Get Immediate Treatment for a Choking or Coughing Dog at Diamond Bar's Pet Emergency Clinic
Like humans, dogs cough occasionally to rid their throat of irritants. Or course, being able to sniff five times in one second can bring in a lot of irritants! Constant coughing, or coughing so severe that it leads to choking is not normal in a healthy dog or puppy, it requires the attention of a vet at our veterinary hospital in Diamond Bar.
Common Reasons Why Dogs Cough and Choke
Kennel Cough - An upper respiratory illness is one of the main causes of coughing and choking in dogs. Although mostly seen in dogs who spend time in kennels or around other dogs, kennel cough is a viral, upper respiratory disease that can affect any dog exposed to the virus. Honking, hacking coughs, gagging and spitting up are classic signs of a kennel cough.
Distemper - A viral infection spread through the air, distemper is a serious disease producing a runny nose and eyes, coughing, loss of appetite and seizures. Fortunately, you can get your dog vaccinated against distemper, rabies, and parvovirus at our veterinary hospital in Diamond Bar.
Heartworms - Heartworms are parasites that live in your dog's heart and lungs. As the infestation grows, it becomes more difficult for your dog to catch his breath, especially if he is physically active. Coughing and choking may be a sign of later stage heartworm infection when accompanied by weight loss, lethargy, and vomiting.
Lung Disorders - Dogs may inhale enough outdoor debris (dirt, grass pollen, bits of food) to promote an airway infection that leads to pneumonia or bronchitis. If our pet emergency clinic vet thinks this is why your dog is coughing and choking, she may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection.
Bacterial Pneumonia - When a dog's lungs become inflamed by pneumococcal bacteria, mucus and fluid accumulate in the airways, lung alveoli and throughout the lungs, making it hard for the dog to take in oxygen. Chronic, hard coughing is the result of the dog trying to clear airways and maintain blood oxygen levels. Immediate treatment at our pet emergency clinic is essential for preventing sepsis (blood infection) or hypoxemia (dangerously low oxygen levels in the blood).
Swallowing Foreign Objects - dogs that suddenly begin coughing, choking and gagging uncontrollably may have swallowed a foreign object or a toxic substance. When their dog has ingested something unnatural and may need pet emergency surgery Diamond Bar residents know they can depend on us for prompt, caring and professional treatment.
If your Pet is Experiencing an Emergency, Bring them to Our Veterinarian in Diamond Bar Today!
Contact our veterinary hospital in Diamond Bar to learn more about coughing and choking in dogs or to schedule an appointment (909) 861-5737.