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My 15-year-old dog is coughing and has a bloated belly. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog is 15 . He coughs a lot like he has something stuck . His belly is bloated

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on January 2nd, 2015

Your dog should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. It sounds like he may have a heart condition that is causing fluid buildup in his abdomen. This compresses the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Your dog may need to be on a diuretic to help him clear that fluid and ease his breathing. But get him in to be seen right away. Your vet will do an exam, blood work and x-rays to determine the cause and suggest an effective treatment plan.

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