Sneezing and Hacking?

[cassykayla]

Hi. My name is Kayla and I had a question about my dogs health. My dog recently got home from a kennel last weekend. Since then she has been sneezing when she gets excited or runs around too much. She also has been hacking. At first I thought it was kennel cough, but heartworm also seems to be a possibility. How can I tell which it is?

[sojka123]

your dog picked up a respiratory infection at the kennel.  very common.  most will go away over time.  sometimes however they have to be treated.  if not better by Monday, get her to the doctor.  

[Thomas Dock, CVJ, Vet. Technician]

Hey there!   Sorry to hear about your dog's coughing problems...

First question:  Was your dog vaccinated for kennel cough within the last six months?  

Next question:  When was your dog's last heartworm test?  This blood test should be run annually on all dogs.   Is your dog on heartworm preventive?   When was the last dose that you gave?  It is not possible that she contracted heartworms from the kennel.

If your pet has not been on heartworm preventive, it would be a good idea to take her to the veterinarian for a blood test.  

Is she sneezing or coughing?   Does she bring up any phlegm when she coughs?  Any discharge from her eyes or nose?

Let us know how things go....

Tomcat