Why is my dog coughing deeply and getting worse? When to see a vet?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 10 lbs
My Grandmom's dog has been coughing for a couple of days. It seems to be getting worse. It sounds like a deep cough from the back of his throat. He hasn't been around any other animals so I don't think he could be sick. Any ideas as to what this might be. Should we take him to the vet?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 19th, 2017
Scruffy's cough could be due to a number of underlying conditions, including a collapsing trachea, chronic bronchitis, kennel cough (unlikely if he has not been near other dogs in the past 2 weeks), heartworm disease, heart disease, pneumonia, among others. Scruffy should go to the vet at this point, particularly since his cough is getting worse. The vet will perform an exam and may need to take chest x-rays to get to the bottom of this issue so that the best course of treatment can be started. I hope that all goes well!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 23rd, 2019
I’m glad to hear that Scruffy is at least showing some improvement! Sometimes the lethargy may last a few days but I recommend to call his veterinarian. Let the doctor know what is going on and see if they want to get Scruffy back in just to listen to his lungs to make sure there’s no signs of pneumonia. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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