Why Dog Is Coughing: Common Reasons & What To Do

When your dog starts coughing, it can be a worrying experience for any pet owner. Why is my dog coughing? Dogs cough for many reasons, ranging from simple irritation to serious underlying health conditions. What should I do if my dog is coughing? The first step is to observe your dog’s symptoms carefully and consult with your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

A cough in dogs isn’t a disease itself, but a symptom of an issue affecting their respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat, windpipe (trachea), lungs, and the sacs within the lungs where air is exchanged (bronchioles). The sound of the cough can offer clues to its cause. Is it a deep, hacking bark? A soft, gagging sound? Or a wheeze? Each sound can point to different problems.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the most frequent causes of coughing in dogs, explain the associated symptoms, and outline the steps you can take to help your canine companion.

Deciphering the Sounds: Different Types of Coughs

The sound of your dog’s cough can be a vital diagnostic clue for your veterinarian. Paying close attention to the quality, frequency, and timing of the cough can help them pinpoint the problem more quickly.

Honking or “Goose-like” Cough: This distinctive sound often suggests a problem with the trachea (windpipe), such as collapsing trachea or irritation.
Deep, Bark-like Cough: This can indicate issues lower down in the chest, potentially involving the lungs or heart.
Soft, Gagging Cough: This might be associated with something stuck in the throat or irritation of the pharynx.
Wheezing or Raspy Cough: This often points to narrowed airways, common in conditions like asthma or bronchitis.
Productive Cough (with mucus): While less common for owners to see, a cough that brings up phlegm might suggest a significant infection like pneumonia.

Common Culprits Behind Your Dog’s Cough

Numerous factors can trigger a cough in dogs. Let’s explore some of the most prevalent reasons:

1. Infectious Causes

Infections are a leading cause of coughing in dogs, often presenting with a cluster of symptoms.

Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough)

Kennel Cough Causes: Commonly known as kennel cough, this is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects the trachea and bronchi. It’s often caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, with Bordetella bronchiseptica being a primary bacterial culprit. Other common viral agents include parainfluenza virus, adenovirus type 2, and reovirus. Dogs can contract kennel cough by coming into contact with infected dogs in places like boarding kennels, dog parks, grooming salons, or even just walking on the street.
Symptoms: The hallmark symptom is a sudden onset of a harsh, dry, hacking cough that often sounds like something is stuck in the throat. It may be followed by a gagging or retching sound, especially after activity or excitement. Your dog might also experience sneezing, nasal discharge (which can be clear or pus-like), and sometimes a mild fever. Dog cold symptoms often overlap with kennel cough, but kennel cough is specifically a more severe, distinct respiratory infection.
What to Do: If you suspect kennel cough, isolate your dog from other dogs immediately to prevent spread. While often mild and self-limiting, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian. They can rule out more serious conditions and may prescribe antibiotics to combat secondary bacterial infections or cough suppressants if the cough is severe and interfering with rest. Ensure your dog stays hydrated and gets plenty of rest. Vaccination is a key preventative measure for dogs that frequent areas with many other dogs.

Dog Pneumonia

Dog Pneumonia Signs: Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or even aspiration (inhaling foreign material). Signs of dog pneumonia can be quite serious and include a deep, moist cough, often accompanied by lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, difficulty breathing (panting, rapid breathing), and sometimes nasal discharge. A dog with pneumonia may also seem weak and reluctant to move.
What to Do: Pneumonia is a serious condition requiring prompt veterinary attention. Diagnosis often involves a physical exam, listening to the lungs with a stethoscope, and X-rays to visualize the lung tissue. Treatment typically includes powerful antibiotics, fluid therapy if dehydrated, oxygen therapy if breathing is severely compromised, and nebulization to help loosen mucus. Your veterinarian will guide the treatment based on the underlying cause and severity of the pneumonia.

Dog Respiratory Infections

Dog Respiratory Infection: This is a broad term encompassing infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract. It can include infections of the nasal passages, throat, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific pathogen and the part of the respiratory system affected. A dog with a general respiratory infection might cough, sneeze, have nasal discharge, watery eyes, lethargy, and a reduced appetite.
What to Do: Similar to other infectious causes, prompt veterinary diagnosis is key. Treatment will depend on the identified pathogen and may involve antibiotics, antiviral medications, anti-inflammatories, and supportive care.

