Cough Cough
The Midnight Cough: Why It Might Not Be “Just Kennel Cough” You know that dry, hacking cough in the middle of the night that jolts everyone awake. No I'm not talking about the dad cough. Most pet parents immediately think “kennel cough” and try to wait it out. And to be fair, sometimes that’s exactly what it is: a mild, contagious upper respiratory infection that often resolves on its own with rest and time. But not always. As a veterinarian working in emergency medicine, I can tell you that some coughs are far more serious than they seem. I’ve seen many cases where a late-night cough was actually the early warning sign of a life-threatening condition. Knowing when to act and when not to wait can make all the difference. If your dog is coughing and seems to be working harder to breathe, it’s time to take it seriously. Look closely at how they’re breathing. Are they breathing through an open mouth even while resting? Do their chest and belly seem to be moving more than usual with e...
