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My dog coughs, vet says heart. What causes it & what's the treatment?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 11 years and 1 month old | 6.9 lbs

My dog has what sounds like a canal caugh but the vet told me it's his heart. I would like a second opinion about the scans and what would be the treatment

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2017

I agree that Duke heart looks enlarged and it is pushing up on his trachea. I cannot diagnose his condition without doing an exam but with just looking at the X-rays, I would say he definitely has a heart condition. I have heard coughs from heart problems sound very similar to upper respiratory infections. Your vet will be able to put him in some heart medicine to help him. Heart medicine will slow down the progression of heart disease and help him feel better. I hope this helps. I'm sorry for the news!

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Coughing can indeed be caused by kennel cough infection but it can also be caused by heart disease. In the above radiography the heart looks enlarged and seems to be pushing up the trachea. This can lead to trachea sensitivity which can cause a bad cough. A diagnosis of heart disease is made on clinical signs, listening to the chest along with diagnostic imaging. I would imagine that your vet is correct in this instance. Treatment involves administering tablets to increase the heart output, control fluid in the chest and control kidney involvement. Your vet will be able to make you a treatment plan.

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