What Are the Causes of Congestion in Puppies?

Puppies are prone to picking up germs if they are not properly cared for, especially if they haven't received all of their puppy vaccinations. When you hear that your puppy is congested by the sound of its breathing as well as coughing and wheezing, contact your veterinarian immediately so that the vet can examine your dog to find the underlying cause of the congestion. Do not attempt to diagnose your puppy yourself, or else you risk the ailment becoming worse.

  1. Colds

    • Puppies can catch colds, which usually manifest from a bacterial or viral infection. Congestion, along with sneezing, runny eyes and coughing, are common cold symptoms that vets look for when diagnosing a puppy with a cold. The congestion is the accumulation of phlegm in the lungs and throat, which impacts the puppy's ability to breathe easily. Antibiotics can be prescribed to your puppy to treat a bacterial infection, but not a viral infection.

    Pneumonia

    • Pneumonia is a severe infection caused by a respiratory illness that is left untreated for too long. Like humans, puppies can get pneumonia as liquid builds up in the lungs and the congestion worsens. The lungs become inflamed and it gets challenging for the puppy to breathe. Due to their young age, puppies are at high risk if they contract pneumonia.

    Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

    • Kennel cough is an infectious illness that puppies are vulnerable to, as they live in close quarters with one another. The kennel cough vaccine, known as the Bordatella vaccine, is administered to puppies no earlier than three weeks of age. To prevent kennel cough, it is best to not expose puppies to other puppies or dogs until after the series of Bordatella treatments are complete. Signs and symptoms that your puppies have kennel cough are extreme coughing, congestion and wheezing.

    Valley Fever

    • If you live in certain regions of the United States, such as Arizona, you have to be cautious about a canine -- and human -- disease called valley fever. Valley fever is a fungal infection that can be fatal if not treated properly and promptly, as the infection spreads throughout the body and affects the nervous system, limbs, joints, brain and other vital organs. Valley fever can dangerously disguise itself as a common cold, with phlegm-producing coughs and congestion among the top symptoms. A special blood test must be performed to test puppies and dogs for valley fever.