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My dog coughed mucus and vomited. Why didn't the vet give him meds?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | French Bulldog | Male | unneutered | 8 months and 23 days old | 27 lbs

My dog has been coughing mucus. I took him to the vet after he vomited on Tuesday because I think he ate something. But they did not give him anything since he stopped vomiting he was just coughing.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 20th, 2018

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Coughing can be caused by many different conditions including heart disease, collapsing trachea, infectious tracheitis (kennel cough) and pneumonia (fluid in the lungs). I would be concerned about a bulldog coughing after known vomiting, as they are at a higher risk of aspirating (fluid from the stomach going down the trachea and into the lungs instead of coming out the mouth or back into the stomach). I would recommend having Valentino rechecked, and discuss x-rays with your vet to see if there are signs of aspiration pneumonia. However, if Valentino is only coughing a tiny amount, and is otherwise normal, eating/drinking, playing, running around normally, then he likely doesn't need antibiotics as some aspiration pneumonias are sterile (no bacteria present). If the coughing is continuous, or any continued vomiting, or if Valentino is lethargic, weak, not eating, and not acting himself, or has any signs of trouble breathing, then get him to a vet immediately. Best of luck with Valentino.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If your veterinarian did not give your dog any medication because he was just coughing, your dog is likely suffering from kennel cough. This is a self limiting condition caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria and usually goes away by itself within 4 weeks. Should your dog keep coughing to the point where it is annoying you or the dog, your vet can prescribe cough medicine. Should your dog get lethargic or appear ill you will need to take him back to the vet for a recheck.

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