Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Labradoodle | Male | neutered | 9 months and 16 days old | 30 lbs
Hi - My dog is coughing a lot like he has something stuck in his throat. It is causing him to spit up white foamy liquid. He has been to doggy day care about 5 times in the last two weeks. We called our local vet and they did not have availability to see him today, but did say they have gotten a lot of patients coming in with the same symptoms.
1 Answer
Published on April 6th, 2019
Hello, and thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm glad that you contacted your local vet already - even if they don't have availability today, I recommend scheduling the earliest opening they have to get Louis examined. With his history of going to doggy daycare, his age, the comment from your vet that they've been seeing other cases recently, and Louis' symptoms, this sounds like it may be kennel cough. Until Louis is seen by your vet, keep him away from other dogs as he is likely contagious. Kennel cough can be caused by either a virus or a bacteria, but your vet may decide to start him on an antibiotic if they suspect it may be a bacterial cause such as bordetella. As long as Louis is acting bright and happy at home, and eating normally, then this isn't an emergency and can wait until your vet is available. However, if at any point you notice Louis becoming lethargic, his breathing becomes exaggerated or labored, or if he loses his appetite, then you should bring him in to an emergency clinic if your primary vet can't fit him in sooner, to make sure he's not developing something more concerning such as a secondary pneumonia. There are other things that can cause coughing in dogs, such as parasites, allergies, and heart problems, but I would rate these much lower on the list of concerns. Hope this helps!
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