can linger for longer.

Let me know if you have more questions!

Dr. Marie.


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Dr. Marie replied:

Unfortunately there isn't any over the counter cough medicine that we know is safe and effective for dogs with kennel cough. I usually prescribe hycodan but that is a narcotic so you can only get it through your veterinarian. The problem with most over the counter cough meds is that they contain a bunch of medicines in them and no one has tested those to see if they are safe for dogs.

As long as he's got some appetite he's likely ok to wait to see the vet. But if the cough is so severe that he's doing it all day long then it may be best to have him see a vet today if possible.

Dr. Marie replied:

You're very welcome! Hope he's feeling better soon!