Puppy (8 wks) is coughing and sensitive to touch under her front legs

by Crystal
(Phoenix, AZ)

My puppy (blue heeler) is 6 wks and she is coughing, once she spit out a hair ball that looked like it was part hair and part carpet.

I have also noticed recently that when you pick her up under her front legs and apply pressure to her chest she cries out in pain.

She is not eating as much, but she still has bowel movements and is peeing regularly.



Hi Crystal
I'd strongly recommend that you take your pup to your veterinarian for a thorough check up, as it definitely sounds as though she isn't feeling well.

Puppies shouldn't get 'hairballs' (at least not the way cats do), but she may have eaten something - even carpet! - that caused her to vomit.

The sensitivity you notice in her chest, could indicate an injury, or as she is coughing too, perhaps she has an infection. Either way, only your vet can make an accurate diagnosis.

Loss of appetite is a common sign of dog illness or upset and combined with the other issues, I definitely think you need to have her examined by a vet. Little puppies can get sick, very fast, so don't take any chances.

Best of luck with her, hope she's doing much better soon.