Dog Coughing

When your dog starts coughing, it’s hard not to worry. Is it just a tickle in their throat, or could it be something more serious? Because coughing can mean so many different things—from mild irritation to something affecting the heart or lungs—it’s important to know what to watch for. In this blog, we’re diving into the different reasons dogs cough, what certain coughs might sound like, and when it’s time to reach out to a veterinarian. If your dog has been coughing more than usual, this information will help you better understand what might be going on and why a veterinary visit could be the next best step. Call Shallowford Animal Hospital in Lewisville, NC at (336) 945-4412 or schedule an appointment online today.

Why Is My Dog Coughing?

Coughing in dogs is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Like in people, coughing helps clear the throat or airways of irritants, fluid, or foreign material. But when a dog coughs frequently or violently, it could point to irritation, infection, or disease affecting the respiratory tract. To help your veterinarian identify the root cause, it’s important to pay attention to when the cough occurs, what it sounds like, and whether other symptoms are present. Dogs can develop a cough from something as simple as inhaling dust or as complex as heart disease. Causes vary depending on the dog’s environment, age, breed, and medical history. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of conditions that could lead to dog coughing.

Potential Causes of Dog Coughing

There’s a wide range of reasons your dog might be coughing. Some are more routine and manageable, while others need swift veterinary care. 

Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections can be viral, bacterial, or even fungal in nature. Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), often referred to as kennel cough, is a well-known contagious illness in dogs. It typically causes a dry, honking cough, especially in dogs that have been in group settings like dog parks, boarding facilities, or grooming salons. Pneumonia is a more serious condition that causes wet, productive coughing and may be accompanied by lethargy, fever, and difficulty breathing. Puppies, senior dogs, and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe infections.

Allergies and Environmental Irritants

Dogs can develop allergies to environmental triggers such as pollen, smoke, dust mites, or mold. These allergens may cause postnasal drip, leading to throat irritation and coughing. Seasonal allergies, like those experienced in spring and fall, can also lead to coughing if your dog’s respiratory system is sensitive. Irritants in the air, like chemical sprays or cigarette smoke, may also provoke a coughing fit. If your dog starts coughing after a specific exposure, try to limit their contact with that substance and let your veterinarian know what they were exposed to.

Heart Disease

Heart conditions, particularly those affecting the valves or muscles of the heart, can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs. This fluid can trigger a persistent, soft cough. Coughing caused by heart disease is often worse at night or after exercise and may be accompanied by fatigue, decreased appetite, and abdominal swelling. Breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Doberman Pinschers are more prone to heart-related coughing. Heartworm disease is another condition that can lead to coughing in dogs, especially if left untreated. It affects the heart and lungs and can be life-threatening without proper intervention.

Collapsing Trachea

A collapsing trachea is a condition commonly seen in small breed dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians. It occurs when the cartilage rings that support the trachea weaken and cause the airway to collapse, particularly during excitement, eating, or pulling on a collar. This condition typically causes a dry, goose-honk type of cough and may worsen with pressure on the neck. While not immediately dangerous in all cases, it’s a progressive condition that benefits from professional management.

What Does the Sound of the Cough Mean?

The sound and rhythm of a dog’s cough can provide clues about its underlying cause. Paying close attention to these details can be helpful during your veterinary appointment.

Dry, Hacking Cough

A dry cough that sounds like hacking or honking is often linked to kennel cough or tracheal issues. It’s typically more persistent and may seem worse when your dog is active or excited.

Wet or Productive Cough

A moist, phlegmy cough that brings up mucus or fluid can point to pneumonia or chronic bronchitis. Dogs with this type of cough might also show signs of breathing difficulty or nasal discharge.

Gagging or Choking Cough

If your dog appears to gag or retch while coughing, it could be due to throat irritation or a foreign object. In some cases, coughing that ends with gagging could indicate postnasal drip or even heart disease.

Additional Symptoms to Watch For

Coughing is just one piece of the puzzle. If you notice other symptoms alongside coughing, it may help your veterinarian get closer to a diagnosis. Keep track of anything unusual your dog may be experiencing and share this information during your visit.

Breathing Changes

Labored breathing, wheezing, or fast respiratory rates may indicate an issue with the lungs or heart. These signs suggest that your dog needs prompt attention.

Lethargy or Loss of Appetite

When a dog’s energy level drops or they lose interest in food, it often signals that their body is working hard to fight something off. This could point to infection or a more complex illness.

Nasal Discharge or Sneezing

Excessive sneezing or nasal discharge, especially if it’s thick, yellow, or green, can accompany respiratory infections and signal inflammation or irritation in the nasal passages and sinuses.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

Coughing that continues for more than a few days, becomes more intense, or is accompanied by other symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. Early evaluation and diagnostics can help rule out serious conditions and provide a path toward relief. Your veterinarian may recommend tests such as chest X-rays, heartworm testing, or bloodwork to determine the cause of your dog’s cough. If you’re concerned about your dog’s coughing, the team at Shallowford Animal Hospital in Lewisville, NC is here to help. Call us at (336) 945-4412 or schedule an appointment online today.

Supporting Your Dog’s Health Starts with a Closer Look at Coughing

Dog coughing may seem like a minor issue at first, but it can be a sign that your dog’s body is responding to something more significant. Whether it’s an upper respiratory infection, heart-related condition, or environmental trigger, professional evaluation is the best step you can take to understand and address the issue. Being attentive to your dog’s symptoms and taking timely action helps protect their comfort and well-being. If your dog has been coughing frequently or if something doesn’t feel right, Shallowford Animal Hospital is ready to provide the care your dog needs. Give us a call at (336) 945-4412 or schedule an appointment online.