My dog is hacking nonstop. Is it a serious cough needing a vet?

Question

My dog has been hacking like a cat trying to cough up a fur ball. This has been going on for a couple of days but just last night she was hacking almost nonstop. She hasn’t thrown up but it sounds like she’s going to. She seems to be eating fine, I’m just wondering if the hacking is serious and if I need to bring her into the vet. Pet's info: Dog | Doberman Pinscher | Female | spayed | 15 lbs

Penelope Graben, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello! I would recommend taking Mercy into the vet to be checked. Excessive hacking isn't a normal behavior. Sometimes dogs that chew on sticks can get sharp pieces stuck in their tonsils, which gives them a constantly scratchy throat. It could be that the hacking is actually a cough and a sign of an respiratory problem, such as bronchitis. Some dogs also experience acid-reflux, which can cause hacking. Your vet can perform a physical exam and listen for signs of inflammation in her lungs, and may recommend some sedation for a thorough oral examination to ensure she doesn't have anything stuck in the back of her throat. I would recommend trying to get video of her hacking behavior prior to visiting the vet, as this will greatly help them differentiate the cause. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

My dog is hacking nonstop. Is it a serious cough needing a vet?

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