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PhrasesAt the VetQual è la causa della tosse del mio cane?
B1formal

Qual è la causa della tosse del mio cane?

What is causing my dog's cough?

Pronunciation

'Tosse' = TOS-seh. 'Causa' = KAW-za. 'Tossisce' = tos-SEE-sheh (it coughs — present tense).

When to use it

Asking the vet to diagnose the cause of persistent coughing in your dog.

What it means

'Qual è la causa di' (what is the cause of) is a formal way to ask why. 'Tosse' (cough, noun) vs 'tossire' (to cough, verb). Dog coughs in Italy are commonly caused by kennel cough (tosse del canile — Bordetella bronchiseptica), heartworm (filaria cardiopolmonare — endemic in Italy), tracheal collapse (in toy breeds), or heart disease (cardiomegalia). Each has distinct characteristics described in the examination.

Variations

La tosse è secca o produttiva?

Is the cough dry or productive?

Vet will ask this — helps differentiate cause.

Il cane ha frequentato un canile o ha incontrato altri cani recentemente?

Has the dog been to a kennel or met other dogs recently?

Kennel cough spreads easily in groups — important exposure history.

La filaria è comune in questa zona?

Is heartworm common in this area?

Heartworm (filaria) is endemic in Po Valley, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, and parts of the south.

Mini Dialogue


Cultural Note

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is endemic in the Po Valley (Pianura Padana) and parts of southern Italy, transmitted by mosquitoes. Italian veterinary associations strongly recommend year-round heartworm prevention (profilassi antifilariale) with licensed products (Heartgard, Milbemax, Cardotek) in at-risk areas. Annual blood tests (test dell'antigene filariale) detect infection early.