Why is my dog coughing?!

Coughing in dogs can be concerning for any pet owner. Is it a harmless tickle or something more serious? Just like humans, dogs cough to clear irritants from their throat or respiratory tract. However, a persistent or unusual cough could point to an underlying health issue.

This guide will help you understand the common causes of coughing in dogs, the symptoms to watch out for, and when it’s time to seek veterinary care.

Common Reasons Your Dog May Be Coughing

Dogs cough for various reasons—ranging from minor annoyances to more serious medical issues. Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes:

Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex)

Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis or canine influenza virus, is a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs. It is often caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, including Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus (canine influenza).

This condition spreads easily in environments where dogs are in close contact, such as kennels, dog parks, or grooming facilities with other dogs. Key symptoms of kennel cough include a persistent, dry hacking cough, retching, nasal discharge, and, in some cases, reduced appetite or lethargy.

Key Symptoms:

• Persistent, hacking cough that sounds similar to a goose honk
• Runny nose
• Noisy breathing or nasal discharge

Though kennel cough is often mild, it can worsen without treatment, especially in puppies or older dogs with weaker immune systems.

Tracheal Collapse

Tracheal collapse is a chronic condition that affects the windpipe, or trachea, in dogs, particularly smaller breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, and Toy Poodles. This condition occurs when the cartilage rings that support the trachea weaken and lose their rigidity, causing the tracheal structure to flatten.

This results in restricted airflow and symptoms including a dry, honking cough, noisy or labored breathing, gagging, and, in severe cases, respiratory distress. Tracheal collapse can be exacerbated by obesity, respiratory irritants, or excessive excitement.

If you notice signs of this condition in your dog, consult your veterinarian promptly for a tailored care plan.

Key Symptoms:

• Honking cough, often triggered by excitement, exercise, or eating
• Difficulty breathing
• Noisy breathing

Managing tracheal collapse involves weight management, using a harness instead of a collar, and sometimes cough suppressants or surgical interventions for severe cases with other symptoms.

Heart Disease and Congestive Heart Failure

Heart disease and congestive heart failure (CHF)are serious conditions that can affect dogs, particularly as they age. Heart disease refers to any disorder that impairs the heart’s ability to function effectively. Over time, this can progress to CHF, where the heart is no longer able to pump blood efficiently, leading to a buildup of fluid in the lungs or other parts of the body.

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical exam and diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays, an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, and blood tests to assess heart function. Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of the heart disease.

Medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms and improve heart efficiency. Dietary changes, including a low-sodium diet, can also play an important role in management.

Although heart disease and CHF cannot always be cured, early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan can significantly improve a dog’s quality of life. Regular veterinary checkups and monitoring are essential in ensuring the best possible outcome for dogs with heart conditions. If your dog exhibits any signs of heart problems, prompt veterinary attention is critical to developing an effective care strategy.

Key Symptoms:

• Coughing, particularly at night
• Trouble breathing or decreased oxygen levels
• Fatigue and weight loss
• Fainting or collapse in severe cases

Older dogs and those with underlying heartworm disease are at higher risk. Monthly medication to prevent heartworm and regular vet checkups can protect your dog’s heart health.

Respiratory Infections (Bacterial and Viral Infections)

Respiratory infections, whether viral or bacterial, are common in dogs and can affect their overall respiratory health. These infections usually target the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and nasal passages, but in severe cases, they can progress to the lower respiratory tract, impacting the lungs. Symptoms often include coughing, nasal discharge, sneezing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, fever, and in some cases, a decreased appetite.

Diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination, review of medical history, and diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays, blood work, or cultures to identify the causative agent. Treatment generally depends on the underlying cause.

Bacterial infections are typically managed with antibiotics, while viral infections may require supportive care, such as fluid therapy, rest, and medications to alleviate symptoms.

Preventive measures, like ensuring dogs are up to date on vaccinations and minimizing exposure to infected dogs, are crucial in reducing the risk of respiratory infections. Early intervention can significantly improve recovery outcomes, so pet owners should seek veterinary attention promptly if their dog shows signs of respiratory distress.

