My dog coughs after playing. Is it kennel cough or puppy bites?

Question

I am worried my 2 year old rat terrier may have kennel cough. He has been hacking/coughing the last fer days. It somewhat sounds like he is choking, but I'm not for sure what it is. He isn't constantly doing it, just occasionally. We got a new black lab/rottweiler mix about 3 weeks ago. I think that the new puppy (11 weeks old) may be biting the rat terrier in the throat/neck when they are playing, but I am not certain if that is the case, or if it is kennel cough. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 2 months and 16 days old | 13 lbs

Elva Ma DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. Kennel cough is definitely a possibility. Do you find that the coughing episodes only happen when they are playing together? Sometimes kennel cough can be exacerbated by excitement so it may still be related. I would try to minimize the play sessions over the next few days, and see if the coughing improves. If it does not, then I would recommend taking your rat terrier to the vet. Kennel cough is contagious so your puppy may need treatment as well if that it is the cause. I hope this helps, and that your pups are feeling better soon!

My dog coughs after playing. Is it kennel cough or puppy bites?

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