2. Allergic and Inflammatory Conditions

Inflammation of the airways can also lead to a persistent cough.

Dog Bronchitis Treatment

Dog Bronchitis Treatment: Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to the lungs. Chronic bronchitis can occur in dogs, particularly older ones. It can be caused by infections, environmental irritants, allergies, or even underlying heart disease. Symptoms include a persistent cough, often described as dry and hacking, which can worsen with exercise. Dogs with bronchitis may also experience gagging, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Treatment: Treatment for bronchitis aims to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. This can include bronchodilators to open airways, corticosteroids (oral or inhaled) to reduce inflammation, and antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. Keeping the environment free of irritants like smoke and dust is also important. Your vet will determine the most appropriate dog bronchitis treatment based on the severity and cause.

Dog Asthma Symptoms

Dog Asthma Symptoms: Canine asthma is less common than in cats but does occur. It’s an inflammatory condition of the airways that causes them to narrow, making breathing difficult. Symptoms often mimic bronchitis and include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, particularly after exertion or excitement. Some dogs may experience recurrent episodes of coughing and breathing difficulty.
What to Do: Diagnosis can be challenging and often involves ruling out other conditions. Treatment typically involves corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation and bronchodilators to help open the airways. Inhaled steroids can be very effective and have fewer side effects than oral medications. Environmental management to reduce exposure to allergens is also crucial.

Dog Throat Irritation

Dog Throat Irritation: Simple irritation of the throat can cause a cough. This can be due to environmental factors like dust, smoke, or strong perfumes, or it could be a reaction to something ingested. Even drinking water too quickly can sometimes trigger a momentary cough.
What to Do: If you suspect throat irritation, try to identify and remove the irritant from your dog’s environment. Ensure they drink water at a moderate pace. If the irritation persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your veterinarian to rule out more serious issues like pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat).

3. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Heart problems can manifest as coughing, especially in older dogs.

Dog Heartworm Cough

Dog Heartworm Cough: Heartworm disease is a serious, potentially fatal parasitic infection transmitted by mosquitoes. The worms live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected animals, causing severe damage. A cough is a common symptom of heartworm disease, often described as a persistent, dry cough that can become worse with activity. Other symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, difficulty breathing, and reluctance to exercise.
What to Do: Heartworm prevention is critical. Regular testing and preventative medication prescribed by your veterinarian are the best ways to protect your dog. If your dog is diagnosed with heartworm disease, treatment is complex and requires strict adherence to your veterinarian’s instructions. It involves killing the adult worms and then the immature worms. This process can take months and involves multiple medications and potentially hospitalization. A cough associated with heartworm disease is a sign of significant damage and requires immediate veterinary care.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Related Cough

CHF Cough: When a dog’s heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently, fluid can build up in the lungs, causing a cough. This type of cough is often described as moist or “wet” and may be accompanied by gagging. It typically worsens when the dog is lying down or after exertion. Other CHF symptoms include rapid breathing, fatigue, exercise intolerance, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
What to Do: If you suspect CHF, it’s vital to seek veterinary care immediately. Diagnosis involves a thorough physical exam, chest X-rays, and possibly an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). Treatment focuses on managing the heart condition with medications like diuretics to remove excess fluid, ACE inhibitors to relax blood vessels, and other heart medications to improve heart function.

4. Foreign Body Aspiration

Inhaling an object can cause immediate or delayed coughing.

Foreign Body in the Airway

What It Is: A dog may inhale a foreign object, such as a piece of toy, food, grass seed, or even inhaled vomit. This can cause immediate irritation and coughing as the body tries to expel the object. If the object gets lodged in the airway, it can lead to chronic coughing, difficulty breathing, and secondary infections.
Symptoms: Sudden, violent coughing, gagging, choking, difficulty breathing, bluish gums, lethargy, and sometimes discharge from the nose or mouth.
What to Do: If you witness your dog inhaling something and they begin coughing violently, try to stay calm. If the object is visible in their mouth, attempt to remove it carefully with your fingers or tweezers. If the dog is struggling to breathe or the object is deep in the throat, do not try to force it out, as you could push it further down. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately. X-rays or bronchoscopy may be needed to locate and remove the foreign body.

