Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 5/9/2009

Question
I have a 6 year old miniture maltese who has been coughing for 3 days now.  It's a dry, persistent cough, almost a hacking type-it doesn't seem like she's trying to cough anything up really.  I can't get in to the vet until Monday, so I was just wondering if I need to take her to the costly after hours vet, or does it seem like something that can wait until Monday?

Answer
Christy -

Unfortunately, I cannot tell you whether or not your dog is critical.

 If your dog is not alert and not responding to you or if she cannot stop coughing, then you should have her examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.  There are many reasons why she might be coughing - from allergy to congestive heart failure  - and without being able to examine her, I cannot tell you if she is okay to wait until Monday.  

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM