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My dog is coughing and making honking or choking sounds. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | neutered | 7 months and 9 days old | 57 lbs

My dog has had random coughs that I've noticed within the past week or so and tonight I've noticed a few times he has made choking sounds but not connected to him eating or drinking or anything. Any ideas?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Emily Fukuzato, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 13th, 2017

From the description of the cough for Marshall it sounds like kennel cough. Kennel cough can sound like a honking cough or a hacking noise and can occur at any random time but more frequently when excited or with exercise. Other reasons for cough with Marshall can be: parasite infection allergies pneumonia (much less likely) inhaled foreign body (much less likely) I would recommend to keep him away from other dogs while he is coughing in case he has kennel cough and is contagious. If his cough persists and/or worsens, stops eating, or acts lethargic, please schedule an appointment with his veterinarian so they can examine him and determine the cause of his cough.

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 7th, 2018

    This is suspicious of kennel cough, which is an infection of the upper respiratory system. The choking sound is most likely due to a cough. If Simon has been in contact with other dogs in the past month or so, then this would explain how he got the infection. These conditions tend to get worse the longer they are left untreated, so it's best to have Simon checked out by a veterinarian sometime in the next day or two. They will be able to determine the cause of the cough and prescribe the appropriate treatment. I hope that helps and Simon gets better soon.

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