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My dog is coughing like something is stuck. Should I take her to the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 4 years and 5 months old

My dog is coughing/hacking like she's got something stuck in her throat occasionally. She's only doing it a couple times a day and it started a day and a half ago. She is eating like normal and acts like herself, but if she starts playing hard it triggers her cough. She hasn't vomited or coughed anything up so far. Should I take her to the vet or is there something I can give her?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 4th, 2016

It sounds like Zoey may have an upper respiratory infection such as kennel cough. This is a very contagious disease and she may have picked it up while walking outside, or when sniffing another dog. This is usually a self-limiting disease and will go away by itself within 4 weeks. If she gets a purulent discharge (nose and/or eyes), has trouble breathing or coughs more than a couple of times a day, you need to take her to the vet for an exam, antibiotics and cough medicine.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 15th, 2018

    Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The signs you describe can be due to irritation, an upper respiratory infection, heart enlargement or a deeper infection. I recommend keeping a close eye on Finley, as the occasional cough is totally normal. If she continues coughing, develops nasal discharge, loss of appetite, or is not acting like herself, she should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. Your vet can perform x-rays and take blood work to determine what is going on. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!

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