Why is my Pug coughing, itching, smelly, and crying out in pain?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Well, he is quite adorable that's for sure. The skin amd eye issues could be due to allergies. However, while general allergies can cause a cough, this would be a bit unusual and other possible causes of coughing like pneumonia, bronchitis, and heart failure should be investigated. The coughing could also be due to pneumonitis secondary to exposure to the cleaning products. I recommend that you have Pacino evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

This is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment (advocate or advantage), then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further

Hi, thanks for using Petcoach! Scratching can be very frustrating when you don't see a reason why! If it is not fleas and there are no other outward signs (rash, pustules, missing hair) it still could be allergies. Hunter could be allergic to the protein in his food (the meat protein not necessarily grains) or to something in the environment. Fleas can also be subtle. It can only take ONE flea bite to set off an scratch response especially if the dog is allergic to flea saliva. So be sure he is on a good flea preventative. I would reach out to your Vet and see what they recommend for Hunter, he is little and young so a lot of drugs are not right for him.. You could try bathing him to see if that helps. I've attached a link of one I would recommend. Good luck and I hope this helped. https://www.chewy.com/virbac-epi-soothe-pet-cream-rinse-16/dp/105972?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=f&utm_content=Virbac&utm_term=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxfr1rNTZ1QIVT7nACh2_4AGpEAYYBSABEgLUuvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Hi there! So sorry to hear that Reuben is having this issue! I think that any time a dog with a smushy face like a Pug or a Boston Terrier or a Bulldog (or a breed like that) is a having an issue with the respiratory system (coughing, sneezing, any kind of nasal discharge, problem breathing, etc) they should been seen by your veterinarian for an examination. These dogs are already compromised with breathing just because of their normal anatomy (smushy face) so anything can easily make them very sick. Even something that wouldn't make a dog without a smushy face sick. Based on what you described he could have something easy going on like reverse sneezing or it could be something more severe like complications from an elongated soft palate or stenotic nares. I wouldn't wait around too long to see what happens. It is better to be safe than sorry. I would have Reuben checked out to be sure there is nothing serious going on. I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Reuben! Dr. Amber

I am sorry to hear about Bubu. I would recommend bringing him in to the vet for an examination (particularly because he is a pug so he already has a compromised respiratory system due to his conformation so it is best for any possible respiratory problem to be seen as soon as possible). This could be an issue with the respiratory tract such as kennel cough, or it could be a gastrointestinal issue. The vet will listen to his heart and lungs, palpate his throat, and may recommend x-rays based on their exam. It is not likely related to your family's illness as dogs do not normally catch human flu virus.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Charlotte! Thanks for the pictures they are very helpful! Charlotte has hives all over her and is likely experiencing an allergic reaction. Likely the vomiting and diarrhea are all part of the reaction. Sometimes we never know the cause, but insect or spider bites are common. The mainstay of treatment are antihistamines and steroids. Likely she should be put on metronidazole for her diarrhea as well. I would call your Vet back and ask to have her seen today. She will be miserable until Thursday and may have more vomiting or diarrhea. I hope this helps and I wish Charlotte a speedy recovery!

I would recommend that you have Buzi examined by a vet. Benign coughs will run their course in a couple days, and only severe coughs usually need treatment. Pugs are prone to respiratory issues, and as they age, they can develop heart or lung disease that can cause a cough. A vet will do a thorough examination and may recommend x-rays to visualize the heart and lungs. Once scary things are ruled out, they can ok cough suppressants or other medications if needed.