Has anyone's pug (or other flat-nosed breed dog) had these symptoms?

Question

On Thursday evening, my pug ate a poisonous plant that irritated her throat and airways. She went to the emergency room and is going to be fine. However, she can't shake a symptom: periodic coughing. It's not kennel cough, she doesn't vomit, and it most often occurs in the morning or when she is excited. The vets said the symptoms from eating the plant should have passed by now so it may be something else. They said we just have to wait and see if she gets better or worse before they can tell, though. They don't suspect she's in any immediate danger but this cough sounds awful and not knowing what is wrong with her is killing me! Has anyone else's pug (or other flat-nosed breed dog) had a weird hacking cough like this? If so, what was the cause and/or solution?

Answer 1

I have a pug mix, and sometimes if he gets too excited, he'll start hackin up and seem to almost puke (but never does.) I took him to the vet, and they put him on antibiotics, saying that it may be some sort of upper respitory infection or a cold. I thought it was silly to put him on antibiotics when they didn't know what was wrong with him, and I figured they should spend some time on doing that, but they insisted that it would cost close to 500 bucks to run all sorts of tests. Needless to say, I took the antibiotics. He took them for a while and ended up getting better. Now its every once in a while. I am so sorry to hear that, it just breaks your heart when your animals are in pain (or what seems to be pain.) Good luck to you and your baby!

Answer 2

I agree that it could have been a reaction to a bee sting or something of that nature. Although, a complete check up would be in order. Not only that, but the vet will have it in their records what happened. Any brachycephalic (short- or broad-headed breed such as the Bulldog) may be prone to breathing problems because of foreshortening of the nasal passage. Congenital epilepsy occurs at 3 to 5 years, and can result from trauma. Was there any trauma prior to the episode happening? Sounds like you love your staffy and are worried. Take her to the Vet. It could be as simple as choking on something you didn't see, to an allergy reaction to something more serious. Good luck.

Answer 3

Sometimes there is a condition termed collapsing trachea, there is no fix for this. This can be provoked by the dog tugging on a leash that is connected to a collar, so use a harness instead. If that isn't it than I'm afraid your vets may be right.

Answer 4

Is the dog making the sound on taking a breath or on breathing out? If when taking a breath it may be collapsed trachea syndrome. Many dogs have this minor problem. The trachea partially collapses and the dog makes a honking type of sound. It usually only lasts for about 10 seconds but may be repeated several times a day. Ask your vet about that.

Answer 5

I have a abused shiz zhu and he has a cough just as your describe. His came from damage to this throat from eating wood in the field where he was left to die by his previous owner. There is really nothing that can be done if it is damage to the throat. If your babies coughing doesn't go away it could be the same thing my baby has to deal with though with a plant I it is a little unlikely but possible, the vet can always go in with a scope and check out if there is damage, if it is damage all you can really do is comfort.

Answer 6

Most bracheocephalic dogs (pugs, pekingese, bulldogs) cough like this. Its because they don't have a long nasal cavity and the rush of air irritates their throat. Its normal.

Answer 7

When my pug gets excited she coughs. Especially after barking or seeing her dinner coming at her.

I think it will be okay.