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My dog has a cough, trouble breathing, and swollen body. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 30 lbs

My dog has been having a dry cough and trouble breathing....on top of his belly hind and front legs swelling

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 12th, 2017

I would recommend taking Hustler to the veterinarian right away. If your vet is closed then he needs to go to the emergency vet. In an older dog with a cough and difficulty breathing we are very concerned about possible decompensating heart disease as well as lung disease (pneumonia, cancer). In combination with swelling of the limbs and abdomen we can see this with heart disease as well, or with protein loss due to systemic illness. We can also see difficulty breathing and swelling with anaphylactic reactions. All of these are emergency situations, so he should be seen right away. I wish you the best of luck with him! The vet will examine him and most likely recommend an x-ray of his chest to begin the evaluation.

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