My dog's dry hacking cough persists after vet visit. Should I worry?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Scottish Terrier | Female | unspayed | 30 lbs
My dog has had a dry hacking cough for about 5 days now. It started on Monday, I took her to the vet on Wednesday. They did a very thorough exam on her, and couldn’t find any real reason for the cough and they recommended giving her benedryl. Blood tests came back normal as well. However, now it’s friday and the cough persists. It seems to be worse at night.. she’s still barking as normal, eating, running around the yard, etc.. should I Ben majorly concerned about this?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 11th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Precious! There are many reasons for coughing: kennel cough, allergies, pneumonia, heart failure or cancer. Since it has only been a few days it is ok to give her more time. Kennel cough takes 2 weeks to resolve. If the cough worsens or hasn’t resolved in 2 weeks then I recommend a recheck and chest X-rays. I wish you the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 24th, 2016
Poor Karma! A dry hacking cough is a sign of kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs. This is typically a self limiting disease in which symptoms usually resolve in around three weeks. Given that Karma is coughing so hard she is vomiting, I would take her into the vet tomorrow (I know today is Thanksgiving in the US), as she would benefit from some antibiotics and bronchodilators. Medications will help with the severity symptoms, and may help the infection resolve sooner.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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