5. Environmental Irritants

Exposure to certain substances can trigger coughing.

Dog Throat Irritation from Irritants

Causes: Smoke (from cigarettes, fireplaces), strong cleaning chemicals, dust, pollen, mold, and even certain air fresheners can irritate a dog’s sensitive respiratory tract, leading to coughing.
Symptoms: A dry, hacking cough that may worsen in specific environments. Your dog might also sneeze or have watery eyes.
What to Do: Identify and remove the irritant from your dog’s environment. Ensure good ventilation in your home. If the coughing persists, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying conditions.

6. Collapsed Trachea

This condition is more common in small breeds.

Tracheal Collapse

What It Is: Tracheal collapse is a progressive condition where the cartilage rings that keep the windpipe open weaken and flatten, causing the airway to narrow or collapse. It’s more common in toy breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles, and Pomeranians.
Symptoms: A characteristic “goose-honk” cough, often triggered by excitement, exercise, pressure on the neck (like a collar), or eating/drinking. Other signs include gagging, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, especially in more severe cases.
What to Do: Diagnosis is usually made based on clinical signs and a physical examination, often confirmed with fluoroscopy (real-time X-rays) or a bronchoscopy. Treatment aims to manage symptoms and slow progression. This can include weight management, avoiding neck collars (using harnesses instead), cough suppressants, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatories. In severe cases, surgery might be considered, but it carries risks.

7. Dog Reverse Sneezing

While not technically a cough, it can be mistaken for one.

Dog Reverse Sneezing

What It Is: Dog reverse sneezing is a reflex that causes a sudden, rapid, and forceful inhalation through the nose. It sounds like a snorting, gagging, or honking sound and can be quite alarming to owners. It occurs when the soft palate or pharynx (throat) is irritated or spasming.
Causes: Allergies, excitement, irritants in the air, or a tickle in the throat can trigger it.
Symptoms: A sudden onset of repetitive, forceful snorting or gasping sounds, often lasting for a few seconds to a minute. The dog typically stands still with its elbows out, extending its neck.
What to Do: In most cases, reverse sneezing is harmless and resolves on its own. You can try to help interrupt the episode by gently covering your dog’s nostrils with your fingers for a moment, which encourages them to swallow and can break the spasm. If episodes are frequent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues like allergies or pharyngeal abnormalities.

Fathoming the Cause: Diagnostic Steps

When your dog presents with a cough, your veterinarian will follow a systematic approach to determine the cause.

1. The Veterinary Examination

Medical History: Your vet will ask detailed questions about the cough: when it started, how often it occurs, what makes it worse or better, the sound of the cough, and any other symptoms you’ve observed. They’ll also inquire about your dog’s diet, lifestyle, vaccination status, and any potential exposure to illnesses.
Physical Examination: The veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam, listening to your dog’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope. They will check for any abnormalities in the chest, abdomen, throat, and nasal passages. They will also assess your dog’s overall condition, including temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate.

2. Diagnostic Tests

Based on the initial findings, your vet may recommend further tests:

Chest X-rays: These are crucial for visualizing the lungs, heart, and airways. X-rays can reveal signs of pneumonia, heart enlargement, fluid in the lungs, tumors, or other abnormalities within the chest cavity.
Blood Work: Complete blood count (CBC) and biochemistry profiles can help assess overall health, detect signs of infection or inflammation, and evaluate organ function.
Heartworm Test: This is a standard test for dogs, especially in areas where heartworm is prevalent.
Bronchoscopy: In some cases, a thin, flexible tube with a camera (bronchoscope) may be used to examine the airways directly. This can help identify inflammation, foreign bodies, or tumors within the trachea and bronchi. Samples of mucus or tissue can be collected for analysis.
Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound): If heart disease is suspected, an echocardiogram provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function.
Allergy Testing: If allergies are suspected, your vet may recommend skin testing or blood tests to identify specific allergens.
Bacterial/Fungal Cultures: Samples from nasal discharge or tracheal wash can be cultured to identify specific infectious agents and determine the most effective antibiotics.

