My dog has a chronic cough, vet says healthy. What can I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) | Female | spayed | 8 years old | 14.6 lbs
My dog sounds like she has something in her throat. We took her to the vet and they said she was healthy, and although this has been going on for years, I’m not really sure what to do about it. Is there anything I can do to get the mucas, or whatever it is, out?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 27th, 2020
If it has been going on for years it is probably a collapsing trachea, in which case there is not much that can be done about it. There are medications that can be used to minimize the cough but it will not "fix" the problem. There is a surgery that can be done to place a stent in the trachea which is curative. A collapsing trachea is not a huge problem other than uncomfortable for them to cough. It should not cause any major issues. You can ask your vet to do a trial of medication to see if it helps and if it does, you can keep her on them long term. ( https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/collapsing-trachea-dogs-everything-you-need-know )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 26th, 2018
There is. Itching over the counter but different things work for different people. You can talk to your vet about off label use of cerenia that helps and can be given every 2-3 days once controlled. They make several types of cough suppressants. I do. It know which one you are in but different ones can be caked cough tabs, hycodan syrup or butorphanol tablets. You can look into adding these to help. Steroids can be given but may or may not help based on each individual dog
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 4th, 2019
I hate to hear Hope is dealing with a collapsed trachea. The primary medications used to manage the condition what Hope is already taking, though there are some variants (the idea is the same, decreasing the coughing). Here is a link with helpful information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/collapsed-trachea-in-dogs/ You may talk with your veterinarian about giving the medication on a regular schedule instead of as needed. This will maintain the blood levels which may help suppress coughing better. You may also ask about switching medication if this does not seem to work. Also, some pets respond well to using supplements like an omega 3 fatty acids and anti-oxidant for pets in additional to the medication. These supplements may help to keep the tissue of the trachea healthier and less inflamed. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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