Accepted Answer

Hi GinnyL,

Jack russell are not more prone to respiratory illnesses. However, smaller dogs do tend to have some problems with tracheal collapse which can cause coughing. I'm going to go over the various causes for coughing so you have the information you need to discuss this with your vet in a knowedgable manner.

Dogs don't get colds like humans, but they can develop upper respiratory illnesses such as kennel cough and canine influenza as well as bronchitis and inhaled allergies. You can read about bronchitis here:
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/chronic-bronchitis-in-dogs/page1.aspx

If there is sneezing and nasal congestion, it can be due to an allergic reaction to an inhaled substance. If this is the case, Benadryl can be given to your dog, the dose is up to 2mg per pound every 8 hours.
You can read about these here.
http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/inhalants.html

Kennel cough is normally contracted when a dog has been boarded or kenneled or around a large number of dogs such as at a dog show, dog park or pet store. Here is a website with more information on kennel cough. http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/kenc.html

Canine influenza is now becoming more prevalent and like it sounds it is a canine flu. Here is an excellent site on it.
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/canine-influenza-virus-dog-flu/page1.aspx

You will want to monitor your dogs condition looking for colored discharge from the nose or eyes, a productive cough (coughs stuff up), stops eating or lethargy. These are signs of a possible bacterial infection as well and my require antibiotics. Since she does have a productive cough, she did need the antibiotics to fight the secondary infection.

To help your dog breathe easier you can run a NON-medicated humidifier in the room your dog is in, or sit in a steamed up bathroom with your dog to help keep the mucous moving. Robitussin DM at a 1/4 teaspoon per 5 pounds can be used to control the cough if your vet has not prescribed a cough medication. Dosages can be obtained at this website. http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/dextromethorphan-robitussin-dm/page1.aspx

There are other reasons for coughs such as heart problems which should be investigated if your dog is not on heartworm preventative or is an older dog. The following site goes over canine coughs.
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/cough.html
http://www.gopetsamerica.com/dog-health/chest-lung-conditions.aspx

Your dog could have a collapsing trachea. Here is a site on reverse collapsing tracheas.
http://vetsurgerycentral.com/tracheal_collapse.htm

Since you have already seen the vet, I'd wait for the bloodwork to come back before discussing this further with your vet unless your dog seems to be having difficulties breathing. I hope you find this information helpful.

Expert:	Jane Lefler
Pos. Feedback:	99.7 %
Accepts:
Answered:	10/29/2008

Breeder Behaviorist, See Qual.

Rottweiler Breeder 15+ years Dog trainer / behaviorist, Former Vol.Vet Asst.