cough/congestion

Question
My 19 yr. old chihuaha has developed a bad cough and tries to cough up phlegm. She is not running a fever.

Answer
Hi Maria.  Because of your chihuahua's elderly age, my first concern would be her heart.  Congestive heart disease effects many older dogs and there will be coughing involved.  The pulminary sacs around the heart become filled with fluid. This puts alot of strain on the heart and lungs.  It makes it feel as though the lungs are full of fluid, hence the dog's need to cough.  As the fluid fills, the heart beat will become irregular and the lungs will not be able to reach their full capacity, leading to cardiac arrest.  It is very important to take your dog to your veterinarian promptly.  There is a medication called Lasix that is used to dry the fluid in the pulminary sacs, and it sounds as though this medication is needed.
Please let me know how it goes,
Hilary