I'm worried my chihuahua may be sick, can you help?

Question

He is 4 1/2 months old and has been hacking a lot lately like he is going to throw up something, but nothing ever comes out. He had diarrhea once today. He also seems kind of lethargic, i dont know if it's my imagination or just part of him growing up. He is also up to date on all his shots. Any advice?

He got a vaccination for kennel cough like a month ago, and i shouldn't have even mentioned the "lethargy," it's not bad at all. It just seemed like he slept more today. The hacking is like every hour or two.

Answer 1

In pups, especially toy pups, sensitive stomachs are fairly common. This can create vomiting and diarrhea. Consider getting him on a high quality food like Natural Balance, Wysong, Solid Gold, Blue Buffalo, Evo, etc. Science diet, Iams, Eukanuba, Purina, etc, are not high quality and many dogs don't tolerate them well.

Chis also do something call "reverse sneezing", I don't know if this could possibly be what you are hearing. It's almost like a scary snort and gasping for air. It's not dangerous, but many toy dogs do this.

Lethargy is a whole other issue. This, on top of the other symptoms, is concerning. If it's just "kind of lethargic" as you say, meaning you have no problems rousing and waking him and he has no coordination issues, give your vet a call either tonight or in the morning. Describe what's going on and see what they recommend.

If he's really lethargic, call a vet now.

If the diarrhea continues tomorrow, make an appointment ASAP and watch him as much as possible.

Good luck and I hope it's just an upset tummy. : )

Answer 2

This could be a number of things. Dogs can get colds and coughs just like people do, and they can have the same sort of drainage in the back of their throats when they're sick as well. Your dog could have something this simple, or something worse, like "Kennel-Cough." Has your dog recently been to the groomers or to a kennel? Dogs can catch this anywhere, from the park to their own yard, but it happens more often in places where there is a high volume of other dogs. Regardless, I would call your vet and get him checked out. He may just need some antibiotics to clear up an infection or cold, or he may need to be treated for something more serious. Either way, don't wait too long, because some treatments must be within a certain amount of time in order to be successful. If you have any more questions, you can email me.

Answer 3

You need to have the dog seen by a vet. Make sure you have them run a fecal test. The coughing can actually be a sign of worms (roundworms). The dog will cough up the larva that have traveled to the lungs and swallow them down. It can cause the diarrhea too. There are other possiblities too (like kennel cough). But a vet will be able to run the tests needed to find out what is wrong with your baby.

Answer 4

Actually it is very normal for a chihuahua to hack like it is going to throw up, I do not remember why it happens but I went to three diffrent vets who said it is totally normal for chihuahuas to do it and that they are totally fine.

I have 4 chihuahuas and ALL of them hack like they are going to throw up now and then, you will find many very small dogs do such as toy poodles and dogs around that size.

As for the diarrhea you said it was only once today so I would not worry , it may just be something he ate. If the diarrhea continues then I would contact a Vet

Answer 5

I work for a veterinarian. If he is a chewer you may want to look around make sure he has not gotten into anything. We see a lot of dogs that will either tear a toy up and eat the stuffing or get into the trash. I would get him looked at you say there is no vomiting yet. I could be from a simple upset stomach all the way to he has a intestinal blockage and that can be serious or even deadly. I would just bring him to a vet it is better safe than sorry in the long run. Good luck

Answer 6

puppies and young dogs are highly susceptible to "kennel cough" a viral respiratory disease--- especially if taken away from home and around any other dogs at a young age.
they will hack and cough like they 'have something caught in their throats'.
the disease is self-limiting meaning it will eventualy pass-- but secondary bacterial infections can invade in about 20-30% of the time. for this reason-- IF DIAGNOSED by a vet to have kennel cough (bordatella)...they usually cover them w/ antibiotic prescription to prevent secondary bacterial complications. Your vet may give a cough supressant if it is debilitating and constant. getting teh body healthy and immunity strong is key here to help it go away (good shelter, good nutrition, low stress, water).
The diarrhea may be a number of things-- if it continues past 3 days it is best to have it diagnosed at your vet.
Since he seems lethargic (symptom of concern)-- i would take him to the vet as soon as you can so they can figure out what is causing all of this.

Answer 7

I recently found that Kibble and Bits homestyle dog food has animal hair bits in it. Be careful not to be feeding that food to your young dog. I know it is expensive but I would probably take the chihuahua to the vet especially if it has been hacking a lot lately. Make sure it hasn't swallowed stuff like hair that could cause serious digestive problems.

Answer 8

It's not normal to develop 'hacking' cough or diarrhea. You should take him to the vet. It could be something simple as a cold, but it could be something much more serious.

Answer 9

It is best to bring the dog to the vet. This happened to my dog once when she ate the stuffing out of her blanket. It took her a long time to get it all up. It may be something like that.

Answer 10

Chihuahuas have this thing that's like a back word cough, if that's what you're talking about it's perfectly normal. But if there is any chance that is not it you should take him to the vet.