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My 5 year old Chihuahua has developed a cough. Not the typical reverse sneeze or breathing problems typical in an excited Chihuahua, but a hacking type cough that reminds me of a cat trying to cough up a hairball. She is well and normal in all other aspects. Though she has had this gagging cough at random times before due to her fascination with licking and picking up random fuzz and hair, this has been noticable for a few days now and it seems as if it may be getting persistant. I want to make sure I am not going to ignore something that may be more serious. Thank you.

Submitted: 108 days ago.

Category: Dog

Value: $9

Status: CLOSED

Pet's Sex: Female
Pet's Age: 5

Already Tried:
This has just begun to develope, we have not tried an medical treatments, simply tried to check the back of her mouth for obstruction or encouraged her to drink when she has coughed.

Posted by ask_me 107 days and 23 hours ago.

Answer

Hi,
I'm sorry to hear that your girl is having this issue. There are several things that may be causing this. Kennel cough/respiratory infections are a common culprit as are dental infections (Chihuahuas tend to be prone to these). Additioanlly, the breed can be prone to something called tracheal collapse. This can produce a cough and is often managed with steroids when it flares, harnesses instead of collars, and avoiding strenuous activity. It would be advisable to err on the side of caution and have her seen. I hope she's doing better soon.
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107 days and 23 hours ago.

Reply

Thank you for your response. Just a further clarification. Is an infection such as Kennel cough possible when she has no contact with any other dogs what so ever? And she does have issues with her teeth, I have read that tooth infection can cause congestion in the nose but could this cause a hacking choking cough?

Accepted Answer

Hi,
Sorry for the delay. Kennel cough/infection can be contracted even if direct contact with other dogs was not made. As for dental issues, in some cases these may cause coughing but not congestion. This may be able to be treated with a short corse of antibiotics as prescribed by your vet. I hope she's feeling better soon.
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Accepts:
Expert:	ask_me
Pos. Feedback:	98.7 %
Answered:	8/6/2009

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Pet's Sex: Female
Pet's Age: 5

Already Tried:
This has just begun to develope, we have not tried an medical treatments, simply tried to check the back of her mouth for obstruction or encouraged her to drink when she has coughed.

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Pet's Sex: FemalePet's Age: 5 Already Tried: This has just begun to develope, we have not tried an medical treatments, simply tried to check the back of her mouth for obstruction or encouraged her to drink when she has coughed.

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Related Dog Questions

Pet's Sex: Female
Pet's Age: 5

Already Tried:
This has just begun to develope, we have not tried an medical treatments, simply tried to check the back of her mouth for obstruction or encouraged her to drink when she has coughed.