Originally Posted by VTJess03
I wouldn't think she would be getting hairballs...as far as I'm aware, most dogs will pass hair on through without help. Mine has quite a bit of long hair and she licks herself almost as much as the cat does (comes from being raised with cats, I guess :rolleyes: ). Sometimes it causes problems during defecation; it sometimes appears she's constipated because one piece is connected to the next with the hairs she's swallowed, and she has to stay there and strain until the last connected 'link' comes on out, but never hairballs.
It seems to me a more likely scenario would involve catching an upper respiratory infection at the spay clinic or vet's office you took her to, or during the time since it's been done, since the immune system is likely to be a bit compromised while healing from surgery like that. I know when I have a cold or respiratory infection, I cough stuff up (well, that's better than the dry hacking, but still not good). You have to keep in mind that even though vets try to do a good job at keeping things clean, there are still other animals there at the same time, and a lot of them are there because they are sick. You're much more likely to encounter germs in a place where sick animals congregate. That's why it's generally not a good idea to use the vet's waiting room as a place to socialize your new pups.
I would definitely call the vet and explain to them that she has started coughing, and ask if they can see you sooner.
