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My senior dog is sneezing and congested. When should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 10 lbs

My little blind terrier about 16 years old this morning started sneezing, to include backwards breathing and I could hear congestion in his nose like he has fluid and in his chest. He is kept inside always and at night covered in a blanket. We only let him outside periodically to do his business. He is now sleeping soundly no sounds. I did not notice this yesterday. How could his symptoms change so quickly? Should I be concerned & seek professional care now or watch him for the next few days?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 28th, 2017

Tiny Tim is a little old man and just like in people old dogs can get congestive heart failure. Having fluid in his chest, coughing at night while sleeping, exercise intolerance can certainly point towards such a congestive condition. Of course he could also have contracted an upper respiratory infection or inhaled a foreign body that is now stuck somewhere in the upper airways. You should take Tiny Tim to your veterinarian for a geriatric exam. A respiratory infection is usually treated with antibiotics and sometimes anti-inflammatories, A foreign body needs to be found and removed, and if a heart condition is diagnosed, he will be prescribed diuretics and medication to help the heart do its job more effectively. Your vet will want to do blood tests and an x-ray of the chest.

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    From your description, it sounds as though Tiny Tim may have been reverse sneezing, which can sound horrible! It is caused by an irritation at the back of the throat and rather than pushing air out like a typical sneeze from irritation in the nasal passages, a reverse sneeze causes dogs to inhale air and experience a brief throat spasm. This is a normal and benign issue that generally only lasts for a minute or two before stopping. If Tiny Tim has since been breathing normally without any extra respiratory effort and has not had other episodes of coughing or sneezing, continue monitoring him for changes. If you have otherwise noticed coughing, sneezing, or extra effort for him to breathe, he should be evaluated by his vet. I hope that all goes well!

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