[desgrunner]

We have a male Sheltie that about 3-4 months ago started to wheeze & hacks till it like coughs up something and then stops. Nothing has ever come up though. We though it was the deal about floor cleaner solution on the paws and then he would lick them, but we stopped using chemical cleaners. Then we though it was for attention (he's +14 years young) so my wife "babied" him more than me ;) and it didn't do anygood. Any ideas or experiences anyone has had? He's very active for his age and a great protector in our home evenj though he barks "BIG" and wags his tail at strangers. Thanks!

[charlotte234s]

Have you taken him to a vet to rule out some kind of respiratory issues?

[labman]

Have you talked to the vet about this? Very seldom would anybody here be able to tell what it is and how to cure it.

[charlotte234s]

Labman is right, this could be caused by a multitude of things.

[desgrunner]

No, unfortunately we haven't been to the vet as they charge and "arm and a leg" here in northwest Ohio. We are on a fixed income and watch our income closely and yes we know it's not fair to our dog. The wheeze gag is not all the time... he could go for a couple of weeks before it comes back. We are not bad parent for our Sheltie! Trust me...

[charlotte234s]

I know the veterinarians are expensive, and it may be hard, but dog ownership is sort of like parenthood in the sense that you really should take the animal to the vet if it's sick, even if it is expensive, it's one of the most important priorities.

[bushg]

My sister has a old male daschund, he would cough and hack, sometimes produce phlegm... his turned out to be kennel cough. The vet cleared it up.

[charlotte234s]

Also, some vets will work out payment plans with you if you cannot afford to pay in full that day. Another helpful hint is to drive to set a vet in a rural area if you live in the city, I've found they charge a little less, and are still very fine vets.

[bushg]

desgrunner, There are clinics in my area that charge as little as 19 dollars for an office visit and their meds are as cheap as the 1800 pet meds that you see on t.v. I am in Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky are. Call around you will be surprised at what is out there.