My dog has been making a hacking noise (almost like he has a hairball) for the last couple of weeks. It happens when he first wakes up and periodically throughout the day. Besides the noise, he is acting fine. He is playing, running, eating, etc. What could be wrong? Should I be concerned?
HelloCustomer
This could possibly be a reverse sneeze. This can happen with any irritation of the back of the throat. There is usually no treatment recommended - but it is sometimes associated with allergies. Benadryl at 1mg per pound of body weight twice daily can be recommended in these cases. Here are links to more information and video clips of other dogs reverse sneezing so you can compare what you are seeing.
http://search.live.com/video/results.aspx?q=reverse+sneezing&docid=653698203675&mid=2B1679F5901179A7C3EB2B1679F5901179A7C3EB&FORM=VIVR5
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2096&aid=1112
If you need more information just reply to your question.
Donna P.
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thank you.
Thank you for your help. After looking at the links, it does sound similar to those dogs. And, the symptoms began at the onset of Spring, so it very well could be allergies. I was just concerned that it was something more serious, like a heart problem.
Heart problems can certainly cause coughing. Coughing after waking up or after exercise or excitement can be indicative of a heart problem. They are often also a bit lethargic and not as active as previously. They may also have some labored breathing associated with the intolerance to exercise. If the dog is acting fine in all other aspects, and it happens in little fits like the reverse sneeze than it is more likely to be this. However, if this happens in conjunction with exercise, or isn't in little fits like seen in the video, I would have the dog examined to make sure there is not some other problem going on. If she has not had a heartworm test or been on heartworm preventative regularly I would make sure this was done as well. Here is a link to more information.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2096&aid=3537
http://search.live.com/video/results.aspx?q=canine+heart+coughing&docid=442275529341&mid=EE4338E2F6AC883960ADEE4338E2F6AC883960AD&FORM=VIVR13