Vet Q & AWhy is my older dog coughing and wheezing like he's choking?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Without seeing Tiger it is hard to say why he is coughing. Things I would rule out would be heartworm disease, collapsing trachea, heart disease, laryngeal paralysis, tracheobronchitis (kennel cough), parasites, chronic bronchitis, or cancer. Unfortunately, none of these things can be diagnosed and treated without testing- exam, blood work and xrays. Since cost is a concern, I would continue to monitor his quality of life. If he is eating, drinking, and not losing weight his quality of life is good. If he stops eating or drinking, starts vomiting, can't sleep, or is losing weight, his quality of life is poor. I am sorry I cannot give you more help. You could contact your vet for payment options and I would discuss CareCredit.com to get him checked out soon. Good luck and kisses to Tiger!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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