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My chihuahua coughs like a hairball and wheezes. Could it be allergies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Alaskan Klee Kai | Male | 15 lbs

My 7 yo 15 pound chihuahua coughs like he has a hairball in his throat when he is a wake. When he is a sleep he wheezes. Dies this sound like allergies only started yesterday

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 22nd, 2020

It could be allergies, but it could also be that Tacobell has a respiratory infection or something more serious like heart disease causing the cough and wheezing. Without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain what is causing his symptoms, so I do recommend a vet visit to get this diagnosed and treated. Give his vet a call in the morning to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!

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my dog is a male long-haired chihuahua. Every day he has coughing fits, he'll be laying down and then he'll start wheezing and coughing. my family says it's just allergies but I'm not convinced. he's been coughing like this for about 2 or so years. h
Chronic coughing in small dog can have many reasons. The most common cause is a collapsing trachea. This would be a weakness in the windpipe and whenever the dog gets excited, does exercise, and in some cases even when resting , the trachea collapses and keeps the air from getting to the lungs. This will cause coughing, wheezing and even trouble breathing. This can be easily diagnosed with an xray and a throough exam. Another common cause, especially in old dogs, would be congestive heart failure where the heart is not able to pump blood efficiently and a pulmonary edema develops and causes coughing, wheezing and breathing troubles. Again a thorough clinical exam and xrays/ultrasound exam can rule this out. I suggest you schedule an appointment for an exam with your vet soon.
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My 4 lbs chihuahua has a cough sometimes and her breathing is a little labored. When she coughs it’s a dry, hacking cough and on occasion produces mucus. Her energy is ok as well as her appetite. Any idea what could be going on? - Julie
Lola is very cute! Her symptoms could be a sign of heart disease, which can be common in older dogs. They could also be caused by allergies or a respiratory disease. The only way to know for sure what is causing her symptoms is to have her seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing them, and what treatment options are available to her. I recommend calling the vet today to make an appointment for her next week. Best of luck.
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My dog has been “coughing,” mostly in the mornings for about a week or two. He seems completely fine otherwise, eating normally, normal bathroom patterns, normal energy. Is the cough something I should worry about?
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Chihuahua has cough and keeps sneezing. Should I take her to the vets or will her immune system deal with the issue?
Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
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My chichuuchiua has been hacking and coughing for a long time like he's trying to hack something up or can't breathe. He also yelps sometimes when being picked up and having trouble jumping up on things on his own. What could be wrong with him?
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Why does my dog sound so raspy and kinda like hes wheezing? Is it his allergies?
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My dog is coughing so much that he’s coughing up saliva and has had watery eyes lately. Thinking he has allergies? He is coughing so much it’s hard for him to catch his breath.
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Hello! I think my little chihuahua has a cold/ she breaths like shes stuffed (sound stuffy when she breaths) should i take her in to see the vet?
I'm sorry Shanelle isn't doing well! Yes, I would take her into to see the vet. At her age, while it could be she has a respiratory infection, it's also possible that she is suffering from heart disease causing the sounds when she breathes. It's best she has a physical exam, geriatric blood tests, urinalysis, and chest x-rays to see what is causing her symptoms so she can be treated. If she did have heart disease, it cannot be cured but the symptoms can be managed with medication. I would have her seen by a vet on Monday or Tuesday. I hope this helps!
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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
Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco 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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I have a 12 year old Chihuahua she has a very bad cough what can I buy over the counter for her
Pharmacy law does not allow online veterinarians to advise clients regarding the use of human medications in pets. You may call your normal veterinarian who may be able to advise you. I do recommend to have Coco examined by the veterinarian today. A bad cough can be a sign of many things, some of which are serious like fluid in the lungs, heart failure or severe collapsing trachea. These issues need to be addressed quickly and with medication that only the doctor can provide. I hope Coco starts feeling better quickly.
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