My dog is coughing badly and I suspect a cold. What should I do?

Question

My golden retriever 2 years old is coughing really bad. Please tell me what I should do. I believe he's got a cold too.

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Poor pup! There are lots of things that can cause coughing in dogs, so it's hard to say that the problem might be without being able to examine him. You're right that respiratory infections are quite common in dogs, and are the most common cause of coughing that I see in young dogs who are otherwise healthy - so this could very well be what is causing your dog to cough. Other possible causes of coughing would include allergies, bronchitis, or more serious issues like heart disease or lung tumors. If the coughing just started and your dog is acting normal otherwise, you could opt to wait until tomorrow morning to take him to the vet - your vet can listen to his heart and lungs to check for any problems, and will probably prescribe an antibiotic if an infection is suspected. If your dog is acting weak or lethargic or having any trouble breathing, it would be best to have him seen today by an emergency vet, as these can be signs of a more serious problem.

My dog is coughing badly and I suspect a cold. What should I do?

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