My dog coughs & sneezes a week after heartworm treatment. Normal?

Question

My dog has been coughing trying to release phlegm but I haven’t seen any come out and he also sniffles and sneezes a bit I was wondering if that’s normal for him since it has been a week since his first round of heartworm treatment shots. He doesn’t sneeze or cough like crazy but occasionally he does do it. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 9 years and 7 months old | 11 lbs

Megan, DVM, CVA · Accepted Answer

This can be normal after the first round of heart worm treatment. As the adult heartworms die, they cause an inflammatory reaction in the lungs. It is VITAL to keep Charlie under strict confinement during this time. This means he needs to stay in a confined area or crate and then only to be taken outside on a least to go to the bathroom a few days per day. If they are too active the cough will only get worse. You can try to give him some Benadryl twice a day to help with the sniffles/sneezes. See link below. I would also contact your vet just to tell them what is going on to make sure they don't want to add any meds or change any meds for him. Of course, if he stops eating, the cough gets worse, you notice labored breathing, or he is coughing up blood then I would have your vet take a look at him immediately. I hope this helps! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/#!

My dog coughs & sneezes a week after heartworm treatment. Normal?

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