My dog coughs when playing hard. Could it be collapsing trachea?

Question

Pepper is 6mos. She will sometimes make a hacking/cough sound when she is playing hard. Nothing ever produced. Never when at rest or if she just playing casually with toys. Usually when doing a lot of running. Also, she will inhale water VERY quickly and sometimes spit it back out. If she drinks small amounts and slower, no issue. Do not believe kennel cough as this has been going on since we got her and only when she plays hard. No coughing when eating either. Is this common? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | 6 months and 18 days old | 12 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think if she drinks water slowly and has no issue I think that she is just vomiting the water because she drinks it too fast. Just try to slow her down when she is drinking. I do not think she has kennel cough if she's had this hacking cough for months. Kennel cough is self limiting. You didn't indicate what breed Pepper is but I see that she is small. My best guess for the cough is that she has collapsing trachea. Collapsing trachea is a congenital abnormality of the tracheal rings making them weaker. It effects small breed dogs like Yorkies, Pomeranians, etc. Usually they cough when exercising or pulling on the leash. I'd monitor for progression of the cough or issues with her breathing. Keep her thin because dogs that are overweight have a harder time with collapsing tracheas Good luck!

My dog coughs when playing hard. Could it be collapsing trachea?

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