Is Your Yorkie Coughing?
Is your yorkie coughing? If so, there are many possible reasons why this might be happening, but know that in the majority of cases it passes quickly with no need for medical treatment. If the cough is persistent for longer than 3 days, or if the cough seems very severe, take your dog to the vet though. Here are some possible reasons why your yorkie might be coughing.
Recent Anesthesia
If your dog recently underwent anesthesia, it had a tube placed in the trachea. It is not uncommon that if the tube did not lay properly in the trachea, that area may be irritated and a cough happens. This normally passes quickly, but let your vet know it happened so they are aware. Some vets prescribe butorphanol for this.
Cold Weather / Tonsillitis
Some yorkies cough when there is cold weather, some people think that this could be due to tonsillitis. Normally humidify the house should help. If it persistent sometime an antibiotic is given or an anti-inflammatory.
Kennel Cough
If your dog has recently been boarded, it could have kennel cough. this is a contagious disease, but one that normally passes within a few days. Almost all cases of kennel cough do not require medical treatment. If it is a severe strain though, then medical treatment is needed.
Tracheal Problem
Toy breed dogs are often prone to tracheal defects which results in a honking like cough. Sometimes the cartilage rings in the trachea are weak resulting in the trachea collapsing making it hard to breath. If you think this is a problem, than the vet will likely need to take x-rays to diagnose the problem.
Foreign Object
Sometimes a piece of a toy or bone can become trapped when the dog tries to swallow it. For these conditions immediate vet care is needed. Signs of this are constant coughing or retching.
Summary
Remember that most most cases of coughing go away on their own, it is only rarely that medical treatment is needed. But if the cough is persistent or your dog seems distressed than a trip to the vet clinic is needed.
