infrequent dry cough?

[HappyPuppy]

This doesn't seem acute enough to go to the vet but since Sunday night (today is Tues), Ruby has infrequently been making a dry huffing cough sound - like if you breathe out in a quick breath with your mouth open. It's sort of bugging me since she has never done that. It's only been several times a day not constant .... does this sound like anything? No other symptoms of anything - all other systems are good to my observation.

[BrokenAquarian]

Kennel cough, heart worm and previously irritating the throat are the only things that come to mind. She could have slightly choked on something earlier that is causing a scratchy throat.

Or, if in contact with other dogs, she may have picked up kennel cough.

Heartworms go in/through the lungs - but not something you should worry about if you use regular preventatives on your dog and see a vet to be tested.

[HappyPuppy]

Yes - shouldn't be HW. All I can think about is worst case - tumor! My guess is that it's just an irritation but she has never made this sound short of straight-up coughing like from playing ball in dirt/grass....

[dogs4jen]

I think Nylabones can cause irritation too, from the little splinters they make.

[HappyPuppy]

Yeah - I guess it's not much of anything = Ruby doesn't like nylabones and doesn't chew on sticks --- just balls and fetch.... Its just out of the norm and worrisome to MOM... DH thinks she caught our cold...LOL

[pblove]

heart problems can cause coughing too. maybe for peace of mind call your vet to be sure?

[HappyPuppy]

Hmmm, didn't think of that. It has mostly subsided but I heard her do it again briefly yesterday...