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Coughing dog.

Species: Dog
Breed: Min Pin
Age: 5-8 years
I have two very healthy Min Pins. Well I had two healthy dogs. Last weekend we attended the local State fair and I bought some treats for my dogs. I do this every year. Over the last week I gave both dogs treats. But about Thurs. Tazz started coughing and acting like he was choking. It has been like this now for about 4 days. When he sleeps he sounds fine but when he moves around is when it all starts. I am going to try to attache a short video. Could it be something in his throat or from what I am reading Kennel cough. The other dog "Harley" is fine. Thank you. The video would not attache.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

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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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

Thank you. Can I give him some cough med? And he still has somewhat of a appetite. Not as much as normal though.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

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.



Customer reply:

Thank you so very much for your help. We really appriciate it. Our problem is money. You are the best. And after looking at the videos you have, I am pretty positive he has Kennel cough. Thank you so much again.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

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



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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.