When a dog coughs, various factors could cause it, from minor to severe. From environmental factors to more serious issues such as heart disease or kennel cough, it is important to understand why your dog may be coughing. There are 11 reasons your dog is coughing, and understanding the nature of the cough will help you determine if a call or visit to the vet's office is necessary.
11 Reasons your dog is coughing and what to do about it
1. Respiratory infections
Similar to humans, dogs can easily develop respiratory infections. Taking your dog to dog parks or doggy daycare can make them more susceptible to catching an infection. Coughing is one of the main symptoms of a respiratory infection, which can stem from illnesses such as kennel cough, canine influenza, a cold, or other bacteria and viruses.
2. Pnuemonia
Pneumonia is a serious condition that develops in dogs when their lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid. It can hinder your dog's ability to breathe properly. Many factors can cause pneumonia to develop, such as bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. The aspiration of foreign material like food or vomit can also cause it.
Some signs and symptoms to watch out for include coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. Veterinary care is crucial to ensure your dog recovers fully.
3. Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common medical concerns for dogs. It can manifest in many ways and often causes itching, sneezing, skin irritation, digestive issues, and coughing. Your dog could be allergic to various things, such as specific foods, dust mites, pollen, and flea saliva.
Fortunately, once you have determined what your dog is allergic to, managing their allergies usually involves minimizing your dog's exposure to the source of their allergy, giving them a treatment like antihistamines, or putting them on a special diet. Along with regular veterinary check-ups, your dog can live a comfortable and healthy life despite their allergies.
4. Heartworm
Heartworm can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition for your dog. It is caused by parasitic worms in your dog's heart, lungs, and blood vessels. These parasites are transmitted through mosquito bites and can eventually lead to severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs in their body.
Signs that your dog may suffer from heartworm include a persistent cough, fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss. This is why it is vital to give your dog preventative medication. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, call your vet. Early detection and treatment can mitigate the severe health impacts associated with heartworm. You will also want to bring your dog in for regular check-ups with your vet to ensure they stay healthy and heartworm-free.
5. Tracheal collapse
Tracheal collapse, common in smaller dogs, is a progressive condition in which the cartilage rings in the trachea weaken and flatten, narrowing and collapsing the windpipe. This causes your dog to have difficulty breathing and develop a distinctive cough that sounds like goose-honking.
Tracheal collapse is commonly seen in breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers. Treatment may include medication to manage the symptoms, and in a more severe case, your dog may need surgery to support the trachea.
6. Toxins
There are a number of things in your dog's world that are not friendly or safe and sometimes your dog does not understand that they need to avoid these dangerous things. When a dog ingests or breaths in a toxin, it can quickly become a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
If your dog has ingested or inhaled a toxic substance they may begin coughing due to irritation to their respiratory system in a similar way an allergen would or by fluid collecting in their chest, similar to heart failure. If you suspect your dog has come in contact with a toxin, bring them to see your vet immediately.
7. Foreign Object
Sometimes... dogs really are like children, especially when it comes to putting things in their mouths. Although, dogs can do more damage due to their teeth. If your dog consumes a foreign object, there is a chance it will become lodged in their throats, blocking their airways. Other times, the foreign object may irritate.
Your dog will likely begin coughing or hacking to get the object out. You may also notice your dog pawing at their mouths or having difficulty breathing due to the object choking them. If they are choking, it is an emergency, and they should immediately get medical attention.
8. Obesity
According to the 2022 Pet Obesity U.S. Prevalence Survey, around 60 percent of dogs in America are considered obese or overweight. It is a significant problem. The extra weight your dog carries around makes nearly everything harder for them. Their joints, bones, muscles, and organs are all potentially affected by their weight.
Obesity can also cause your dog to develop a cough, especially while they are exercising or afterward. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will benefit your dog beyond simply preventing a cough. If your dog is a bit on the heavier side, consult your vet and form a plan to get your dog back to a healthy weight.
9. Congestive heart failure
Congestive heart failure in dogs occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other parts of the body. One of the main symptoms is coughing. You will also notice that your dog has difficulty breathing or breathing rapidly (especially when sleeping), is lethargic or fatigued, and has swelling in their abdomen and limbs.
A timely diagnosis is essential when it comes to congestive heart failure. Your vet will likely give your dog medication to improve heart function and manage symptoms. You will also want to bring them in for regular vet check-ups and develop a plan to improve your dog's quality of life with congestive heart failure.
10. Chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammatory condition affecting the airways in dogs, which causes a persistent cough and difficulty breathing. It often results after prolonged exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, pollutants, or dust.
If your dog has a chronic, dry cough that worsens with exercise, wheezing, and reduced activity levels, they may suffer from chronic bronchitis. Management of this condition often involves medication to reduce the inflammation, open the airways, and minimize exposure to potential irritants. You will also want to bring your dog in for regular check-ups with their vet to monitor their condition closely and adjust their treatment as needed.
11. Cancer
Nobody wants to think about it, but cancer is always a possibility when it comes to health concerns for your dog. Cancer in dogs is a serious health issue affecting various organs, including the lungs. We do not want you to jump to this conclusion immediately, but your dog's coughing could be a sign of lung cancer. On the positive side, it is rare for dogs to develop lung cancer. However, certain breeds are susceptible to it, such as Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving your dog's outcome. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Regularly checking in with your veterinarian can help catch cancer early and provide the best possible outcome for your canine companion.
In the end, whether it is a simple allergy or congestive heart failure, the most critical takeaway is to contact your veterinarian if your dog has a persistent cough to ensure any significant health concerns are caught quickly.