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My dog ate bark and is coughing. Should I be worried or give her something?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Rat Terrier | Female | spayed | 5 years and 7 months old | 17 lbs

My dog was eating bark at the dog park. Now she's coughing. What can I give her? Thank you.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on June 8th, 2018

I am so sorry about Zelda’s cough. It is possible a piece of bark has become lodged in her throat, or that the chewing merely inflamed her throat causing a cough. I would monitor her closely for the next few hours, offer her only water and keep her calm. If the cough worsens, she seems in pain or distressed I would take her to the vet immediately. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Silvia De Cecco, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I wouldn't recommend to use any treatment at the moment. You could give Zelda soft food for today and monitor. If the cough get worse or she start to vomit, she might have a piece of bark stuck either in the airways or in the intestine. If it's the case, please bring her to the vet asap. In the meantime keep her quiet, offer her some water and observe her behavior. Please post again on the forum if you would like to discuss it further. I hope my answer was helpful. Good luck!

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