Dog sounds like she is coughing up a hairball...?

Question

My pitbull is a year and a half and just recently I have noticed that she sounds like a cat coughing up a hairball once in a while. It is just whenever, not after anything specific. She still runs around all day and is normal after rough play. Sometimes she makes the noise after a long workout, after eating, and sometimes just walking around. It doesn't seem like it bothers her, and I don't notice it more often. She still sleeps through the night... I was just wondering what it could be.

Answer 1

Probably just excess flem building up in her throat. Even dogs need to clear their throats sometimes. If she is acting normal and eating and drinking normal then dont worry too much. If it continues or gets worse then call your vet and see if its something that needs to be looked into.

Answer 2

Sounds like Kennel cough. Try giving her a little rob,itsium cough syrup and a couple baby aspirin and it should stop after a few days. There is medicine you can get at the Vets, but my Vet had me do this when mine got Kennel cough from the neighbor dog and it worked. Good Luck

Answer 3

Most of the answers listed above are good-

Kennel Cough
Heartworms
cold
Something stuck in it's throat

Another thing is Strep Throat. My friends chihuahua had it and ended up giving it to my red nose. It's pretty much exactly as you described. Sometimes her dog would cough up white stuff that looked kind of like snot-the vet said it was from throat irritation. My dog never coughed that crap up, but he sounded absolutely AWFUL. It started out as a cough-more like a hack-every once in a while and at his worst it was about every 10-15 mins--except when he slept at night. With both dogs it looked like they were gagging at the end of the cough, like they were trying to get something out of their throat, or from the back of their mouth. My vet put Dosia on some antibiotics and he was fine in a couple of days. My friend didn't take her dog to the vet, and he got over it maybe 2 days after Dosia. Then her dog got it again (it probably never went completely away) but this time she took him and her vet said the same thing--strep throat--and put him on the same antibiotic. Allergies are a big factor as well. Dogs can get the same illnessess as a human, a lot of people don't realize that. Best bet--take him to the vet. Even if it's nothing serious, your vet might be able to tell you what's triggering it (allergies) and reccomend something. Another friend of mine gives her dog Benedryl for his allergies and it works great. (yes, she got her vets ok first) Good luck!

Answer 4

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Answer 5

It may be nothing. Toy breeds and some small dogs have a collapsing trachea issue. It's just something that happens when they get excited or drink too fast. They do what is called a reverse sneeze to reopen it. You can help by gently rubbing his throat for a brief period. He'll sort it out. He may do it several times a day or once a day but he will do it throughout his life.

Answer 6

Could be two things..."kennel cough" which can either be of a viral or bacterial nature. Sometimes, it resolves itself within 7 - 10 days. Other times, it requires antibiotics. Dogs in contact with other dogs (as in kennels, or dog parks, etc.) can contract it. Generally speaking, not serious.

Of a more serious nature: Heartworm disease. A simple blood test can determine if your dog is positive or negative for Heartworm disease (which can be treated). ALL dogs should be on Heartworm preventative, such as Heartgard, especially dogs in the South and/or dogs that are outdoors much or most of the time.

Answer 7

Possibly a reverse sneezing. If they start to become too common, like 3-4 times a day, or she seems uncomfortable by it, exercise intolerance, you should take her to the vet so he/she can take a good look and make sure isn't something more serious.

For now, I wouldn't worry. Reverse sneezing may sound nasty, but they are harmless.

Answer 8

It could be heartworms. Is your dog current on prevention? If not, please have her checked out soon. I would also try to keep her somewhat calm until you have her checked out. If she does have worms living in her heart, the additional strain of long walks and rough playing can be stressful.

Some intestinal parasites can also cause coughing as can some allergies.

Answer 9

My dog is doing the same thing and I took her to the vet and he said it was an upper respitory infection. Shes on some meds but it usually clears up in about a week or 2 on its own. If not I would take her to the vet.

Answer 10

I have a Pitt Bull as well and he sometimes makes that noise. Im not sure what it is but my Fiance' seems to think its like a backwards sneeze?? Dont know but I wouldnt worry.