Understanding Why Dogs Cough: Causes, Types, and What to Do
When your dog starts coughing, it can be worrying—sometimes it's just a simple throat tickle, but other times it signals something more serious. Coughing in dogs isn't a disease itself; it's a symptom with many possible causes. Let's explore why dogs cough, what different types of coughs might mean, and how you can help your canine companion feel better.
Common Causes of Coughing in Dogs
There are several reasons why your dog might develop a cough. Some are minor and resolve quickly; others require prompt veterinary attention. Here are the most frequent culprits:
- Kennel Cough: This highly contagious infection leads to a dry, hacking or honking cough that often worsens with excitement or activity. Dogs may also sneeze or have a runny nose and mild fever.
- Respiratory Infections: Viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites can cause bronchitis or pneumonia. Symptoms include coughing (sometimes wet), fever, nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, and even labored breathing.
- Allergies: Just like people, dogs can react to dust, pollen, mold, smoke, or other irritants. Allergic reactions may cause coughing along with sneezing, watery eyes, itchy skin, or even digestive upset.
- Heart Disease: Conditions such as mitral valve disease or congestive heart failure can trigger soft but persistent coughs—often worse at night or when lying down—and may come with reduced energy and difficulty breathing.
- Collapsed Trachea: Small breeds are especially prone to this problem where the windpipe weakens and collapses slightly. The result? A dry "honking" cough that's triggered by excitement or pulling on the leash.
- Chronic Bronchitis: Ongoing inflammation of the airways leads to a persistent dry cough that's hard to ignore. It tends to get worse with activity and may need long-term management.
- Foreign Body: If your dog inhales grass seeds or small objects (it happens!), sudden coughing and gagging may follow. This is an emergency if the object isn't quickly removed.
- Pneumonia: Caused by infections or inhaled material (like vomit), pneumonia produces wet coughs along with fever and lethargy.
- Obesity: Overweight dogs face extra pressure on their airways and are more prone to conditions like tracheal collapse and heart disease—both of which can cause coughing.
- Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in the lungs leads to reduced oxygen delivery—dogs may cough and struggle to breathe.
- Distemper: This serious viral infection brings on coughing plus runny eyes/nose, fever, vomiting, neurological symptoms—and can be fatal if not treated.
- Heartworm Disease: Mosquito-borne parasites infect the heart/lungs causing coughing and exercise intolerance; severe cases lead to heart failure.
- Lungworm: Dogs pick up these parasites from slugs/snails; symptoms include coughing plus appetite loss and weight loss.
- Cancer: Tumors in the lungs/throat/heart cause persistent coughs (sometimes with blood) and difficulty breathing—more common in older pets.
- Allergic Bronchitis: Chronic exposure to airborne irritants (like cigarette smoke) can trigger ongoing airway inflammation in sensitive dogs.
- Reverse Sneezing: Not technically a cough but often mistaken for one—dogs rapidly inhale through their nose making odd choking sounds. It's usually harmless.
The Sound Matters: Types of Dog Coughs
The nature of your dog's cough gives clues about what's wrong. Listen for these patterns:
- A deep dry hack often means kennel cough or bronchitis
- A honking sound suggests collapsed trachea
- A wet phlegmy cough points toward pneumonia or heart failure
- A high-pitched gagging noise could mean something's stuck in the throat
- Coughing at night/lying down is suspicious for heart disease
Dangers Signs: When Is It an Emergency?
If your dog shows any of these signs along with coughing, seek veterinary care right away:
- Cough that doesn't improve after several days
- Trouble breathing; rapid/labored breaths
- Pale/blue gums; collapse; extreme lethargy
- Coughing up blood or colored mucus
- Coughing plus loss of appetite/fever/weight loss
- Persistent vomiting/diarrhea/abdominal swelling
The Veterinary Diagnosis Process
Your veterinarian will ask about the sound/timing of the cough and recent exposures (dog parks? boarding?). They'll examine your pet thoroughly and may recommend tests such as:
- Bood work & heartworm testing
- X-rays & ultrasound/echocardiography
- Urinalysis & fecal exam for parasites
- Bronchoscopy/endoscopy for direct airway inspection
Treatment Options for Coughing Dogs
The best treatment depends on what's causing the problem. Your vet might prescribe:
- Cough suppressants/medications for symptom relief (never use human meds without advice!)
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Dewormers for parasites like heartworm/lungworm
- Steroids & bronchodilators for airway inflammation/chronic bronchitis
- Cardiac drugs for heart disease cases
In emergencies (obstructions/tumors), surgery or endoscopy may be needed. Severe respiratory distress sometimes requires oxygen therapy/humidifiers.
Caring for Your Dog at Home During Recovery
Your role at home matters too! Help your dog recover by:
- Makes sure they rest in a warm humidified space (bathroom steam works well—but don't use hot water)
- Avoiding smoke/sprays/chemical fumes nearby
- Keeps them hydrated
- If they pull on walks while coughing: switch from collar to harness
Never give over-the-counter human medications unless directed by your vet.
A Few Preventive Tips Go a Long Way!
- Keeps vaccinations current—especially kennel cough/canine flu/distemper
- Makes sure you stay up-to-date on parasite preventives (heartworm/lungworm)
- Keeps your pet at a healthy weight
- Avoids letting them sniff/eat unknown objects outdoors
If you notice new/worsening symptoms—or any sign of respiratory distress—call your vet promptly! Early intervention helps protect your dog's health so they can get back to tail-wagging soon.