Taking Action: What You Can Do

Your role as a pet owner is vital in managing your dog’s cough.

1. When to Seek Veterinary Care Immediately

Sudden onset of severe coughing or difficulty breathing.
Coughing accompanied by lethargy, weakness, or collapse.
Coughing up blood or thick, colored mucus.
Blue or pale gums, indicating lack of oxygen.
Your dog seems to be in pain when coughing.
The cough is persistent and worsening despite home care.

2. Supportive Care at Home

While waiting for your vet appointment or as part of your vet’s treatment plan, you can provide supportive care:

Rest: Ensure your dog gets plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity.
Hydration: Make sure your dog has constant access to fresh water.
Humidifier: Using a humidifier in the room where your dog sleeps can help moisten the airways and loosen mucus.
Avoid Irritants: Keep your home free of smoke, dust, and strong odors that could further irritate the airways.
Diet: Feed a high-quality, easily digestible diet. If your dog has a poor appetite, try warming their food slightly to enhance its aroma.
Medication Administration: Administer any prescribed medications exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not stop treatment early, even if your dog seems to be improving.

3. Prevention is Key

Preventing certain causes of coughing is much easier than treating them.

Vaccination: Keep your dog up-to-date on vaccinations, especially for diseases like kennel cough.
Heartworm Prevention: Administer monthly heartworm preventative medication as prescribed by your veterinarian.
Parasite Control: Regular deworming and flea/tick prevention can also help protect your dog’s overall health.
Avoid Overcrowded Areas: If your dog is prone to respiratory issues or has a weakened immune system, limit their exposure to environments where many dogs congregate, especially during peak illness seasons.
Safe Environment: Ensure your dog’s living environment is free from known allergens and irritants.
Diet and Exercise: Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise to support overall health, including respiratory function.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can my dog’s cough be contagious to other dogs?
A: Yes, many causes of coughing in dogs, such as kennel cough and some forms of pneumonia, are highly contagious to other dogs. It’s important to isolate a coughing dog from other canines until a diagnosis is made by a veterinarian.

Q2: My dog just coughed once or twice. Should I worry?
A: A single or occasional cough might not be a cause for major concern, especially if your dog seems otherwise healthy. However, if the coughing becomes frequent, persistent, or is accompanied by any other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.

Q3: Can allergies cause a dog to cough?
A: Yes, allergies can cause inflammation in a dog’s airways, leading to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and itchy skin. Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, or mold can trigger these responses.

Q4: Is a cough a symptom of heart disease in dogs?
A: Yes, a cough can be a significant symptom of heart disease in dogs, particularly congestive heart failure. This occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs due to the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively.

Q5: How long does kennel cough last?
A: The typical cough associated with kennel cough can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks (often 2-3 weeks), even with treatment. Most dogs recover fully, but it’s essential to manage the symptoms and prevent secondary infections.

Q6: Can I give my dog over-the-counter cough medicine?
A: It is not recommended to give your dog over-the-counter cough medicine without consulting your veterinarian first. Many human medications contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, and even those that are safe can be the wrong dosage or type for your dog’s specific condition. Always seek veterinary advice.

Q7: What is dog bronchitis treatment?
A: Dog bronchitis treatment typically involves reducing inflammation and managing symptoms. This can include medications like bronchodilators to open airways, corticosteroids to reduce swelling, and sometimes antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present. Environmental management to avoid irritants is also crucial.

Q8: What are dog asthma symptoms?
A: Dog asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, especially after exertion or excitement. The cough may sound dry and hacking.

Q9: Can heartworm cause a dog to cough?
A: Yes, a dog heartworm cough is a common symptom. The adult heartworms in the lungs and heart can cause inflammation and damage, leading to coughing, particularly with exercise.

Conclusion

Observing your dog’s cough is the first step toward ensuring their well-being. By recognizing the various potential causes, understanding the associated symptoms, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can effectively manage your dog’s respiratory health. Regular veterinary check-ups, preventative care, and prompt attention to any concerning symptoms are key to keeping your canine companion happy and healthy.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your pet’s health or treatment.