Coughing in Dogs

Dogs can cough for many reasons, ranging from harmless to more serious causes. It's normal for them to cough occasionally, given how much they use their mouths all the time. However, if your dog is coughing frequently or in a particular way, it might be time to consult your veterinarian. Understanding the various causes of coughing in dogs can help you determine when to seek professional advice and keep your furry friend healthy.

Why does my dog cough?

It's important to know that occasional coughing is often harmless, possibly just a response to a minor throat irritation. However, if your dog begins to cough frequently or persistently, it may indicate an underlying respiratory issue that needs attention. Causes can range from harmless irritants they encounter while exploring to more serious conditions like chronic bronchitis or heart disease. As a pet owner, staying vigilant about changes in your dog's coughing habits and consulting your veterinarian if it becomes frequent can help ensure early detection and appropriate treatment.

Possible causes of coughing in dogs

Respiratory infections and Kennel Cough:

Dogs can develop respiratory infections from viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, affecting their airways and leading to conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia. Kennel cough, common in crowded dog environments, presents with a deep, dry cough and other symptoms after exposure to multiple pathogens.

Chronic Bronchitis:

Chronic bronchitis causes a persistent, dry cough exacerbated by exercise, due to long-term inflammation of the airways. Treatment involves inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators to manage inflammation and airway constriction, ensuring long-term symptom control.

Collapsed trachea:

Small dog breeds are prone to tracheal collapse, characterised by a honking sound during excitement or physical activity due to weakened cartilage rings in the windpipe. Management includes weight control, harness use, and sometimes surgical intervention to stabilise the trachea and improve breathing.

Heart Disease:

Coughing can indicate underlying heart disease in dogs, often caused by inefficient heart function leading to fluid buildup or airway compression. Signs include a persistent, soft cough, worse at night or when lying down, requiring veterinary evaluation and management with medication and dietary adjustments.

Reverse sneezing:

Some small and flat-faced dog breeds experience reverse sneezing, characterised by rapid inhalation due to throat or soft palate irritation from triggers like postnasal drainage or excitement. While generally benign, frequent or severe episodes may need veterinary attention to rule out other health issues.

Foreign objects:

Dogs may experience intense coughing if they inhale or ingest foreign objects that obstruct their airways, causing gagging or swallowing difficulties. Immediate veterinary care is crucial to remove the object safely and prevent respiratory complications.

When to seek veterinary care

Many causes of dog coughs can be effectively treated with veterinary care. If your dog is coughing frequently or showing signs like difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing up blood, or green or yellow nasal and eye discharge, it's important to seek veterinary care promptly. Do not wait for these symptoms to persist or worsen, and avoid using human cough syrups, as they are not suitable for dogs.

Your veterinarian will diagnose the cause and prescribe appropriate medications, which may include antibiotics. Describe your dog’s symptoms in detail and provide any relevant information to assist the vet in making a diagnosis.

How to care for your dog at home

To care for your dog at home when they're coughing, create a calm and cosy space for them to rest, ensuring it's well-ventilated and free from drafts. Keep an eye on their breathing and appetite, and offer fresh water regularly to keep them hydrated. Minimise exposure to smoke, dust, and other potential irritants. Follow your vet's instructions carefully regarding any prescribed medications or treatments. If your dog's condition worsens or if you notice new symptoms, contact your veterinarian promptly for further advice.

Final thoughts:

Understanding when to get veterinary help and how to care for your dog at home can make a big difference when they're coughing. Follow your vet's advice, keep their space calm and clean, and watch for any changes in their health. Acting promptly and providing a caring environment can help your dog feel better soon.

It is vital to begin end-of-life care discussions before your dog‘s condition becomes unmanageable, or they begin losing their quality of life. 

Don’t wait until the very end. It’s important to consider your pet’s end-of-life journey early, so that you, your family and your pet are all supported through the process.

When the time comes, we’re here for you. Goodbye Good Boy provides a range of end-of-life services to make the difficult process of saying goodbye a little easier. 

We offer quality of life assessments from qualified vets, specialist grief counselling, at home euthanasia from dedicated end of life veterinarians, as well as cremation services and memorial options to help remember your pet for their unique character.

We are with you at every step of the journey.

To find out more, you can call our team of passionate pet lovers on 1800 953 619.