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My otherwise healthy 3 year old lab started coughing heavily at 5:30 this morning. He has had episodes of the heavy cough about 1-2 times per hour since. Nothing comes up; he has been able to eat and drink normally. He has also urinated as normal. He is behaving, moving, and interacting normally with all humans and animals. He has no discoloration of his gums, tongue, or nose. We believe he may have swallowed a piece of a toy, but doesn’t appear in any discomfort. Should we see his vet?

My otherwise healthy 3 year old lab started coughing heavily at 5:30 this morning. He has had episodes of the heavy cough about 1-2 times per hour since. Nothing comes up; he has been able to eat and drink normally. He has also urinated as normal. He is behaving, moving, and interacting normally with all humans and animals. He has no discoloration of his gums, tongue, or nose. We believe he may have swallowed a piece of a toy, but doesn’t appear in any discomfort. Should we see his vet?

Updated On October 13th, 2023

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 3 years and 3 months old | 90 lbs

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

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Hello, thank you for you using PetCaoch. Sorry that Fozzy is coughing. The most likely diagnosis for a young dog that is coughing would be kennel cough (Bordetella). Even if vaccinated against it he could still be infected. It's kind of like the COVID vaccine for us - it may lessen symptoms but does not stop infection. While young dogs also tend to ingest pieces of toys (or other objects) they do not usually cough when this happens. They typically vomit and have inappetence. While possible, it is not as likely as kennel cough. Another possibility is that there is something stuck in the back of his throat (ie: a piece of stick or something like that). In my many years in veterinary medicine I have not seen this happen very often but it is possible. I do think you should take him to the vet for an exam. This is something that is very difficult to "diagnose" via the internet without an exam. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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