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My senior dog has a deep, hacking cough. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 14 years and 3 months old | 10 lbs

Hello, I have a 14 year old chihuahua/pomeranian mix that has recently in the last month or so developed a deep, hard, hacking cough that is on and off throughout the day. It doesnt sound like she has trouble breathing or anything like that. It started about 3 months after we moved into an apartment complex that shares a lot of lawns and spaces with other dogs. I thought maybe that might have something to do with it.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 9th, 2023

I would be extremely concerned about her having a cardiac issue. Please take her to your vet so they can check to see if she has a heart murmur as that can lead to heart failure. Coughing is one of the first symptoms. She is the right age and breed for this to be happening. The other likely cause would be a collapsing trachea. So again, please take her to your vet for an exam. Best wishes.

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19Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 4th, 2017

    Since Tinkerbell's cough has become more frequent, it is worth taking her back to her vet for an exam. A lot can change over the course of a year. Tinkerbell's cough could certainly be related to a collapsing trachea and in some cases, this can worsen over time. She could also have developed chronic bronchitis, heart disease, heartworm disease, etc. Her vet will be able to listen to her chest, feel her trachea, and may recommend chest x-rays. If the suspect cause of the cough is still due to a collapsing trachea, there are some cough suppressant medications that your vet can discuss if indicated.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 25th, 2017

    I would recommend taking him into the vet for an exam in case this is a chest infection or heart problem. If it is collapsing trachea in mu experience the cough suppressant is of little use as they are usually coughing because of the trachea collapsing. Unfortunately I legally cant give you dosages so if you do want a suppressant you should ask your vet.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 8th, 2019

    Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Coughing in an older Chihuahua is concerning for a few diseases including 'collapsing trachea', heart disease, "dynamic airway disease", clots in the lungs, or other causes such as infections (viral, bacterial, etc.). Also, in the US, heartworm and other parasites are possible. Any coughing an an older dog warrants a visit to the vet. I recommend a visit to the emergency clinic if you can, and chest x-rays are a good idea. If going to the vet is completely impossible, just keep Cooper quiet and rested, no walks and no visits where she would get excited, and keep her in a cool environment so she doesn't overheat. If the breathing is laboured or the coughing gets worse, get her to a vet right away. Best of luck with Cooper!

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