Coughin Min Pin.

Dr. Marie replied:

It sounds like Diva has a number of things going on.

Some dogs can throw up bile in the mornings every now and then and I don't get too worried about it. If it is only happening every couple of months it's not likely to be anything serious.

The licking of things is probably a habit and a tough one to break at that. However, I have seen some dogs that lick at things because of dental disease. It's not a bad idea to have your vet examine her teeth.

Bad teeth could potentially be a cause of coughing if perhaps there was some infection in her mouth.

I'm wondering though if the coughing is actually something called a reverse sneeze. Here are some examples of reverse sneezing. If this is what it is then there is not a lot that you can do, but fortunately it is not usually something serious.

Another possible cause for coughing is a virus like kennel cough but this doesn't sound like what Diva has especially if the issue is just occasional.

Another cause for coughing is heart disease. There are several different kinds of heart disease that can affect dogs.

I would recommend having her examined. If she is due for vaccines soon then this is good timing. The vet will have a good listen to her heart and let you know if they are concerned. It's not a bad idea to video tape her coughing episodes so that you can show the vet as well as it is often hard to diagnose a coughing problem if the dog won't do it in the vet's office.

I hope that helps!

Dr. Marie.

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