Dog Cough

    • Puppy

    Dog Cough

    Hi!  My beagle is four years old and about 2 1/2 weeks ago he developed a cough.  Kind of a hacking cough.  He does not act any differently and eats, drinks, and plays normally and he seems happy with a big cold, wet nose.  We have two other dogs besides him and they do not show any sign of a cough or anything wrong. So I have kind of ruled out kennel cough.  He coughs about every 5 to 15 minutes, and sometimes he sounds like he's trying to get something up.  I have checked his windpipe and do not see or feel anything lodged in it. Also I have tried to massage his throat while he is coughing, but it doesn't help.  I do not know if it is something that will go away on it's own like a cold, or should I seek professional help, I was also wondering if I should try to give him some children's cough medicine to see if that works.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!!!
    • Gold Top Dog
    I don't want to freak you out...believe me...but you should take him in to be checked out. Coughing CAN be a sign of heart trouble, heartworm, etc. Is he on HW preventative? Does the cough get worse with movement or exercise? Is he at a proper weight?
     
    You are right Kennel cough should spread but it doesn't always...so that's still a possible thing. Collasped Trachea could also cause a hacking cough I think...
     
    I would take him in the vet for sure to rule out as much as possible.
    • Puppy
    He is normal weight and very active, and it doesn't seem to get worse when he excercises.  He is on HW preventative.