Help with chihuahua?

Question

I rescued a chihuahua about 4 months ago. I took her to the vet to get her shots and a check up because the people i got her from did not believe in vets and were going to kill her because they just didn't want her anymore. I explained to the vet that I was concerned about this sound she makes. It almost sounds like a cat trying to cough up a hairball, but it is deeper and hoarser. the vet said that it was just allergies and nothing to worry about. He gave me Temaril to give to her twice a day for 3 days and said that if it continues then to just do it over again.I recieved the medication in june and have had to repeat the twice a day for 3 day schedule almost every weak. The vet keeps telling me not to be so worried about it, but the "attacks" are getting worse and lasting longer. They really scare her when they happen. Someone told me that small dogs are more prone to asthma, so I went back to the vet and asked him if this could be the problem. My son has asthma so I know about human attacks and it kind of made sense. She does it when she gets over excited or has been running alot. The vet told me that dogs and humans are completly different and that the chances of a dog having asthma are slim to none. I am beginning to wonder if I am taking her to the wrong vet. Does anyone have any ideas on what could be wrong or what i could do to help her out?

Answer 1

I think you should take her to a different vet to get a second opinion. If the other vet says the same thing, take her to one more other one. And if the third says the same, then i guess it's nothing bad.

Answer 2

My sisters chihuahua does that a lot.  We call it her asthma but it's never been diagnosed as such - or anything for that matter.  My chihuahua started doing it recently but it doesn't happen that often.  I  have never had a chihuahua treated for this condition though - my sister's dog is around 7 or 8 now and has never had meds for it and she is fine.

Answer 3

My grandparents have a 14 year old pomeranian and she has a crushed trachea. Her name is foxy and her attacks sound alot like what you described. There is no fix for it. When she gets too excited she will cough and they only go away by her coughing. Foxy's vet said that it is very common in small dogs. Ask your vet if that is possibly the problem. Hope I helped. I wish you and you dog the best of luck.

Answer 4

I think you need to find yourself a new vet! It sounds to me like she has Reverse Sneezing or a Collapsing Trachea! Does it sound like she is gasping for air, and making a honking type noise? Next time she does it, just pick her up and gently massage her throat. See if that helps! If not, then she may have a Collapsing Trachea! When my Chihuahuas do it, that's what I do, and it goes away! When my Chihuahuas get excited about something, that's when it usually happens. It's scary! Here is some information on Reverse Sneezing, that may help!

http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/Do...

This is an article written by a vet!

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content...

Here is some information on how to spot the difference between Reverse Sneezing and A Collapsing Trachea!

http://www.papillonclub.org/Education/tr...

Here is a video, of a Chihuahua Reverse Sneezing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MhJUrO3I...

I hope this helps!

Answer 5

Both our chihuahua and toy poodle cough when they get over excited. I don't remember exactly, but there's something about a flap of skin in the throat that sometimes gets in the way. Once they cough they are fine. I would check with a different vet as it sounds like yours isn't very helpful. Ask about the skin flap business, sorry I don't remember the details.  

Answer 6

Sounds like you need a new vet at the very least one who will not make you feel silly for simply asking a question.Has she been tested for heart worms? A better vet will cover all the angles of what this might and might not be.Good Luck Tilks Mom

Answer 7

My Chihuahua Zoe does the exact same thing..when she gets nervous, excited, and after she drinks water.  Our vet hasn't seemed so concerned with it either but it's happened since she was born and she's still really healthy and happy. I also had a chihuahua that just passed away from kidney problems but he did it during his whole 7 years of life just like Zoe.  You could go to another vet if it would make you feel comfortable but both my dogs did/do this! Good luck!

Answer 8

collapsing Trachea   ask the vet about that  ,  

Answer 9

We have had min-pins for many years. They also do this sound. Vet said many pure bred dogs do this.Our dogs are about 12 yrs. old and still do it on occasion when they get excited.Despite all this, they are still healthy.Wouldn't be too concerned. Enjoy your pet and good luck.