Accepted Answer

Yes, I am sorry about the delay in answering. As soon as I logged on this morning just before 9am my time, I answered your question. I'm sorry that none of the other experts were on-line when you posted your question. We are all in different time zones, so that may be why.

Again, I regret that I have not been able to answer your question in the 20 minutes before you left for work. I have been in appointments, not on the computer.

There are a couple of things that I think may be going on with your dog. The top 2 things I would consider are kennel cough and tracheal collapse. Kennel cough is the more likely since you mention that he is low on energy, and that he goes to a "doggie lounge" once a week. Tracheal collapse would not cause him to be low on energy.

1. Kennel cough (Bordatella, infectious trachebronchitis) is a highly contagious cough that is transmitted by saliva or through an aerosol when a dog coughs. With kennel cough, dogs have a cough that sounds like something is stuck in their throat, and after coughing a few times they have what is called a "terminal gag" which means that they sound like they are bringing up phlegm. If you watch closely, you will often see dogs swallow after this final gag - they are in fact swallowing phlegm. Some dogs will even cough up a puddle of clear, whitish, or slightly yellow mucoid fluid.

Kennel cough is highly contagious so dogs that have this should be kept isolated from other dogs for 2-3 weeks until it resolves.

Most cases resolve without medications, but in some cases patients are put on antibiotics and/or cough suppressants. Antibiotics are used in dogs who are at risk for a secondary pneumonia (very young or very old dogs, or those with a suppressed immune system). Cough suppressants are used when the cough is so severe that the dog cannot sleep. There can be quite a bit of phlegm with kennel cough, and it is better that the dog DOES cough that up, rather than leave it in the lungs by suppressing the cough. However, there has to be a balance where it's possible for the dog and his human companions to sleep.

Watch your dog to see if he is wretching or gagging at the end of his coughing episode. If he is, or if he is coughing up puddles of phlegm, he likely has kennel cough.

There is a vaccine for kennel cough but it is not part of the "core" group of vaccines standardly administered to all puppies. It is an optional vaccine and given to dogs that are at risk (such as those who are on the show circuit, or who often board at a kennel). You could check your pup's vaccine record to see if he has been vaccinated for this. If he has been, then it is less likely that this is what he has.

I'll give you links to further information:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1556&articleid=452

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=600

2. Tracheal collapse is a condition that small breed dogs are prone to. The trachea is the windpipe that you can feel in your own neck. It is held open by rings of cartilage. Cartilage is the same stuff that your ears are made out of, and as you can tell, it is not hard like bone. The cartilage rings in the trachea can collapse in some dogs, causing the airway to suddenly narrow. The cough that happens in this situation is often described as "goose honking" or like a seal barking.

Tracheal collapse can vary from mild (only occurs very rarely, often when the dog is excited) to severe (occurs constantly, with the trachea not popping back open easily or at all). With the most severe cases, a specialist can place a "stent" in the trachea to hold it open. In the more mild cases, the problem can be managed without surgery.

Dogs with tracheal collapse should *never* be walked on a collar. Instead, you should get him a harness that goes around his chest. Thus, if he suddenly sees a squirrel and pulls, he is not going to put pressure on his trachea and cause it to collapse.

When a dog is having an episode of tracheal collapse, the owner can calm him so that he stops gulping big breaths in, as that just keeps the trachea collapsed. What I find works with many dogs is to stand them in front of you, and lift the front legs up, so the dog's back is against your shins. Then, gently rub the belly. This seems to straighten the trachea and calm the dog and often ends the episode.

Watch your dog closely to see if he wretches or gags at the end of his coughing episode, and if he does not then he likely has tracheal collapse.

For more information on tracheal collapse, here are a couple of links:

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1527

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1611&articleid=410

So, in summary, your dog sounds like he has tracheal collapse or Kennel Cough. If his gums are blue or muddy during an episode then you should see your veterinarian promptly. If he coughs up any liquid that is green or bloody, you should see your veterinarian promptly. If he is not eating, or is lethargic, it would be best to see your vet to be sure he is not developing pneumonia.

You asked about Benadryl and aspirin. These are both medications that can be used in dogs. Benadryl would help if his wheezing was due to an allergic reaction, which is unlikely. Aspirin may help if he has a sore throat, so you could try it at the dose suggested at the bottom of this link (please make sure you give it WITH FOOD):

http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/acetylsalicylic-acid-aspirin/page1.aspx

Again, my apologies for not being able to provide you with an immediate answer to your question. If, however, this has been helpful, please accept my answer. I will still be here to provide more information if you need it!

Fiona

Expert:	Dr.Fiona
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:	284
Answered:	2/18/2008

Veterinarian

15 years experience as a companion animal veterinarian in British Columbia, California and Ontario