If your dog is coughing, it can be difficult to know what’s going on. Is it just a minor throat tickle, or is it something more serious? Coughing in dogs can be a sign of many different things, including infections, heart disease, and even allergies.
Figuring out why your dog is coughing is the first step toward helping them feel better. If the cough persists, it’s best to take your dog to the vet for a checkup. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner your dog can receive the treatment they need.
This article will give you a comprehensive overview of dog coughing, with a special focus on how allergies can trigger coughing fits in your canine companion.
Why is my dog coughing? Common causes
A dog’s cough can sound alarming, and there are a number of reasons why your dog might be coughing. Here are some of the most common:
Allergies
Environmental allergies to pollen, dust mites, or mold can cause inflammation and irritation in your dog’s respiratory tract. Coughing, sneezing, and itchy skin are common allergy symptoms.
Sometimes, food allergies can show up as respiratory symptoms. Common food allergens include beef, chicken, and wheat. Your vet may recommend an elimination diet to help you identify your dog’s particular food allergies.
Respiratory infections
Kennel cough (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease, or CIRD) is a highly contagious respiratory infection characterized by a harsh, hacking cough. It’s common in places where many dogs gather, such as boarding kennels and dog parks.
Pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs, can also cause coughing, especially in puppies or senior dogs with weak immune systems. Pneumonia can be triggered by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Other potential causes
Heartworm disease can cause coughing when the worms damage the heart and lungs. Heartworm is spread by mosquitos, but it’s preventable with medication. If your dog is diagnosed with heartworm, it’s important to begin treatment right away.
Collapsing trachea, which is more common in small breeds, can also lead to coughing. The trachea collapses, making it difficult to breathe. Collapsing trachea can often be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.
How to tell if allergies are the cause of your dog’s cough
Your dog’s cough might be caused by allergies if you recognize the following patterns.
Spotting allergy symptoms
It can be tricky to distinguish between an allergy-related cough and a cough caused by something else. If your dog is coughing because of allergies, you may notice other allergy symptoms, like sneezing, a runny nose, itchy skin, and watery eyes.
You may also want to think about when the cough started. Is it worse during certain times of year, like pollen season? Does it seem to happen after your dog has been in a particular place, like a grassy field?
Testing for allergies
Allergy testing can help you pinpoint the specific allergens that are making your dog cough. The most common tests are skin prick tests and blood tests.
Talk with your vet about whether allergy testing makes sense for your dog and what the tests can and can’t tell you.
Managing allergies to make your dog cough less
The best way to manage allergies is to avoid the allergens in the first place. During pollen season, you may want to keep your dog inside as much as possible. HEPA air filters can help, too.
Your vet might also recommend medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids to ease your dog’s allergy symptoms.
Another option is immunotherapy, or allergy shots. These can help your dog get used to the allergens over time so they don’t cause as much of a reaction.
Decoding your dog’s cough: What the sounds mean
Not all dog coughs are the same. The type of cough your dog has can provide valuable clues as to what might be causing it. Here’s a breakdown of some common cough sounds and what they might indicate:
- Deep, dry cough: This type of cough might point to kennel cough or another respiratory infection.
- Deep, honking cough: A honking cough can be a sign of a collapsing trachea, a condition more common in small breeds.
- Wet, phlegmy cough: This type of cough suggests there’s fluid in the lungs, potentially indicating pneumonia or another lower respiratory issue.
- High-pitched gagging cough: If your dog is gagging or retching while coughing, it could mean there’s a foreign object or irritation in their throat.
Regardless of the type, a cough that’s persistent or worsening always warrants a visit to the vet. Pay attention to any other symptoms your dog might be experiencing, such as fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite, as these can help your vet narrow down the diagnosis.
Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog is coughing and having difficulty breathing. A cough that lasts longer than two days or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite should also be evaluated by a vet.
Prevention and Treatment
There are a few things you can do to keep your dog from developing a cough.
Preventative Measures
- Keep your dog current on all vaccinations, including the Bordetella vaccine (kennel cough vaccine).
- Make sure your pet is on year-round heartworm prevention medication.
- Try not to expose your dog to allergens you know they’re sensitive to.
Treatment Options
If your dog develops a cough, treatment will depend on what’s causing it.
- If the cough is caused by a bacterial infection, your vet may prescribe antibiotics.
- Cough suppressants can help ease the symptoms.
- In severe cases, your dog may need to be hospitalized and receive oxygen therapy.
It’s important to seek veterinary guidance to make sure your dog gets the right treatment for their particular condition. Contact your vet if your dog is coughing.
Conclusion
If your dog develops a persistent or unusual cough, it’s important to seek veterinary care right away. Coughing can be a sign of allergies, infections, heart disease, or another health problem. An early diagnosis and treatment can improve your dog’s outcome, so be proactive about monitoring your dog’s health and getting professional help when you need it.