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My 9-year-old lab is coughing, breathing hard, and throwing up.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 8 years and 7 months old | 115 lbs

Chocolate lab 9yrs old. Started yesterday morning sneezing then develop hacking cough...when he goes to get up or moves around he developers labored breathing and throws up a clear liquid. How can I help him. I think he has dog flu

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 19th, 2019

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I’m sorry to hear Kona isn’t feeling well. What you describe could be heart disease and there could be fluid build up in his lungs. I recommend taking Kona to a vet right away for an exam so they can listen to his heart and lungs. He may also need xrays of his chest to see what’s going on inside. Other possibilities include infectious diseases like kennel cough or the flu, parasites like heartworms, or cancerous processes. Either way, Kona needs to be seen by a vet to determine what’s wrong and start treatment. Good luck and kisses to Kona!

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