Lingering Cough

[sunstoked]

My small breed dog has had a mild cough for the past couple of weeks. I took him to the vets at first and they suggested it might be kennel cough, he was well in himself so it should resolve. We are now 2 x weeks on and he is still coughing - mainly at night, although occasionally when he is barking or extra excited in the day. I took him back to the vets who have said his throat still seems agitated, to give metacam for the next 10 x days and if no improvement he’ll need investigations under anaesthetic. I l’m desperate for him to avoid anaesthetic of at all possible, as have lost a pet during a ‘routine’ procedure before. I can’t think of anything we’ve changed at home that could be causing an allergic reaction……anyone have any suggestions or natural remedies I could try to clear his cough?

Is he long or short haired? And how old is he? It could be a number of things from allergies or irritants in the environment to more serious conditions but it's hard to say without investigations. I hope he feels better soon x

Have you tried giving him manuka honey or popping him in a steamy room (like the bathroom after a shower) to help soothe any irritation?

Thank you for the replies - he’s long haired, only 2 years old and very active. He loves being outside and actually seems fine and not coughing when exercising. I haven’t tried Manuka honey - is that just a normal one from the supermarket?

He's quite young then so less likely to be something too serious :) my dog is long haired and she often coughs after cleaning herself, she gets fur in her mouth and it makes her cough so that could be a possibility. Also If he's walked by his collar then I'd recommend getting a harness because some dogs are prone to tracheal collapse x