Funny coughing sound - YorkieTalk.com Forums

lisalouise · 09-04-2008, 02:10 AM

Hi all! Greetings from South Africa! I am new to YT as a poster, however I have spent hours and hours here reading your posts and gaining invaluable knowledge! My puppy Bella

(6 months) has been making a strange snotty type of sound which is similar to a coughing sound

I was wondering if anyone has any ideas what it is? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated

TeresaM · 09-04-2008, 05:26 AM

Hi! When you say the cough is snotty sounding, it makes me think there might be fluid in the lungs. A dry cough or a hack like a cat trying to cough up a hairball wouldn't worry me as much, although if it persisted a visit to the vet would be in order. But a wet or snotty sound worries me. I would suggest at the very least a call to your vet to get an opinion, but actually you probably just need to take her in. These young ones can go downhill really fast.

Please let us know what happens.

lisalouise · 09-04-2008, 05:35 AM

Thanks for your reply! Yes you got it perfectly, a sort of dry hack sound but sort of through her nose sometimes.. Hence the use of snotty. I will definitely get her checked out.. my gran said it could be kennel cough, so I really really hope not

Mom to Hot Rod · 09-04-2008, 05:37 AM

Maggie has a wierd kind of cough. It is a raspy kind of sound. The vet has seen her 2x for shots and she seems fine. She has been doing less and less now. We've had her for about 5 weeks.

jadecomputergal · 09-04-2008, 07:02 AM

but it's hard to say without hearing the dog do it. Small dogs are kind of prone to it. I have one that does it all the time when she gets excited about something. If that's what it is, it's harmless and it's not even treated. I wouldn't take a chance on it though. I'd still take her and let a vet look at her. Hopefully, she'll do the cough/sneeze thing at the vet's office so the vet can hear it for himself.

If the vet says it's bordetella (kennel cough), don't freak out. There are much worse things your dog could have, and a high percentage of dogs get it at some point in their lives. People get scared at the mention of the word, but it's really sort of like the common cold in humans. Unless it's severe, meaning the dog is continually coughing, isn't eating, acting lethargic, running a fever, etc., vets typically don't even treat it. It runs its own course in a week or so. Don't let that deter you from seeing the vet, because more severe cases can develop secondary pneumonia.

Best wishes. Let us know what you find out and how she's doing

lisalouise · 09-04-2008, 01:22 PM

Thanks so much for all of your posts. As the day progresses, it sounds more and more like she has a cold or something! I will definitely let you know what the vet says. Thanks again!

jpacjohnson · 09-04-2008, 06:22 PM

We had our Yorkie Tiger for about 3 weeks and he was diagnosed and treated for "kennel cough" by our veterinarian. (your puppy's cough sounds a lot like what Tiger's did which sounded like a hacky cough). After the initial course of antibiotics, the coughing slowly came back again. One week after Tiger finished his antibiotics he had an accident......he jumped out of my 9 year old's lap while she was holding him at the computer and he shattered his elbow. While prepping Tiger for surgery they noticed the coughing and did a chest X-ray which showed that he actually had bronchitis. Surgery to repair his shattered elbow was post-poned for 2 days to get him healthy as a different antibiotic was prescribed. If your puppy does have kennel cough and it doesn't go away - take him back and ask for another antibiotic :

Laura · 09-04-2008, 07:04 PM

I think when we take the dogs to the vet, it is very important to keep them in their kennel, or in your lap. I feel they pick up kennel cough on the floor at the vet. It is just my opinion, but we had several cases right after a visit to the vet I carry them now and it never happens. The tables are cleaned, but there are a lot of dogs on that floor between cleanings.

MissSophie · 09-04-2008, 07:10 PM

Checking with your vet is always the best. However, the first thing I thought of was reverse sneezing too. Ours has done that most of her life, and she is seven now. She does it more often when she pulls hard on her leash, and we try to always use a harness when we go for walks. She gets excited and does it occasionally, and sometimes she will just do it during the night. It doesn't seem to bother her after it is over. It is the strangest sort of cough or snort I have ever heard and can really scare you the first few times.

lisalouise · 09-05-2008, 02:24 AM

Hi all, thanks so much for your posts. The vet says that she has got kennel cough- apparently there is a really bad outbreak of it around here, and he says he gets 3 or 4 cases of it a day. I am guessing she got it from dog training (we go every saturday). Anyway he gave her a shot and also antibiotics twice a day and a syrup for 3 times a day until it clears. Wow its really worrying when these little ones get sick- I almost wanted to hug the vet once he'd sorted her out!
Thanks again for your messages and have a lovely day

TeresaM · 09-05-2008, 04:45 AM

So glad to hear it's something as simple as kennel cough, if any illness can be referred to as 'simple'. It's all worrisome when it comes to our babies.

