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Why is my Shih Tzu coughing and spitting up phlegm for several hours?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 5 years and 11 months old

My 6 yr old Schitzu started acting like she was coughing and then spit up some flehm. This has been going on for several hours. Otherwise she seems ok.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on November 24th, 2016

Poor Abby! The most common cause of coughing like this is an upper respiratory infection such as kennel cough, although other problems are also possible - including bronchitis, heart disease, or allergies. You can try giving her a spoonful of honey to help soothe her throat, or bringing her into the bathroom with you with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity often help to soothe coughing and relieve symptoms like this. If the cough has not improved by tomorrow morning, I would recommend having Abby examined by a vet. He/she can listen to her heart and lungs to make sure the problem isn't serious, and prescribe antibiotics and cough suppressants if needed to treat the infection and make her more comfortable.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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