Wet Cough and Vomiting in a Dog Kept Outdoors in Winter

A wet cough with retching needs a vet visit soon, especially if your dog seems tired, has a fever, isn't eating or has discharge from the nose. Kennel cough often causes coughing followed by gagging or retching, and most dogs with it get better in 1 to 2 weeks. But a wet, productive cough can also be pneumonia, and true vomiting while coughing raises the risk of inhaling vomit, which can cause pneumonia too.

A few important points:

• Please don't give a human cough syrup. Many contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as xylitol, decongestants and some pain relievers.
• Antibiotics only help if bacteria are involved. Most coughs are caused by viruses. Your vet will decide whether your dog needs them and may take chest X-rays to check for pneumonia.
• Keep your dog warm and dry indoors while he is sick, and let him rest. Use a harness instead of a collar so nothing presses on his throat.

Go to a vet the same day if he has trouble breathing, blue or pale gums, won't eat, or seems very weak.

See cough medicine for dogs, kennel cough and why dogs cough.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.