Your dog may be coughing for a number of reasons. While coughing is not always a concern, if your dog is coughing repeatedly over a long period of time, it can be a sign of an underlying respiratory condition.
Generally, an occasional cough is a normal behavior. If your dog exhibits signs of regular repeated coughing, what would be called a chronic cough, it may be time to talk to your veterinarian.1
What Makes a Dog Cough
When irritants, dust, mucus, or other particles enter the airways, a protective reflex is triggered to try to get rid of them. This reflex is a cough: an attempt to keep the airways clear.
Coughing in dogs can occur for a number of reasons. While a cough isn’t a condition or disease itself, it can be a sign of an underlying problem.
When Should You Be Concerned?
If your dog is having difficulty taking a breath, it could be a sign of a life-threatening medical emergency such as an allergic reaction or a serious heart condition.
If your dog is gagging or retching in addition to coughing, it could be a sign that something is stuck in the windpipe.
A wheeze accompanied by a cough could indicate an upper respiratory infection, kennel cough, lower airway disease, or a foreign body stuck in the trachea.
If your dog is having trouble breathing and is showing blue-ish gums or tongue, they aren’t getting enough oxygen to their lungs and require medical attention immediately.
Coughing accompanied by a fast rate of breathing could indicate a range of diseases and conditions, such as chronic bronchitis or heart disease.
If your dog is having trouble breathing and isn’t eating food, it can be a sign of infection or another serious condition.
If your dog is consistently coiughing with no improvement in symptoms, it warrants a visit to the vet to see if there is an underlying cause.
Should you take your dog to the veterinarian?
Some of the causes of coughing in dogs include:
- Respiratory infections
- Heartworm
- Allergies
- Ate something inappropriate
- Disease of the respiratory tract
- Other medical condition
Common Conditions that Can Cause Dog Coughing
Canine Bronchitis
Canine chronic bronchitis produces a dry, hacking cough in dogs that worsens with exercise and excitement. It is caused by persistent inflammation of the airways. Inflammation swells the lining of the airways and produces mucus which further narrows the passages in the lungs. Exposure to airborne pollutants and irritants such as cigarette smoke, are thought to lead to the disease. Chronic bronchitis in dogs is considered a progressive disease that will worsen with time and requires regular management to help ensure the best quality of life possible.
Collapsed Trachea
Small dogs are at a greater risk of experiencing a collapsed trachea. This is when the cartilage rings that partially encircle the trachea weaken and are no longer strong enough to support the trachea. It collapses on itself creating a narrow passageway that air is forced through producing a tell-tale honking sound similar to a goose honk.
Tracheal collapse causes irritation and a chronic cough. Dogs with the condition will often also have exercise intolerance, respiratory distress, and may gag while eating or drinking. Weight control and using a harness instead of a collar are two options that could help prevent tracheal collapse.
Heart Disease
Coughing may be a sign of heart disease in dogs. Other symptoms to look for include a blue tinged tongue, reduced appetite, tiredness, weakness, lower endurance, rapid or depressed heartbeat, and difficulty breathing.
Take your dog to the vet if you notice these symptoms. If already diagnosed with heart disease, pay attention to when your dog is coughing. If your dog coughs when he is resting, lying down, or asleep, it could be a sign of a worsening condition.
Reverse Sneeze
Small dogs and flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds may make cough-like or choking sounds caused by what is termed reversed sneezing. In a reverse sneeze, air is inhaled rapidly and noisily through the nose as compared to a regular sneeze where air is expelled through the nose.
While not actually a cough, reverse sneezing is triggered by an irritant that causes the throat and soft palate to spasm. Irritants can include postnasal drainage, foreign material, excitement, exercise, a too tight collar, or sudden change in temperature.
Generally, reverse sneezing does not require a visit to your veterinarian. However, if they become severe or frequent then your dog should be taken to the animal clinic to diagnose for other potential health complications.
Foreign Objects
Sometimes dogs may inhale foreign objects or material that gets lodged in their airways. Coughs that become suddenly violent or sound like gagging, possibly including attempts to swallow and frequent lip licking could be a sign that something has become stuck in your dog’s throat.
If the cough can’t be cleared in short order, then a visit to your veterinarian is warranted to help remove the foreign material.
Treatments & Quality of Life
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What To Expect At The Vet’s Office
Before visiting your vet, take note of any other signs or symptoms your dog has shown in addition to the cough. If possible, try to take a video of your dog coughing at home to show the vet. Your vet will want to know as much as possible in order to properly diagnose and treat your pet.
Although relatively common, coughing in dogs can be a sign of a more serious issue that can be life-threatening in some cases. If you are unsure if your dog’s cough warrants a visit to the vet, always err on the side of caution and take them regardless.
Does Your dog Have Bronchitis?
Take the Canine Bronchitis Assessment to see if your dog could have bronchitis.
Some questions your vet might ask include:
- How long have the symptoms been present?
- Is the cough wet or dry?
- Have you noticed any other symptoms besides the cough?
- Has your dog been around other dogs who have a cough?
- Is your dog more lethargic than usual?