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My old dog has a constant cough. How can I make her more comfortable?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Papillon | Female | spayed | 19 years and 2 months old | 11 lbs

I live on a remote island in Alaska with not many options and I have a 19 year old 10 lb dog the has had a Persiant cough fo2 years now and is getting very constant. I know she is old but I would like to make her last years as comfortable as I can. Can you recomand a product I can give her.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on October 7th, 2017

Persistent coughing in older dogs is usually due to heart conditions where the heart doesn't function as well so enlarges, then this puts pressure on the trachea and causes fluid on the lungs, both of which contribute to coughing. Coughing can also be due to infection or tumours etc, but if it has been 2 years I would seriously suspect a heart issue. I understand your dilemma in terms of wanting to make her comfortable, but unfortunately we are legally not allowed to give you specific information on administering medications. I do think that there are medicines that could really help her though, such as furosemide to take fluid off her chest or corvental to help with the cough, and of course painkillers if requiref. However, to obtain these medicines she would need to be examined by a vet to get an appropriate diagnosis. If you really cannot get her to the vet you could try phoning your most local vet as they may be able to discuss her symptoms over the phone, and could potentially send you medication. I hope you can get Tonki something to help her!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 11th, 2019

    Hello. It is not uncommon for older dogs to have problems with the trachea. Either it has stiffened from old age, or weakened causing the trachea to collapse. We also need to be on the lookout for chronic bronchitis, also an issue in older dogs. Yes, keeping Paris cool & calm is very important, but there are many things that can be done to help manage the cough. Steroids, like prednisone, bronchodilators like theophylline, cough suppressants (sometimes with codeine), antibiotics, & even Omeprazole, a gastric acid suppressant, in case Paris has some gastric reflux disease, are all used in the older coughing dog with a normal looking heart. If your veterinarian is unwilling to pursue this, try & find someone else to work with. The cough may never be totally eliminated, but your life & Paris' life can be improved. Hope Paris is doing better soon & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Emily Fukuzato, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 10th, 2019

    Hello - you can ask your vet for cough suppressants. Have them take a close look at her trachea on the xrays as well. Both heart disease AND collapsing trachea or common old-age disease in Bichon's. Heart shap and size may appear normal on xrays but there can still be a problem. There are many medications that can help make her comfortable with the cough, the medical decision about which medication is based on what is causing the cough - heart disease, collapse trachea, allergies (lower airway disease), parasites.

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