Why is my Dog Coughing Excessively and Passing Mucus in Her Stool?

Dear VetBabble, My dog has been coughing excessively, almost to the point of gagging and I’ve also noticed a fair amount of mucus in her stool. What could be causing these symptoms and should I be worried?

Understanding Your Pet’s Symptoms

Dear kindhearted pet owners, I know how unsettling it can be when your furry friend starts feeling unwell. We often receive questions about pet health concerns and that’s why we’re always here to provide information and advice. In this case, we’re dealing with two symptoms: excessive coughing and mucus in stool. It’s important to note that your pet’s symptoms could indicate a variety of health conditions and it’s crucial we take into consideration how long these symptoms have been going on for. This particular combination of symptoms may suggest certain respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions.

Excessive Coughing in Dogs

Firstly, if your dog has been coughing excessively, it’s natural to think she may simply have a common cold. However, as explained in the article Does My Dog Have a Cold?, a cold in dogs can look different from a human cold. One common cause of excessive coughing in dogs is kennel cough. This is a highly contagious respiratory disease that dogs can contract from infectious airborne particles. More details about various types of coughing in dogs and potential treatments can be found in our article titled Coughing in Dogs: Types, Diagnoses, and Treatment. If your dog has been around other dogs recently, it’s possible she contracted kennel cough. It’s also advised that you consult your vet to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. For an in-depth look at kennel cough, Bordetella: How to Treat and Prevent Kennel Cough in Dogs provides a wealth of knowledge.

Understanding Mucus in Dog Stool

The presence of mucus in your dog’s stool, on the other hand, could stem from a host of reasons such as a change in diet, stress, or various infections and diseases. The underlying issue might not be serious, but persistent mucus in their stool could indicate a more severe intestinal condition. To have a better understanding of the various reasons, check out the article Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea? as it thoroughly explains possible reasons and solutions. And while mucus in stool doesn’t precisely imply diarrhea, there are many shared culprits behind both symptoms that merit attention. As always, remember to consult your vet when you notice persistent abnormal symptoms in your pets. Our vet babble is to provide a basic understanding, but nothing beats a thorough check-up by a professional. We wish your furballs the utmost health and happiness! Don’t hesitate to reach out with other pet-related queries. Stay pawsitive!