Hearing your dog cough can be alarming. While it’s a common occurrence, it’s important to understand what might be causing it and when it warrants a visit to the vet. A dog’s cough can be anything from a minor irritation to a sign of something more serious.
This guide will walk you through the various reasons why a dog might cough, helping you recognize different types of coughs and understand when it’s time to seek professional help. We’ll cover common culprits like kennel cough, heartworm, and allergies, as well as some less common but potentially serious conditions.
Common Culprits: Infectious and Respiratory Causes
If your dog is coughing, the cause may be infectious or respiratory in nature. Here are a few of the most common causes.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that leads to a distinctive hacking cough. People often describe it as sounding like a goose honk or a dry, hacking cough.
If you think your dog has kennel cough, keep them away from other dogs to prevent the illness from spreading. Vaccination is available and is a good idea if your dog spends a lot of time with other dogs. The Bordetella vaccine is a common preventative.
Canine Influenza
Canine influenza is another respiratory virus that can cause coughing, along with fever, nasal discharge, and lethargy.
A vaccine is available for canine influenza, and your vet may recommend it for your dog.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, which can be brought on by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. With pneumonia, the cough may sound wet and phlegmy.
Other symptoms of pneumonia include coughing, fever, difficulty breathing, and lethargy.
Parasitic and cardiac conditions that can cause coughing
Parasites and heart conditions can also trigger a cough.
Heartworm disease
Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition caused when parasitic worms take up residence in the heart and lungs. A dog with heartworm disease will often cough persistently and tire easily.
The best way to deal with heartworm is to prevent it in the first place. There are many safe and effective monthly preventative medications available.
Talk to your veterinarian about the best way to prevent and treat heartworm disease in your dog.
Heart disease
Heart disease can cause a dog to cough, especially after exertion or at night. The coughing is often due to a buildup of fluid in the lungs caused by heart failure.
If your dog has a heart condition, early detection and management can make a big difference in their quality of life.
Make sure your dog sees the vet regularly to catch any heart problems early and get them managed as quickly as possible.
Other potential causes of coughing
In addition to the infections we’ve already discussed, here are some other possible reasons why your dog might be coughing.
Tracheal collapse
The trachea, or windpipe, is held open by rings of cartilage. Sometimes, those rings weaken, causing the trachea to collapse and making it hard to breathe. This condition, known as tracheal collapse, is more common in small breeds and results in a distinctive honking cough.
Foreign objects
Sometimes, a dog will cough because something is stuck in its throat. If you think your dog has something lodged in its throat, don’t try to remove it yourself. Call your vet right away.
Allergies and irritants
Like people, dogs can be allergic to pollen, dust, and mold. Allergies can cause coughing, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. Irritants in the environment, such as smoke and strong odors, can also make your dog cough. If you think your dog has allergies, it’s important to work with your veterinarian to identify the allergens and manage your dog’s symptoms.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways in the lungs. It can cause a persistent cough, especially in middle-aged and older dogs. In cases of chronic bronchitis, the cough tends to be dry.
Wrapping Up
If your dog develops a cough that lasts more than a day or two, or if the cough sounds unusual, it’s time to call your veterinarian. Pay close attention to the kind of cough your dog has – deep, dry, wet, or high-pitched – as this information can help your vet narrow down the possible causes.
If your dog is struggling to breathe, seems unusually tired, or has other worrying symptoms along with the cough, seek veterinary care right away. Finding and treating the cause of the cough early on is key to managing many of the conditions that make dogs cough.