Accepted Answer

Hi XXXXXXXXX,

A cough can be caused by many different things. 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

It’s possible that if sneezing and nasal congestion is present, it can be due to an allergic reaction to an inhaled substance. If this is the case, Benadryl can be given to a 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. It is entirely possible for a dog from a pet store to have kennel cough. 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

If the dog has a colored discharge from the nose or eyes, a productive cough (coughs stuff up), stops eating or is lethargic, then it may have a possible bacterial infection as well and my require antibiotics.

To help a dog breathe easier you can run a NON-medicated humidifier in the room a dog is in, or sit in a steamed up bathroom with the dog to help keep the mucous moving. Robitussin DM at a 1/4 teaspoon per 5 pounds can be used to control a cough. 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. The following site goes over canine coughs.
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/cough.html
http://www.gopetsamerica.com/dog-health/chest-lung-conditions.aspx

The dog could be doing what is called a reverse sneeze or have a collapsing trachea. Here is a site on reverse sneezes and one on collapsing tracheas.
http://www.beaglebuddies.com/misc/reverse.html
http://vetsurgerycentral.com/tracheal_collapse.htm

I'm not sure why the store's vet can not find the cause of her problem and why a "health guarantee" is not able to be obtained for the pup. Perhaps there is some condition that is not being disclosed. If you are concerned about the costs that might be associated with this pup, then I would try and have her examined by your own vet prior to committing to her lifetime care.

I would definitely keep her separate from your current dog and be sure and have her eliminate in an area where your dog will not be to prevent possible spread of parasites.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Expert:	Jane Lefler
Pos. Feedback:	99.7 %
Accepts:
Answered:	8/27/2009

Breeder Behaviorist, See Qual.

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