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Why does my dog cough after boarding? Is it heart or allergies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dogue de Bordeaux | Male | neutered | 4 years and 1 month old | 115 lbs

Hi my Chunk has had a slight cough ever since he was boarded last spring...it comes and goes and doesn’t happen all the time. He doesn’t have trouble breathing or have any other symptoms of any sort. It sounds like he is trying to clear his throat when it happens and then he is completely fine. How do I know if it is heart related?? He is also prone to allergies and had horrible pneumonia as a puppy could it maybe be related?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 10th, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Chunk. You are right, it could be heart related and the way to know that is to have him seen by a vet. The vet can listen to his heart with a stethoscope, and may take x-rays of his chest. It could also be due to his allergies. I do recommend a vet visit to have this issue diagnosed and treated. I hope this helps!

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