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Why is my dog coughing like he's choking? Is it kennel cough?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | 2 years old | 65 lbs

I have a 2 year old German Shepard He's been coughing like if he was choking on something. Why?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on May 21st, 2017

That could be commonly due to an upper respiratory tract inflammation/ infection or possibly due to something that Cody has ingested and has irritated his oesophagus/trachea. Kennel cough is a common cause of cough. A check up and possibly antibiotics are required if signs persist more than 8 hours.

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    Answered By Juliana, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Coughing in a young dog is often caused by "kennel cough". Kennel cough is usually caused by a virus and leads to a hacking cough, sometimes followed by a wretch at the end. Some people think it sounds similar to a cat with a hairball. You can YouTube "dogs with kennel cough" to see if Cody sounds similar. If he does, and he is otherwise bright and alert with a good appetite and good energy I would just keep him home and away from other dogs for at least 7 days and until to coughing subsides. Since it is usually viranthere is no specific treatment. If the coughing is keeping him awake over night , he develops discharge from nose or eyes, or he becomes lethargic I would have a veterinarian evaluate him. They will make sure hisblings sound ok and prescribe cough suppressants and antibiotic as indicated. Other potential causes of a hacking cough include swallowing plant material that had gotten stuck in the tonsils , infections in the lungs, heart worm disease, and heart issues. All of these reasons would require evaluation by a veterinarian as well. I hope Cody is feeling better soon!

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