Why does my puppy cough when her throat is touched? Is it Bordetella?

My best guess is she has kennel cough. It is the most common reason for coughing in puppies. I can almost guarantee that there is nothing stuck in her throat and that it is not an allergy. Both are very unlikely. The vet should have checked her throat as you can usually make them cough with palpation of the trachea. She should be on antibiotics and cough medicine. I suggest you call the vet back and discuss kennel cough and treatment.

She is so cute! I am sorry to hear she has been coughing. That kind of cough you are describing makes me suspicious of kennel cough (even with the vaccine), although it is not the only cause. If she seems to have good energy and is otherwise normal you can give it some time to see if it resolves on its own, but if she seems to feel poorly or it is bothering her it would be safer to call your vet and discuss an appointment. I hope this helps!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While kennel cough is caused by a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica, other bacteria and viruses can cause upper respiratory infections. These can occasionally progress to pneumonia if not treated appropriately with antibiotics and supportive care. Other causes of coughing include collapsing trachea, heartworm disease, heart disease, and masses. I recommend having Tator seen by a vet to rule out the conditions above and receive appropriate treatment. In the meantime, I recommend limiting Tator’s activity so that he does not get stressed and using a harness rather than a collar for walks.

Coughing can be a symptom of many issues in our pets and some are more serious then others. The cough can stem from something occurring with the heart/vessels, lungs, airways, upper throat, or inside the chest/outside the lungs. There can be parasite causes (such as heartworms, lung worms, etc.), infectious causes (bacteria, viruses; unfortunately the Bordetella vaccine does not always prevent kennel cough as it is typically a complex of viral +/- bacterial causes, although typically there is exposure to other dogs in the history for this ailment), inhaled foreign material as you suggest, airway change (like tracheal (large airway) collapse), disease of the lung (such as bronchitis or pneumonia), and several other causes in various areas (inflammation, etc.). Is Stella otherwise normal (eating normally, playing with good energy)? If so this is a good sign. If you feel like she is otherwise not feeling well in association with the cough or the cough continues/worsens or is moist or productive it would be best to have her evaluated by your family vet. That way he or she can listen to her heart and lungs. A chest x-ray may also be recommended as an initial step. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

The Bordatella vaccine is what we call "modified live" . This means that the actual virus is altered slightly to make it non-infectious, but still recognizable and stimulating to the immune system. If your dog is coughing, my suspicion is she contracted it based on exposure pre-vaccine. Generally this virus will run its' course within a month, but antibiotics can help prevent any secondary bacterial infections. A cough suppressant can also help keep her more comfortable.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Although there are many causes of coughing (heart disease, collapsing trachea, pneumonia, etc.), the most likely cause for the coughing given Emmie's history is 'Kennel Cough' or Infectious tracheitis. This is a viral infection that causes irritation in the trachea and a cough. It can become very severe such that the coughing prevents eating/sleeping and leads to weight loss and depression. If the coughing is severe you can ask your vet about anti-tussives (anti-cough medication). Sometimes this infection leads to a secondary bacterial infection, and the cough becomes 'wet' and at this stage antiboitics are required. I recommend a visit to your vet, x-rays might be required depending on how the lungs sound when your vet listens to the chest. Best of luck with Emmie.

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection. There are different upper respiratory tract infections possible and unfortunately kennel cough is only one (although the most common) of them. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. 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.