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My 3-week-old puppy is congested but acting fine. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 18 days old | 2 lbs

I have a almost 3 week old puppy who sounds congested when she breathes. She’s otherwise acting fine just sounds very congested. Should I be worried?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Eryn Taormina, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 10th, 2018

If she is eating well/nursing well, and going to the bathroom normally in addition to acting fine, she may be OK. I just worry about how young she is though. I wouldn't let this go on too long. If she were to get sick it's much harder on her because her immune system is so immature. I would take her in when you can to see the vet. They can check her lungs and make sure the congestion is just in her upper respiratory tract. Tiny puppies can also have a condition cause cleft palate, for example, and that can cause them to inhale the milk when nursing. This can cause pneumonia, so again, I'd have her examined as soon as you're able. In the meantime, taking her in the bathroom when members of the household shower can help clear out her upper respiratory react, acting like a humidifier with babies that have stuffy noses.

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