Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why is my puppy still coughing after a month of medication?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 3 months and 25 days old | 10 lbs

Ziggy started coughing around 15 June. He got hydrocodone and Azithromycin for 7 days. One or both made him dopey but he stopped coughing. Maybe 2 or 3 days after he stopped the meds his energy came back but he started coughing again. Now He is on Doxycycline for 7 days (starting yesterday). Ought I be concerned that he has been coughing for almost a month now? He hasn't had all his shots yet -- only 2 rounds. Any suggestions as to why he is still coughing and what other steps I should take?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 11th, 2017

Hi, this is Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Ziggy! My concern for a young puppy with a persistent cough is possible pneumonia. If the cough comes back a second time having chest X-rays done maybe helpful. Pneumonia is treated for several weeks with an antibiotic. We sometimes treat 2 weeks past normal X-rays. Also having some blood work done to look at his white blood cell count may help and a stool sample. Some intestinal parasites pass through the lungs. There are some geographical differences depending where you love, sometime fungal lung infections are prevalent. Again X-rays of his chest and lungs could help determine that. I really hope Wally gets better soon!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?
Is your degu struggling to breathe, coughing, or have nasal discharge? A trusted vet offers vital guidance on respiratory issues like pneumonia and how to help.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my 5-week-old chick struggling to walk with splayed legs?
Is your 5-week silkie chick struggling to walk, with splayed legs & curled feet? A board-certified vet explains possible causes like Mareks and what to do next.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Do pet birds need vaccinations or regular vet shots for their health?
Curious about bird shots? A Petco vet explains when pet birds get vaccinated, the importance of annual wellness exams, and how to find an expert avian veterinarian.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored