thread: Our dog is coughing/vomitting up foam

  1. #1
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber & MPM

    Feb 2007
    Melbourne
    5,462

    Unhappy Our dog is coughing/vomitting up foam

    I'm very worried about our dog, he has been coughing/wheezing/hacking up white foam all afternoon. I can't take him to the vet myself during the day because I can't manage getting him (he's a kelpie x border collie, etc), the kids and my small car. We've been trying to ring an after hours vet for advice, but we aren't getting anywhere.

    He's otherwise happy, not acting lethargic or refusing food and is happy to play. We're not sure if he's eaten something he shouldn't have. The only change in our garden is that DH sprayed Pyrethrum Insecticide on our vegie patch yesterday, but it is meant to be safe according to the packaging.

    I thought I'd post on here in case anyone else has had this happen and may be able to help?

    TIA

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    home sweet home.
    1,995

    So sorry to hear your pooch isn't feeling well.

    We've had this happen before but it was a toad. Given you live in Melbourne I really doubt that's the case.

    Keep trying vets, many have after hours emergency numbers.

    I hope your pooch feels better soon.

    Spring xx

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Feb 2007
    2,068

    I have no advice but hopefully someone can pop in and help you. Poor puppy I hope he is ok.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    4,427

    Just wanting to let you know that one of my dogs has this problem occasionally. He will kind of do all this (sorrry TMI) hoking (couldnt think of another word) it all back and then vomiting up yellowish bile sort of stuff. Its yuk but he is fine and jsut does this every so often. He is also quite a happy dog also.

    Just a quick couple of questions. Has your dog ever done this before? If there is any blood you must take him to emergency vets straight away. Check his poos as well for blood.

    Hope all is okay

  5. #5
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber & MPM

    Feb 2007
    Melbourne
    5,462

    Thanks for your replies everyone. DH finally got onto a vet on the phone and they said it could be a viral infection (because of the cough). We will monitor him and see how he is in the morning. He has never been sick before, he's 6 1/2 and we've never had any problems with him before. The vet said we need to pre-warn them if we bring him in because he could be infectious.

    I'm so worried, I hope he will be OK. If he's still not good tomorrow I'll have to get DH to take him in.

    Ali - Thanks . There has been no blood, not in his poo either thank goodness.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    4,427

    I think the fact that he is eating food is a good thing. Glad you got on to the vets.

    Is he up to date with vaccinations as well? If he is it is probably nothing serious.

    Lots of cuddles for him and maybe some chicken!

    its awful seeing our pets sick. Like children, they are so helpless and cant really tell you whats wrong. Let us know how he goes over night

  7. #7
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber & MPM

    Feb 2007
    Melbourne
    5,462

    Ali - I'm pretty sure he is up-to-date with his vaccines, I'll have to double check, but we have always had them done when we are meant to.

    I have done some Googling and it sounds a lot like Kennel Cough, he has only been in contact with one dog yesterday though so I'm not sure if he could catch it that quickly. Maybe he's just been too cold overnight? DH is out there now putting more warm bedding in his kennel, he has to nail it down though because otherwise he pulls it out and it ends up wet .

    The more I read the more I know I will be getting DH to take him to the vet tomorrow. It sounds like he might need some ABs. The poor thing, his cough sounds awful .

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Jul 2006
    6,869

    Aw this sounds soooo like my dads dog....but that story has a sad ending.

    I hope your puppy is better soon

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    4,427

    I am pretty sure kennel cough is one of the things they are vaccinated against. I think dogs contract things from other dogs poos (sorry TMI).

    I had to have a little giggle about DH having to nail down the blankets as otherwise your dog would pull them out! Reminded me of my first dog! They are funny creatures sometimes.

    Probably a good idea to get him checked out tomorrow anyway JIC.

    Will be thinking of you guys and your pup

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    4,427

    Did you get to the vet this morning hun?

    Hope your dog is getting better.

  11. #11
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Jul 2008
    S.E. Melbourne
    802

    Hey Trish, how is he this morning?

    Sorry I can't help much, but just wanted to check your pooch was okay and I hope he is! I have a cat and I know how worrying it is when they are acting or doing something out of character.

    Lol at nailing down the blankets - sounds like my Auntie's dogs (they don't have any garden or outdoor furniture - learnt the hard way!)

  12. #12
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber & MPM

    Feb 2007
    Melbourne
    5,462

    Thanks everyone . He is still coughing this morning, but he is otherwise OK. I rang the RSPCA vet this morning and we can't get him in until tomorrow evening, but she seemed to think it's kennel cough too and he'll be OK. He'll just need some AB's.

    I really appreciate everyone's replies