My dog has this awful, re-occurring cough. We don't know what it is or the cause and neither do the vets. Help

Question

She is and American Eskimo. The cough is now on it's third round. The first was about a year ago. One day she just woke up, coughing. It sounds awful and you can tell it gives her discomfort but we don't know what to do or what it is. The first round ended within two months, suddenly again. We were happy and just though of it as a fluke. Then it came again in February. The vets we went to had no explanation, even after several X-rays and exams. Nothing. After about three weeks that round stopped. And then one week ago - it's back. It seems more controlled this time and it seems to heighten with excitement, although it usually happens at random times. The cough starts out small , gradually grows larger, and then peaks and dies down again to nothing. I have gone as far as to sing to her to get it to stop - I'm desperate. I work from home and am on the phone for a large portion of the time so I need this fixed. If this sounds familiar AT ALL to anyone please, please help me out! I NEED it

Now that I actually look at her it reminds me of dry heaving...

Old dog. Heartworm prevention. Not kennel cough.

Answer 1

My best advice to you would be to seek additional diagnostics that your veterinarian has not done as of yet. Maybe you should ask your veterinarian for a referral to a specialty practice to see a board certified internist. Options that you have for additional tests include an tracheal wash, bronchoscopy, and a bronchial wash. Another option also includes taking a closer look at the heart as well as a possible cause for your dog's chronic cough. Hope that helps

Answer 2

Is she a young dog? On heartworm prevention? Any other illness or problems? Dogs can have sensitive tracheas or a condition called collapsing trachea, where the trachea narrows and they get coughing spasms that come and go. Maybe get a second opinion if your vet can't help you.

Collapsing trachea is a dry cough. Medications can help. Heaving would be more like trying to vomit.

Answer 3

When was the last time she received a bordatella vaccine? Was she put in boarding or groomed anytime before she got the cough. Dogs can get Kennel Cough. Sounds awful, but is very easy to treat. Dogs should get a bordatella vaccine every six months, especially if they are boarded or taken to grooms where they are exposed to other dogs in close proximity

Answer 4

Hi

I have an American Eskimo and they are notorious for having Hairballs, my Aunts dog actually died from it. Usually they choke them up...

Cat hair ball remedy works quit well and you can slowly introduce a hairball dog food as well. Sometimes they need to be taken to the vet to have it removed, not sure how they do that, I think with medication of some sort?

Dogs also suffer from Asthma quit often, especially older ones, my Mom's pomeranian has it.