Worried about chocking cough.

[ShirleySweet]

My puppy sounds like he has asthma or makes a chocking hacking kind of sound. Any idea what it might be. He is a 9 month old chihuahua who chew on everything to.

[Adrienne]

 Hello, and welcome to the forums!

I can just give you a few pointers, but you'll have to see your vet for diagnosis and treatment. 

If your puppy has  recently been around other puppies/dogs (like in the past one to two weeks) or you have recently adopted him, there may be chances you may be dealing with a case of kennel cough (if he hasn't been vaccinated for it-although it is possible for a dog to still get sick from it as vaccination doesn't cover all strains). Kennel cough is rather persistent coughing that sounds like a puppy is choking on something and many compare it to a honking noise. You can find some videos of dogs with kennel cough on You Tube. Here is one:

If it's occasional and lasts a few seconds or up to a minute or so, it can also be a reverse sneeze. During a reverse sneeze, the dog makes a snorting sound as he extends the head and neck and some dogs may look panicky. Owners are often frightened when they first hear it.  We got some calls from frantic owners at the vet's office sometimes because it looked as if the dog was having an asthma attack or was choking. Rubbing on the neck can in some cases help make the episode subside. If it persists it can be sign of some underlying irritation that needs addressed.  Even some dog reverse sneeze samples can be seen on You Tube. Here is one:

Or may be he may just be choking on things he chews. Or if you live in the desert southwest, it can be the first signs of valley fever (that's how it started with Einstein as a puppy, but he was in Arizona where it's rampant).  Sometimes even though not very common, even puppies can develop tracheal collapse (I think it's like 25 percent) in predisposed breeds. And then sometimes heart problems, or lung problems can cause coughing. If he was recently neutered it can be a reaction to the endotracheal tube.

As seen, several possibilities! Please see your vet to play it safe and for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

For chewing, stop by the chewing guide: https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/behavior-training/chewing/

And visit the leave it section:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/brain-training/obedience-101/take-leave-it/

and the drop it section:

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/brain-training/obedience-101/drop-it/

These cues can turn handy as your puppy approaches to chew something or has something already in his mouth. 

I hope he feels better soon!

Best,

Adrienne