Chihuahua with hacking cough (gagging, yorkies, vet, infection)

[pumpkinhead77]

I have a six month old chihuahua. Yesterday he developed a hacking cough... like he is gagging. (Like a cat with a hair ball - I have caught him trying to eat the cat's hair balls they leave outside - yuck!)
He is still eating and drink normally and behavior is normal. Any ideas on what it is?

Thanks!

[Blondie621]

My chi does that once in a blue moon. I noticed he does it when he is on my bed licking his paws. I think he gets the other dogs hair in his mouth from the blanket. Keep an eye on him. If it continues you should see the vet.

[pumpkinhead77]

Thanks... I'm hoping it's just a hair ball (though he hardly has any hair, so I know it's not his own! haha)
He is my first chihuahua, so I'm still learning about them...

[kahncss]

Google Chihuahua People. That forum will give you a ton of info.

[pumpkinhead77]

thanks, I'll check it out!

[Honeycrisp]

I'm wondering if it's a reverse sneeze, lots of times small dogs do it, we rub the throats and it seems to pass or else put a finger over their nostrils so they open their mouths and can breathe that way, it only lasts a very short time. Would also walk your chi using a harness, small dogs have delicate trachea's and a collar can do damage.

[Turtle]

If it is kind of a choking sound (like a sound you would make if there was a bone stuck in your throat) it is likely kennel cough. Did you get a bordetella vaccine at some point from the vet? It is for kennel cough and is good for 6 months. People whos dogs have kennel cough often mistake it for something being stuck in the dogs throat or a choking sound. If it's been going on for a while and hasn't stopped yet, I would get into the vet. They will probably give you some antibiotics (if it is kennel cough, it is VERY contagious to other dogs, so keep him away from others for a while) It is essentially an upper respiratory infection in dogs.

I hope your pooch is feeling better.

[dmarie123]

My chi does it too, whenever he is excited. The vet said that he has such small nasal passages that it's basically like a backwards sneeze. He said it's nothing to worry about... but ask your vet just in case!

[kaileyb]

Hi all I took my chihuahua to the vets with it. Its a genetic disorder that mainly occurs in chihuahuas and yorkies. basically when they become excited the nerves surrounding their windpipe contract making it difficult for them to breathe. as long as your chihuahua isnt passing out or turning blue it isnt a problem, you can have an operation to fix it but its very pricey and we have been advised unless it becomes more sever to just give her space when its happening and to keep her as calm as possible. hope this helps x

[phonelady61]

Sounds like collapsed trachea to me and that is a condition they sometimes have . I have two chihuahuas . yep my girl chihuahua has it but my boy does not . it is nothing serious unless like a previous posted stated turning blue or passing out then it becomes serious . your chi is a cutie .