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Why is my dog hacking and coughing, even spitting up white phlegm?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 17 lbs

My girl has been doing a hack sound recently she does it after a bark sometimes and after drinking water she has also done it a couple times at night during sleep. Today she did it after barking and a pea size amound of white phlegm came out. What could it be? My other dog had laryngitis recently and she also tends to lick the floor.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 9th, 2019

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Poochie. Poor girl. There could be a couple of things going on with her causing this cough. It could be a respiratory infection, it could be a collapsing trachea, it could be kennel cough, or it could be something more serious like heart disease. I'd have her seen by a vet in the morning for this problem. The vet can diagnose what is causing it, and can treat her. I hope this helps!

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