Key Symptoms:

• Wet cough or coughing mucus
• Runny nose or nasal discharge
• Sneezing and difficulty breathing

These infections are generally treatable with veterinary care, including antibiotics, cough suppressants, and oxygen therapy in more severe cases.

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis, a condition where the airways remain inflamed over an extended period, can lead to a persistent cough that doesn’t seem to go away. This is often seen in obese dogs or older dogs with other health issues.

Key Symptoms:

• Persistent, dry cough
• Noisy or labored breathing
• Fatigue after minor activity

Managing chronic bronchitis involves reducing inflammation in the dog’s lungs through medications and ensuring their overall health is in check.

Foreign Body or Tracheal Irritation

Sometimes, a dog’s hacking cough could be caused by a foreign body (like a small object, piece of food, or blade of grass) stuck in their throat. Tracheal irritation due to inhalation of harmful substances, such as smoke or chemicals, can also cause coughing.

Key Symptoms:

• Sudden onset of coughing
• Gagging or pawing at the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or noisy breathing

If you suspect your dog has inhaled or swallowed a foreign body, contact your vet immediately—this can be life-threatening.

Lung Cancer or Tumors

Lung cancer or tumors in dogs are less common but serious conditions that can significantly impact a dog’s respiratory and overall health. These tumors can originate in the lungs (primary lung cancer) or spread from other areas of the body (metastatic cancer). Common symptoms include persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, lethargy, weight loss, reduced appetite, and in some cases, coughing up blood.

Diagnosis typically involves imaging techniques such as chest X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds to detect abnormal growths in the lungs. Additionally, biopsies and cytology may be performed to determine the nature and type of the tumor.

Key Symptoms:

• Chronic, non-productive cough
• Coughing blood
• Weight loss and decreased appetite
• Labored or noisy breathing

Early detection is critical, so make sure to schedule an immediate vet visit if you notice any of these signs.

Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia in dogs occurs when foreign material, such as food, liquid, or vomit, is inhaled into the lungs, leading to inflammation and infection. This condition can develop due to various factors, including neurological disorders, esophageal issues like megaesophagus, or improper feeding techniques.

Common symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, lethargy, nasal discharge, and a loss of appetite. Aspiration pneumonia can be life-threatening if not treated promptly, as the infection can spread and cause severe respiratory distress.

Key Symptoms:

• Noisy/strained breathing, rectal temperature raised, persistent discharge in nasal passageways
• Symptoms can turn into extreme outcomes

When to See a Vet

While some causes of coughing in dogs are minor and resolve on their own, others require veterinary attention. Seek immediate care if your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms along with coughing:

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
• Blue-tinged gums (indicating low oxygen levels)
• Coughing blood
• Rapid weight loss or fatigue
• Persistent coughing lasting more than a few days

An emergency vet visit is necessary if your dog shows signs of severe trouble breathing or is coughing violently and cannot catch their breath.

How Vets Diagnose and Treat Coughing in Dogs

The key to treating a dog’s cough is identifying the underlying cause. Your vet may recommend the following diagnostic tests for a proper diagnosis:

• Chest X-rays to examine the dog’s lungs and heart
• Blood tests for infections or heartworm disease
• Endoscopic examination to check for foreign objects or tracheal abnormalities

Treatment options vary widely—from antibiotics for bacterial infections to oxygen therapy for breathing difficulties. Managing chronic conditions like heart disease or bronchitis often involves long-term medications and regular checkups.

Make sure your dog is vaccinated and healthy before coming to Snouts and Stouts Indoor Dog Park and Bar!

Act Fast and Protect Your Pup | Why Is My Dog Coughing

Coughing in dogs is more than just an annoyance; it’s often a signal that something isn’t right. Whether it’s a simple case of kennel cough or a more serious condition like heart disease, timely veterinary care can make all the difference.

If your dog is coughing, don’t ignore it. Schedule a vet visit for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.