HI XXXXXXXX,
Do the episodes last from a couple of seconds to minutes and then he is fine?
Does it seem like he is gagging on something?
Does he get stiff at all like he is bracing himself?
The episode once they start last a few seconds then he walks a little more and they start again.
He seems to be coughing really, he doesn't look like he's going to through up, he doesn't stretch his neck, just stands there coughing and kind of short of breath then settles down and carries on a few more steps.
No he doesn't look like he is bracing himself but he stands very still and doesn't try to walk on when he is coughing
Thank you for that information . I was thinking you might be seeing a reverse sneeze and just in case I will direct you to a site for that to compare to your dog.
Smaller dogs can get a collapsed trachea which can cause coughing, however since you've only rescued him a few weeks ago I would be concerned about kennel cough as well because that worsens with activity and gets better with rest. If this is the case usually nothing but Robitussin DM is given for the cough unless it develops into a bacterial infection in the lungs then antibiotics are given. Kennel cough can come on up to ten days after being exposed.
Coughing can also be symptom of a heart problem so you will want to have that checked especially if it is worse when he is moving.
When you open these pages a pop up for a newsletter will come up, just hit close windows at the bottom and that will make it disappear and you can read the articles.
reverse sneeze http://www.petplace.com/dogs/reverse-sneezing-in-dogs/page1.aspx
kennel cough http://www.petplace.com/dogs/infectious-tracheobronchitis-kennel-cough/page1.aspx
Tracheal collapse http://www.petplace.com/dogs/tracheal-collapse-collapsing-trachea/page1.aspx
It does look a little like reverse sneezing and he does sometimes sneeze properly.
It can't be kennel cough because I rescued him from someone who is to unwell to look after him but has loved him well and he has never been in a commercial kennel. He has however been to a vet twice in the last 3 weeks to have the chip put in and to have his teeth cleaned, and his vaccinations brought up to date.
I am hoping that the trachea collapse is not the problem,
I think I had better take him back to the vet to have it confirmed because the symtems only appear when he is out walking or starts plying with his toys in the house.
Since this has been going on with activity being the main cause it is best to have him checked. What I would do is if possible is to take a video of it and show your vet,
One other thing, he makes "snoring" noises sometimes when he is at rest, I don't know if that is a help.
Thank you for suggesting a video that is an excellent iadea and one I will follow up on. That suggestion alone is worth the cost of your services.
Well I am looking up your breed and I don't see any prone illnesess that woud cause snoring, I see they are prone to narcolepsy but it says that swallowing or coughing is not usually a problem. I think it would be best just to have him looked as as speculation can become very scarey. But what I would do is keep him rested until you can see the vet just to be on the safe side.
You may also want to talk with someone who knew the dog to see if they can add some insight.
Here are more causes for chronic coughing
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/chronic-coughing-in-dogs/page1.aspx
dog training consultant
24 years training & behavior,pet first aide, Therapy dog eval., PA Animal Response Team