Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

A contagious respiratory illness, similar to a human cold

Dry, hacking, or honking cough

Often picked up from shelters, parks, or groomers

May come with sneezing and mild fever

Throat Irritants or Allergies

Smoke, dust, strong perfumes, or cleaning products

Pollen or food allergies can trigger coughing

Often seasonal or environment-based

Heart Disease

Enlarged heart presses on the airways or causes fluid buildup in the lungs

Symptoms: Coughing at night, fatigue, heavy breathing, or fainting

More common in senior dogs or breeds like Dobermans and Cavalier

Collapsed Trachea

Common in small breeds (e.g., Pomeranians, Chihuahuas)

“Goose honk” cough, worsens with excitement or pressure on the neck

May require lifelong management

Lung Infections (Pneumonia, Distemper, etc.)

Wet, phlegmy cough

Accompanied by fever, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing

Needs immediate vet attention

Foreign Object in Throat

Sudden cough, choking, pawing at mouth

Could be food, grass, bone splinter, etc.

Emergency if choking or cannot breathe

Parasitic Infections

Roundworms or lungworms can irritate the airways

Especially in puppies or strays with poor deworming history

When Should You See a Vet?

Go to the vet if:

The cough lasts more than 2–3 days

Your dog shows lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever

The cough is wet, painful, or sounds like choking

Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has a preexisting condition

What You Can Do at Home (Temporarily)

Use a harness, not a collar (especially for small breeds)

Keep your dog away from smoke or strong scents

Avoid contact with other dogs if infection is suspected

Never give human cough syrup without veterinary advice

You can monitor at home if your dog:

Vomits once but is otherwise alert and active

Ate too fast or exercised right after eating

Has minor dietary indiscretion (e.g. garbage or grass)

Returns to normal eating and drinking within a few hours

Try withholding food for 6–8 hours, then give a bland meal (like plain rice and boiled chicken in small portions).

When to Worry – Call Your Vet If:

Vomiting multiple times in 24 hours

Vomit contains blood or looks like coffee grounds

Your dog is lethargic, shivering, or has pale gums

There’s diarrhea, dehydration, or loss of appetite

Abdomen looks swollen or painful

Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has a pre-existing illness

Possible Serious Causes

Parvovirus (especially in unvaccinated puppies)

Toxins or human medications

Pancreatitis

Worm infestation or intestinal blockage

Heatstroke, kidney/liver issues, or foreign body ingestion

What NOT to Do

Don’t give human antacids or painkillers

Don’t ignore repeated vomiting in puppies or elderly dogs

Don’t delay vet care if you’re unsure — early treatment saves lives

Common (Usually Harmless) Causes

Dust, pollen, or strong smells

Just like us, dogs sneeze due to environmental irritants like cleaning products, perfume, or smoke.

Excitement or play

Some dogs sneeze when excited or playing — it’s harmless and behavioral.

Dry air or seasonal changes

Changes in humidity or pollen levels can trigger seasonal sneezing.

Mild allergies

Can be caused by food, grass, fabrics, or grooming products.

When to Be Concerned

Frequent sneezing that doesn’t stop

Nasal discharge (especially yellow, green, or bloody)

Swollen face or nose

Sneezing with coughing, lethargy, or appetite loss

Reverse sneezing (sudden snorting) that is intense or long-lasting

Possible Medical Cause

Foreign object in nose (like a grass seed or fur)

Infection – bacterial, viral, or fungal

Tooth infection – can affect nasal passages

Nasal mites – more common in dogs that sniff outdoors often

Tumors or growths – in older dogs with chronic nasal issues

What You Can Do

Check both nostrils for visible blockages (don’t insert anything)

Keep the dog’s environment clean and free from dust or smoke

Track frequency – how many times a day is it happening?

If concerned, record a video of the sneezing for your vet

See a Vet If:

Sneezing is constant, painful, or bloody

Your dog seems unwell or stops eating

There’s a foul smell from the nose or mouth

It lasts more than 2–3 days without improvement

1. Dietary Indiscretion (“Garbage Gut”)

Eating spoiled food, garbage, or street scraps

Sudden change in diet

Eating non-food items (plastic, fabric, bones)

2. Worms and Parasite

Roundworms, hookworms, giardia, or coccidia

Common in rescued or un-dewormed dogs

May cause watery or bloody diarrhea

3. Infections

Parvovirus (especially in unvaccinated puppies)

Bacterial infections (e.g., Salmonella)

Fungal or viral infections

4. Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Reactions to certain proteins, dairy, gluten, or additives

Often accompanied by skin issues or vomiting

5. Stress or Anxiety

Travel, relocation, or changes in environment

New fosters or adopted dogs often experience this temporarily

6. Toxins or Poisoning

Human meds, plants, chemicals, chocolate, etc.

May also show vomiting, drooling, or seizures

7. Chronic Conditions

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Liver, kidney, or pancreatic disease

Tumors or systemic illnesses

When to See a Vet Immediately

Diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours

Blood or mucus in stool

Lethargy, vomiting, fever, or loss of appetite

Puppy, senior, or underweight/weak dog

Signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, skin tenting)

What You Can Do at Home (If Mild)

Withhold food for 6–12 hours (not water)

Then offer bland food: boiled rice + plain chicken

Give small meals every few hours

Keep your dog hydrated – consider electrolyte solutions like ORS

Important: If diarrhea doesn’t improve within 12–24 hours, or worsens, consult a vet.

Common Causes of Sudden Lethargy in Dogs

1. Fever or Infection

Viral (e.g. distemper, parvovirus) or bacterial infections

Often with vomiting, diarrhea, nasal discharge, or shivering

2. Pain or Injury

Muscle strain, fracture, or trauma

May limp, avoid walking, or react when touched

3. Poisoning or Toxin Exposure

Ingested chocolate, xylitol, rat poison, plants, human meds, etc.

Can cause vomiting, drooling, tremors, or seizures

4. Heatstroke

Especially in summer or poorly ventilated areas

Signs: panting, red gums, vomiting, collapse

Emergency if suspected

5. Worm Infestation or Parasites

Heavy load of roundworms, hookworms, etc.

Common in puppies and strays

Often causes weakness, anemia, or dull coat

6. Internal Illness

Kidney, liver, or heart disease

May develop slowly or suddenly worsen

7. Anemia or Blood Loss

Can be from ticks, internal bleeding, or parasites

Look for pale gums and fast breathing

8. Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

Often in small breeds or puppies

Sudden weakness, confusion, or even seizures

When to Call the Vet Immediately

Your dog is unable to stand or walk

Shows vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, or labored breathing

Has seizures, pale/blue gums, or collapses

Is a puppy, senior, or immunocompromised

What You Can Do

Keep your dog calm and indoors

Offer clean water and note any symptoms

Take note of recent food, activities, or injuries

Visit a veterinary clinic as soon as possible — don’t wait if you’re unsure