my 14 week pit/mix is having rapid short breaths

by Amy
(Evergreen Park, IL)

We have had her 9 days, now and she has been very active. We knew she had kennel cough when we got her, her eves are runny and she does cough up phlegm quite a bit.

Today, however, she is lethargic and won't eat or drink. Her breathing is sharp and rapid, almost like a hiccup. Her nose sounds clogged.

Is she just exhausted for the weeks walks and play, or is this more serious?





Hi Amy
I'm not a vet, but in my opinion this is serious. If she has kennel cough, I'd say the chances are good that she's developed a secondary infection and it could have turned into pneumonia.

This could cause the congestion, lethargy and breathing problems you mention. You need to get her to a vet just as soon as you can, and if it were my pup I'd take her to a 24 hour emergency pet clinic if your vet isn't open. It could be that serious.

She likely needs antibiotics and possibly other medications to reduce congestion and help her to breathe, so please get her help asap.

I wish you the best of luck and hope that she makes a full, and speedy, recovery.