Question:
Hunter started coughing and gagging 3 days ago. It seemed to be worse whenever he barked. Then yesterday it wasn't bad at all, so we figured that whatever it was got better on its own. But today, when he got up this morning and stretched he coughed and gagged and it has continued every so often ever since. What do you think this could be?

Answer:
When my dog had a bout of coughing and gagging, it was kennel cough. my rule of thumb is if there is no improvement in 1-2 days (for non-emergency ailments) it's off to the Vet for a check. always better to be safe than sorry. My dog cleared up rather quickly once on some med's, but I still kept him away from any other dogs for 2 weeks time. Kennel cough sounds most like a goose-honk type cough, and usually gets worse with excitement/exercise.

I hope Hunter feels better soon!

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Sorry to hear about Hunter. I agree that a visit to the vet is needed.

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Well he has only coughed 1 in the last 2 or 3 hours. Maybe it is worse in the mornings... and like I said he wasn't coughing very much at all yesterday. I am going to wait until after the weekend to contact the vet. Unless it gets worse before then. Is it possible that if it is Kennel Cough that it would be worse in the mornings? I did notice that it was worse when he was running and playing this morning. But since then, his running hasn't caused him to cough.

Answer:
Originally Posted by Hunter's_owner
Is it possible that if it is Kennel Cough that it would be worse in the mornings?

my dog did seem worse in the morning w/ his KC. If you're sure Hunter didn't ingest anything that could be causing irritation, and you do wait it out over the weekend, just try to keep him away from other dogs in the event it IS kennel cough. it's contagious.

Answer:
I went ahead and called the vet. The earliest I can get an appointment is Monday afternoon. Also, I have another dog, a Beagle, and it is not possible to seperate them, and as they have been together up until now, it is probably too late anyhow.
Meanwhile, I have been doing some reading about KC, and it really does sound like what Hunter may have:( .
I brought Hunter to the dog park last week, so I guess that that is where he picked it up...
Monday I guess I will know for sure, but hopefully it will disappear over the weekend

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Is hunter up to date on his Bordetella vacciniations? If he is, that should make a huge difference in the severity of whatever he does have. For that matter, is your other dog up to date?

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Hunter received his vaccinations a little more than a month ago, and Cassie will get hers in September. So does this mean that if it is KC then it will get better on its own???

Answer:
Originally Posted by Hunter's_owner
Hunter received his vaccinations a little more than a month ago, and Cassie will get hers in September. So does this mean that if it is KC then it will get better on its own???

no. Bordetella vaccine is optional. (at least in my area it is) It is not included in routine vac's. It's only recommened (and required) if you choose to board your dog.

My dog got the bordetella vac, because he was enrolled in daycare, and it was required. He got the vaccine 2 wks prior to attending, and he got KC the first day of daycare. My vet informed me there are multiple strains of KC, and the vac doesn't protect against all of them.

When you go in for your vet apt, you should tell the vet you have a beagle at home who was exposed. He may need a round of meds too.

Answer:
Thank you everyone for all your help. I will look for Hunter's vaccination record to see what is included, but I would think that it is optional in this area as well.
Thanks Again.

Answer:
If your doggy is healthy and young, the KC should clear up on its own with plenty of rest. Some vets will give antibiotics.

Otherwise, you don't smoke do you? Could be smoker's hack early in the morning.

Answer:
Hunter is 5 and healthy. I checked his vet recod, and bordetella is not included in the yearly vaccines.
I don't smoke, nor does anyone in the house, so its not a smoker's cough, . He coughed again a couple of hours ago when he was playing, but other than that he hasn't coughed at all. He is currently barking outside, and no coughing fits. This morning any bark at all, or any playing or running, would bring on a serious coughing and gagging fit, and he was like it yesterday morning as well. The day before he was left with the "grand-parents" and they told us today that he coughed a lot throughout the whole day.
Other than that he seems fine, playing and eating, and as hapy as ever, if he wasn't I would have brought him to the vet already. But I will wait until Monday and bring him in, just to be sure what is going on.

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