Wondering Why Your Dog Is Coughing So Much? Here's What Might Be Going On

Kaitlin Vogel
·5 min read

Have you noticed that your normally happy, healthy dog has started coughing constantly? A lot of things could be the cause of your dog's distress—some of them pretty harmless, others more serious. The occasional cough is nothing to be concerned about. But chronic coughing in canines is a different story. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the most common conditions that cause dogs to cough so you know how to get them the help they need.

To learn more about what might be making your dog cough and when they need professional help, we spoke to top veterinarians and pet health experts. Here's everything you need to know to get your furry friend's tail wagging again.

Why Is My Dog Coughing So Much?

Chronic cough can be a sign of minor health conditions, like seasonal allergies, as well as serious issues like heart disease, viruses and bacterial infections, says Alex Schechter, DVM. Canine cough can also be a symptom of a chronic progressive condition such as tracheal collapse, and even, in rare cases, lung cancer.

Related: 50 Homemade Dog Treats Pups Will Go Crazy For

While the majority of health problems related to persistent coughing in dogs may be treated or controlled, Dr. Amanda Takiguchi, a veterinarian, and Founder of Trending Breeds suggests having your veterinarian examine your dog to determine the best course of treatment. 

Types of Dog Coughs

Dr. Schecter says there are different types of dog coughs that may help you determine what's causing your dog's distress.

  • A dry, hacking cough suggests there may be something lodged in your dog's throat or indicate an allergy. A raspy-sounding hacking throat could also be a sign of kennel cough.

  • A honking cough is when your dog emits a noise that almost sounds like a goose honk. This is the most obvious symptom of kennel cough, says the AKC experts.

  • A wet cough may indicate that there is fluid in your dog's lungs, according to experts at the American Kennel Club. If your dog has a wet, gurgling cough, have them seen immediately by your veterinarian.

  • A high-pitched cough that sounds like your dog could be gagging can indicate upper respiratory irritation or sore throat.

Related: Amazing Stories of Hero Dogs Saving Lives

Causes of Coughing

There are numerous conditions that cause canine cough. Dr. Dwight Alleyne, DVM, provides a list:

Kennel cough

Kennel cough is commonly caused by a bacteria called Bordetella. This bacteria can cause inflammation in the upper airway which can lead to coughing.

Tracheal collapse

Tracheal collapse is a condition where the windpipe collapses under pressure when a dog is inhaling. This is most common in small breeds and causes coughing because the collapsing trachea causes irritation due to decreased airflow.

Canine influenza

Canine influenza is a viral infection similar to the human flu. The virus affects the upper and lower airways in dogs, causing inflammation which leads to coughing.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is caused by a bacteria, viral, or fungal infection that affects the lungs. This infection can cause inflammation in the lungs, causing them to produce mucus which can lead to deep coughs in dogs.

Allergic reaction

An allergic reaction is an exaggerated immune response to something in the environment. If a dog breathes in something that they may be allergic to, it can cause the airways to become inflamed and prompt coughing.

Heartworm disease

Heartworm disease is caused by mosquitoes that transmit a parasitic worm into dogs through bites. Once transmitted, these worms travel to the heart where they develop into adults and cause heart disease. As heart disease progresses, it can cause fluid to develop in the lungs which causes irritation and leads to coughing.

Heart conditions

Coughing can be a symptom of heart conditions including mitral valve endocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs has two main causes—mitral valve insufficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy, Dr. Schecter explains. The common sign of CHF is persistent coughing and difficulty breathing. Coughing occurs due to pulmonary edema, or fluid accumulation in the lungs. In addition, the enlarged heart pushes against the trachea, causing irritation and inducing a cough.

Most dogs with congestive heart failure will have a murmur. If your veterinarian detects a murmur and suspects CHF, they will likely perform a chest X-ray to determine whether there is fluid in your pup's lungs.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is another possible cause that should be ruled out through a veterinarian's examination and testing.

When Should You Bring Your Dog to a Vet?

If your dog is coughing and has a fever, you should take the animal to a veterinarian immediately, Dr. Schechter explains. In addition, if the cough persists for more than one week, or if your dog seems extra tired, refuses to eat, or has an underlying health condition, they should be examined by a professional.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Treating your dog's cough depends, obviously, on the cause. For dogs whose coughs are caused by bacterial infections, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics; other drugs can be helpful in treating coughs related to fungal infections. Viral infections will have to run their course. Rest, fluids and regular feeding no matter what the cause is recommended. Some severe coughs may be treated by specially formulated cough suppressants. Tracheal collapse, which occurs mostly in small dogs, may be treated by everything from weight loss and exercise to antibiotics, steroids and surgery, depending on the severity and the dog's symptoms.

For dogs with CHF, Pimobendan is the drug typically prescribed when the disease's primary cause is dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular insufficiency. Pet parents should ensure that the doses are offered precisely as prescribed. Usually, the medication has a noticeable effect within one to two hours, Dr. Schecter states.

However, in certain instances, there may not be any sign of the effect, and laboratory tests may be required to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication. The drug can also be offered as an injection or an oral liquid.

Next up: What Are the 12 Most Vocal Dog Breeds?

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