Sophie is hacking like she's trying to cough something up...

[SarahS]

Sophie has occasionally hacked this way before, and I always assumed that it was something she ate since I've noticed a similar kind of hack when she eats her meal too fast. But now she starts when she definitely hasn't been chewing on anything. Tonight, several hours after she ate, she coughed up some digested food. She also makes these sort of gasping noises in between the harsh coughs. I've read some posts on kennel cough, but she only has an episode about once a week. It worries me, especially when she gasps, because it sounds like she's choking. Otherwise, she is eating and playing normally. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Sarah & Sophie ???

[labby]

She should be seen by a vet.

[MicksMom]

She should be seen by a vet.

Ditto what labby said.

[brody]

I'll echo and add

She NEEDS to be seen by a vet and you should be prepared to do what is recommended - xrays and blood work would probably be a given (though I tend to do them sequentially - what does vet want done first - do and wait for results then do next test)

poor you and poor her

please keep us posted

[SarahS]

Thank you very much for your advice. I called the vet and was told that she may have an allergy. I am supposed to document the dates and times she has her symptoms, as well as how close they are to when she eats. If she doesn't improve in the next few weeks, I should then make an appointment. I hate to wait, but I don't want to overreact... :-[

[brody]

I should then make an appointment. I hate to wait, but I don't want to overreact... :-[

taking care of an animals health is RARELY overreacting

they have NO WAY to tell us what is wrong - it is our responsibility to act for them

if you are worried either insist on being seen or switch vets - there is no way my vet would diagnosis an allergy over the phone - and your call may not have gotten anywhere near the vet ..I have NEVER seen an allergy that resulted in coughing and puking in a dog ..