Our 8 year old cavalier King Charles spaniel had a little cough for about two weeks and on Friday 3rd may she passed away. Now one of our other dogs who is 10 is starting to develop the same cough. Should we be concerned that she is showing the same Symptoms so soon after the other dogs unexpected death?

Hi Natalie

Sadly yes I think you should be concerned. Coughing can be due to a severe infectious cause but the more common problem for Cavalier King Charles spaniels to cough is heart disease. That causes coughing and breathlessness. You may be very unlucky but have a second dog developing heart failure. You really should get your older dog checked by a vet.

Cathy Wickenden BVet Med MRCVS
Barton Lodge Veterinary Centre
1 Midland Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 5BH
Tel: 01442 216048 24 hours
[www.bartonlodgevets.co.uk]