Speedy recovery Bella!!

MissSophie · 09-05-2008, 05:57 AM

This is a good example of why checking with a vet is the best option. Using YT is helpful for great support and ideas. It also can ease our minds when we get worried that our babies may be REALLY sick. However, the vet is the one who can help our babies, and there is no substitute. Glad your baby will be okay, and it is not serious. Have a great weekend!!

shonna3 · 09-07-2008, 12:29 PM

My little guy is about 4 1/2 months old. About a month ago, we took him to a puppy preschool at a kennel with lots of other dogs. After that first class, I decided that since we'd be going to a kennel for the classes, I should go ahead and get him the Bordatella vaccine.

Four days later, he started showing signs of kennel cough. My breeder says it's common for Yorkies to come down with kennel cough after being vaccinated, but of course my Vet says that's unlikely. We treated him with a round of antibiotics, and it started to get much better.

A few weeks (3) have passed, and the coughing is still not gone. Middle of night and morning hacking with a few episodes during the day. I've been to the vet nearly every week to make sure it hasn't progressed into the lungs, which as of three days ago, it had not.

HOWEVER, just in the past few days, his cough has turned into more of a wet snort with sneezing. He sounds like a pug! I'm so worried about him. This is going on for way too long. My vet says it should be gone by now, but the breeder says it's normal for kennel cough to last several months! What is everyone's experience with this? I am going crazy with worry.

lisalouise · 09-07-2008, 12:35 PM

Shame, that sounds worrying for you! When I took Bella to the vet a few days ago, he gave me antibiotics and some cough syrup and it has almost cleared completely.. Perhaps you should get a second opinion to be safe?

09-04-2008, 02:10 AM	#1
lisalouise YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: South Africa Posts: 6	Funny coughing sound Hi all! Greetings from South Africa! I am new to YT as a poster, however I have spent hours and hours here reading your posts and gaining invaluable knowledge! My puppy Bella (6 months) has been making a strange snotty type of sound which is similar to a coughing sound I was wondering if anyone has any ideas what it is? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated Last edited by lisalouise; 09-04-2008 at 02:10 AM. Reason: spelling error

09-04-2008, 05:26 AM	#2
TeresaM YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Allen, TX Posts: 611	Hi! When you say the cough is snotty sounding, it makes me think there might be fluid in the lungs. A dry cough or a hack like a cat trying to cough up a hairball wouldn't worry me as much, although if it persisted a visit to the vet would be in order. But a wet or snotty sound worries me. I would suggest at the very least a call to your vet to get an opinion, but actually you probably just need to take her in. These young ones can go downhill really fast. Please let us know what happens. __________________ If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up some place else. Gracie Ruth & Boo & Yogi & RIP Annie B.

09-04-2008, 05:37 AM	#4
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 3,363	Maggie has a wierd kind of cough. It is a raspy kind of sound. The vet has seen her 2x for shots and she seems fine. She has been doing less and less now. We've had her for about 5 weeks. __________________ Hot Rod Maggie May Always in my Zoe Proud member of the CrAzYcLuB ......"The Little Gentlemen's Club"

09-04-2008, 07:02 AM	#5
jadecomputergal Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2008 Location: West Chester, PA, USA Posts: 322	That sounds kind of like reverse sneezing to me but it's hard to say without hearing the dog do it. Small dogs are kind of prone to it. I have one that does it all the time when she gets excited about something. If that's what it is, it's harmless and it's not even treated. I wouldn't take a chance on it though. I'd still take her and let a vet look at her. Hopefully, she'll do the cough/sneeze thing at the vet's office so the vet can hear it for himself. If the vet says it's bordetella (kennel cough), don't freak out. There are much worse things your dog could have, and a high percentage of dogs get it at some point in their lives. People get scared at the mention of the word, but it's really sort of like the common cold in humans. Unless it's severe, meaning the dog is continually coughing, isn't eating, acting lethargic, running a fever, etc., vets typically don't even treat it. It runs its own course in a week or so. Don't let that deter you from seeing the vet, because more severe cases can develop secondary pneumonia. Best wishes. Let us know what you find out and how she's doing

09-04-2008, 07:04 PM	#8
Laura Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wylie TX Posts: 1,506	I think when we take the dogs to the vet, it is very important to keep them in their kennel, or in your lap. I feel they pick up kennel cough on the floor at the vet. It is just my opinion, but we had several cases right after a visit to the vet I carry them now and it never happens. The tables are cleaned, but there are a lot of dogs on that floor between cleanings. __________________ Laura--proud mom of Zowie, Bronx, Teddy Bear, Robyn, & Quattro http://www.yorkietalk.com/gallery/sh...00&ppuser=1851

09-04-2008, 05:35 AM	#3
lisalouise YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: South Africa Posts: 6	Thanks for your reply! Yes you got it perfectly, a sort of dry hack sound but sort of through her nose sometimes.. Hence the use of snotty. I will definitely get her checked out.. my gran said it could be kennel cough, so I really really hope not

09-04-2008, 01:22 PM	#6
lisalouise YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: South Africa Posts: 6	Thanks so much for all of your posts. As the day progresses, it sounds more and more like she has a cold or something! I will definitely let you know what the vet says. Thanks again!

09-04-2008, 06:22 PM	#7
jpacjohnson YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Menasha, WI Posts: 3	We had our Yorkie Tiger for about 3 weeks and he was diagnosed and treated for "kennel cough" by our veterinarian. (your puppy's cough sounds a lot like what Tiger's did which sounded like a hacky cough). After the initial course of antibiotics, the coughing slowly came back again. One week after Tiger finished his antibiotics he had an accident......he jumped out of my 9 year old's lap while she was holding him at the computer and he shattered his elbow. While prepping Tiger for surgery they noticed the coughing and did a chest X-ray which showed that he actually had bronchitis. Surgery to repair his shattered elbow was post-poned for 2 days to get him healthy as a different antibiotic was prescribed. If your puppy does have kennel cough and it doesn't go away - take him back and ask for another antibiotic :

09-04-2008, 07:10 PM	#9
MissSophie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 593 Blog Entries: 1	Checking with your vet is always the best. However, the first thing I thought of was reverse sneezing too. Ours has done that most of her life, and she is seven now. She does it more often when she pulls hard on her leash, and we try to always use a harness when we go for walks. She gets excited and does it occasionally, and sometimes she will just do it during the night. It doesn't seem to bother her after it is over. It is the strangest sort of cough or snort I have ever heard and can really scare you the first few times. __________________ Sophie's Mom :

09-05-2008, 02:24 AM	#10
lisalouise YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: South Africa Posts: 6	It was kennel cough Hi all, thanks so much for your posts. The vet says that she has got kennel cough- apparently there is a really bad outbreak of it around here, and he says he gets 3 or 4 cases of it a day. I am guessing she got it from dog training (we go every saturday). Anyway he gave her a shot and also antibiotics twice a day and a syrup for 3 times a day until it clears. Wow its really worrying when these little ones get sick- I almost wanted to hug the vet once he'd sorted her out! Thanks again for your messages and have a lovely day

09-05-2008, 04:45 AM	#11
TeresaM YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Allen, TX Posts: 611	So glad to hear it's something as simple as kennel cough, if any illness can be referred to as 'simple'. It's all worrisome when it comes to our babies. Speedy recovery Bella!! __________________ If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up some place else. Gracie Ruth & Boo & Yogi & RIP Annie B.

09-05-2008, 05:57 AM	#12
MissSophie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 593 Blog Entries: 1	This is a good example of why checking with a vet is the best option. Using YT is helpful for great support and ideas. It also can ease our minds when we get worried that our babies may be REALLY sick. However, the vet is the one who can help our babies, and there is no substitute. Glad your baby will be okay, and it is not serious. Have a great weekend!! __________________ Sophie's Mom :

09-07-2008, 12:29 PM	#13
shonna3 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 9	Was kennel cough - Now sneezing/snorting? HELP! My little guy is about 4 1/2 months old. About a month ago, we took him to a puppy preschool at a kennel with lots of other dogs. After that first class, I decided that since we'd be going to a kennel for the classes, I should go ahead and get him the Bordatella vaccine. Four days later, he started showing signs of kennel cough. My breeder says it's common for Yorkies to come down with kennel cough after being vaccinated, but of course my Vet says that's unlikely. We treated him with a round of antibiotics, and it started to get much better. A few weeks (3) have passed, and the coughing is still not gone. Middle of night and morning hacking with a few episodes during the day. I've been to the vet nearly every week to make sure it hasn't progressed into the lungs, which as of three days ago, it had not. HOWEVER, just in the past few days, his cough has turned into more of a wet snort with sneezing. He sounds like a pug! I'm so worried about him. This is going on for way too long. My vet says it should be gone by now, but the breeder says it's normal for kennel cough to last several months! What is everyone's experience with this? I am going crazy with worry.

09-07-2008, 12:35 PM	#14
lisalouise YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: South Africa Posts: 6	Shame, that sounds worrying for you! When I took Bella to the vet a few days ago, he gave me antibiotics and some cough syrup and it has almost cleared completely.. Perhaps you should get a second opinion to be safe?