Is My Dachshund-Chihuahua Mix Puppy’s Cough Cause for Concern?

Dear VetBabble, is My Dachshund-Chihuahua Mix Puppy’s Cough Normal or Should I Be Worried?

As more and more pet owners become guardians to wonderful mixed breeds, common questions often surface around respective pet health issues. Take for instance, the recent case of a worried pet owner with a lively 12-week old Dachshund-Chihuahua mix puppy exhibiting continuous coughs. The coughs often sound congested, as if there’s phlegm trapped, and tend to get worse during nighttime or after periods of intense activities. Naturally, the owner wants to know if this is a cause for concern or something that will naturally subside. It’s important to note that the pup in question has already received quality worm treatment and vaccinations.

Cause of a Dog’s Cough

There are several reasons your puppy might be coughing. The problem could be as simple as her trying to clear her throat from harmless allergens or dust. However, other more serious issues can also cause coughing in dogs. As highlighted in this Coughing in Dogs: Types, Diagnoses and Treatment, coughing in dogs can sometimes indicate respiratory diseases, heartworm or kennel cough, which require immediate professional care.

Dog Cold vs Canine Cough

Many pet owners might mistake a canine cough for a common cold. It’s crucial to understand the difference in order to take the right course of preventive action or treatment. An essential read on this is Does My Dog Have a Cold?, which explains the symptoms and possibilities in detail. It’s always best to consult with a vet if you notice persistent coughing in your pet.

Preventive Measures and Treatment

Just as with people, prevention is the best cure for your pets. As a general rule, make sure your pets are vaccinated timely and get regular check-ups to ensure their good health. If your pet seems to be coughing more frequently after being active or at night, it could indicate kennel cough. The condition, though common, needs to be treated promptly to prevent complications. Learn more about this from Bordetella: How to Treat and Prevent Kennel Cough in Dogs. Another preventive measure is ensuring timely administration of heartworm medication. Sometimes, life gets in the way and doses might get delayed or missed. In such situations, it’s essential to know what course of action should be taken, explained with clarity in My dog was given heartworm medication late, what should I do?. In conclusion, if you’ve exercised all these measures and your puppy is still persistently coughing, it’s best to visit your vet. Do remember, early intervention is the key to preventing more severe health issues. So, while it’s natural as a pet owner to worry, it’s crucial to strike a balance between surveillance and unnecessary panic. Connect with your vet, trust their expert advice, and ensure that your adorable Dachshund-Chihuahua mix enjoys a healthy, happy, and active life.