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Canine coughing is not uncommon. Just like humans, dogs sometimes do this, and it's usually no big deal. However, there are some potential underlying causes for coughing in dogs — some of them serious — that pet parents need to be aware of.
Dogs naturally explore the world using their mouths and noses. As a result, dirt, grass, and other unwelcome materials can easily get into their throats, often causing irritation and coughing. The occasional cough could mean your dog's just clearing their throat, while a chronic cough could mean you need to visit your veterinarian for treatment options.
Here are some types and causes of a dog's cough.
1. Kennel Cough
Kennel cough in dogs is a respiratory issue that can lead to throat infection and bronchitis in dogs. It is caused by various bacteria or viruses that can work together or alone. This condition is easily communicable to other dogs.
The symptoms of kennel cough may include a hacking cough, eye discharge, runny nose, and sneezing. Veterinarians typically prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and sometimes cough suppressants to combat the infection and aid in recovery.
2. Sore Throat
A sore throat causes upper airway irritation and can develop due to any number of respiratory infections. Some of these are tonsillitis, mouth disease, strep throat, canine influenza virus, and sinusitis.
A cough, fever, and lack of appetite typically accompany a sore throat. Your dog's veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics for your canine companion to treat the sore throat caused by an infection.
3. Reverse Sneezing
Reverse sneezing is an involuntary breathing reflex that sucks air in rather than blowing it out. The sound is a bit like coughing, but it can sometimes sound like choking.
As it is not harmful to your dog, reverse sneezing resolves independently. However, when your dog's sneezing is accompanied by coughing, your veterinarian may authorize the use of anti-inflammatories or antihistamines.
4. Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse happens when the cartilage rings are too weak to support the trachea. The passageway becomes compressed, so when your dog forces air through, a "honking" sound occurs. Symptoms include a gagging cough while drinking or eating; breathing distress, and intolerance during exercise.
Depending on the severity and the impact on your dog's life, your veterinarian may prescribe different types of treatment to dilate the airways and reduce inflammation.
5. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and more often affects pets with compromised immune systems, such as small puppies or senior dogs. Fungi, bacteria, and viruses can all cause pneumonia. Coughing in dogs with pneumonia typically sounds "wet," and it may result in respiratory distress.
Immediately seek a veterinarian's attention if you suspect pneumonia in your pet so they can be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.
6. Foreign Objects
Foreign objects are often non-food objects that end up inside your dog's body. Your dog might eat or inhale an object while sniffing around or playing.
Anything your dog swallows can potentially get stuck in the esophagus, particularly if it is a large, rough, or irregularly shaped object. This could lead to a full or partial esophageal obstruction.
The symptoms of foreign objects stuck in the respiratory tract are gagging sounds, a persistent cough, drooling, pawing of the face, and anorexia.
In some cases, a foreign body obstruction in your dog's throat can be removed by performing first aid with the help of your veterinarian. However, surgery may be required.
7. Heart Disease
A dog's coughing can indicate a heart disorder, such as congestive heart failure or an enlarged heart. Symptoms include a reduced appetite, lethargy, difficulty breathing, weakness, depression, and a rapid heartbeat.
Your veterinarian may notice a heart murmur when they examine your dog. Follow your veterinarian's treatment plan if your dog has existing heart disease and take note of any worsening of the cough.
What to Do If My Dog Is Coughing?
You don't need to consult a veterinarian every time your dog clears their throat. However, you should recognize that an ongoing cough could be serious. Even mild infections can get worse over time if left untreated.
For these reasons, you should consult a veterinarian if your dog is exhibiting:
- Severe coughing combined with fever, loss of appetite, and/or lethargy
- A consistent cough that does not seem to improve within two days
- Any cough if existing health conditions such as heart disease, heartworm, a collapsing trachea, or cancer are present
Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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Conclusion
Coughing in dogs can be a symptom of a range of conditions. Some are relatively mild, such as kennel cough, sore throat, and reverse sneezing. Others, such as pneumonia and congestive heart failure, can be life-threatening.
If you're worried about your dog's coughing, schedule an appointment with your veterinary doctor for a physical examination of your pet. If you'd like to ask questions beforehand, you can chat with a veterinarian at BetterVet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be worried about my dog coughing?
Yes, it is important to take all coughing seriously. If your dog suddenly starts coughing and is less active than usual, you need to visit your dog's veterinarian.
What are the different types of dog coughs?
Dog coughs can be categorized in several ways. For example, a cough might be a dry, tickly cough, or a wet, hacking cough. It might arise from throat irritation, like kennel cough, or from deep in the chest, like chronic bronchitis.
Why is my dog coughing and gagging?
These symptoms often indicate irritation in the throat. This could be due to an infection, inflammation, or a foreign object lodged in the throat.
Why is my dog shaking and panting?
When your dog is shaking and panting, it might be distressed or in pain due to breathing difficulties. This is an emergency, and you should consult a veterinarian immediately.
What do vets give dogs for coughs?
Your veterinarian's choice of treatment will depend on the cause of your dog's cough. It might include antibiotics, respiratory therapies, or cough suppressants.
Will Benadryl help my dog's cough?
Benadryl is an antihistamine that can alleviate allergy symptoms. However, it may not be effective for your dog's cough. In fact, it might even hide other symptoms, making it harder for your veterinarian to properly diagnose your dog.
We do not advise that you use Benadryl unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so.
