Why Does My Dog Keep Coughing

A persistent cough in dogs can be concerning for pet owners. While occasional coughing is normal, frequent or prolonged coughing may indicate an underlying health issue. Understanding the reasons behind your dog's cough can help you determine whether it’s something that requires veterinary attention or if it can be managed at home. This guide explores the common causes of coughing in dogs, how to recognize serious symptoms, and the available treatment options. A dog's cough can be caused by a number of things, including infections, allergies, foreign objects in the airways, heart disease, pneumonia, and more. If your dog's cough persists, it is recommended that you take him to your veterinarian as soon as possible for a checkup to determine the exact cause of the cough and to receive proper treatment. While waiting to be seen, you can keep your dog's environment clean, avoid exposing him to substances that may cause allergies, and make sure he has adequate water intake. Don't feel free to give your dog cough medication, as this may mask symptoms or adversely affect his health. Prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment is vital to your dog's recovery.

Recognizing the Types of Cough

The sound and pattern of your dog’s cough can provide clues about the underlying cause.

Dry Cough

A dry, hacking cough is often associated with kennel cough or tracheal collapse. It’s typically non-productive, meaning it doesn’t bring up mucus or phlegm.

Wet Cough

A wet or productive cough may indicate fluid in the lungs or a respiratory infection. This type of cough often produces mucus and can be a sign of pneumonia, bronchitis, or heart disease.

Honking Cough

A honking cough that sounds like a goose honk is a classic sign of tracheal collapse. It’s more common in small breed dogs and can be triggered by excitement or pulling on a leash.

What Causes of Coughing in Dogs 

Several conditions can cause persistent coughing in dogs, ranging from mild to serious.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is one of the most common causes of coughing in dogs. It’s a contagious respiratory disease caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium or other viruses. Dogs often contract kennel cough in places where they come into close contact with other dogs, such as kennels, dog parks, or grooming facilities. The condition is typically characterized by a dry, hacking cough that may sound like a honking goose.

Related:  How Do Dogs Get Kennel Cough

Heart Disease

Heart disease, particularly congestive heart failure, can cause a persistent cough in dogs. This happens when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema). The cough may be accompanied by symptoms like lethargy, difficulty breathing, and a bluish tint to the gums.

Allergies

Dogs can suffer from allergies just like humans, and these can cause coughing. Allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, or even certain foods can trigger an allergic response. In addition to coughing, dogs with allergies may experience itching, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Tracheal Collapse

Tracheal collapse is a condition where the trachea (windpipe) becomes weak and collapses inward, causing a dry, honking cough. This condition is more common in small breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Toy Poodles. It can be triggered by excitement, exercise, or pulling on a leash.

Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or canine influenza, can cause coughing. These infections may be bacterial, viral, or fungal in origin. Dogs with respiratory infections may also exhibit symptoms like fever, nasal discharge, and lethargy.

Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a serious condition caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart and lungs. The presence of these worms can lead to a persistent cough, as well as fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty breathing. Heartworm disease is transmitted through mosquito bites and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Foreign Objects

If a dog inhales a foreign object like a small toy, piece of food, or plant material, it can become lodged in the throat or airway, leading to a sudden and persistent cough. This situation requires immediate veterinary attention.

What are Common Canine Respiratory Diseases?

Canine respiratory diseases are a variety of conditions that affect your dog's respiratory system, and they can have a serious impact on your dog's health and quality of life. Here are some common canine respiratory diseases.

• Chronic Bronchitis

This is a persistent inflammatory condition that is characterized by symptoms such as coughing, sputum and wheezing.

• Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lungs, which may be caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection, with symptoms including fever, coughing and shortness of breath. 

Also Read: Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs

• Airway obstruction

Obstruction of the airway by a foreign body that causes breathing difficulties, long-haired dogs are more susceptible to the threat of foreign bodies such as hair and dust. 

• RhinitisPharyngitisTracheitis

These diseases are usually caused by external irritants and symptoms may include sneezing, runny nose, coughing and difficulty breathing. 

• Bronchopneumonia

This is a common viral respiratory infection that occurs in immunocompromised puppies and middle-aged and older dogs. Symptoms include bouts of coughing, mucus or purulent nasal discharge, fever and difficulty breathing. 

Measures to prevent and treat canine respiratory disease include regular veterinary checkups, keeping the environment clean, providing a healthy diet and proper exercise, avoiding secondhand smoke and chemicals, and monitoring your dog's respiratory status promptly. If your dog shows symptoms of respiratory disease, consult your veterinarian immediately for professional treatment. 

Also Read: Dog Respiratory Illness

How to Choose Medication for Dog Cough?

When choosing a medication for your dog's cough, you should first consider the cause of the cough, as different causes of cough may require different types of treatment. 

Determining the type of cough

A dog's cough may be caused by a cold, upper respiratory infection, foreign body irritation, heart disease, or kennel cough. If the cough is accompanied by phlegm, a phlegm-modifying medication may be needed; if the cough is dry, a cough suppressant may be needed. 

Use of antibiotics

Antibiotics may be needed if the cough is caused by a bacterial infection. For example, amoxicillin clavulanate potassium and doxycycline are commonly used antibiotics to treat coughs caused by bacterial infections. 

Antiviral medications

If the cough is caused by a viral infection, antiviral medications may be needed. For example, azithromycin and viral azole can be used to treat viral respiratory infections. 

Cough suppressants

For non-infectious coughs, cough suppressants such as loquat cough syrup can be used to relieve coughing symptoms. 

Advice from professional veterinarians

Before using any medication, consult your veterinarian to ensure that the medication is appropriate for your dog's specific condition and to avoid unwanted side effects. Your veterinarian may recommend specific medications and dosages based on your dog's symptoms and physical examination. 

Pay attention to the choice of medication

Pet-specific medications should be chosen and administered in strict accordance with your veterinarian's instructions. Human medications may not be suitable for dogs, as dosages and metabolic pathways may differ. 

Keep in mind that this information is based on a synthesis of search results and that the professional advice of your veterinarian should always be followed when actually treating your dog's cough.

What to Do to Protect Dog's Throat When They Cough

When your dog coughs, measures to protect their throat can help ease the discomfort and promote recovery. Here are some of the steps you can take.

• Offer warm water

Allowing your dog to drink warm water can help moisten the throat and alleviate coughing symptoms.

• Gently Massage

Gently massaging your dog's throat may help relieve discomfort. 

• Throat Moistening Foods

Offer foods that have a moisturizing effect on the throat, such as boiled pears or honey, but be careful with moderation to avoid adverse reactions. 

• Ice on the throat

Use small pieces of ice to apply to your dog's throat, but be careful not to make direct contact as this may cause injury. 

• Increase the humidity in the room

Using a humidifier or placing a water bowl in the room to allow your dog to inhale moisture will help relieve a dry throat. 

• Avoid irritants

Make sure that your dog stays away from substances that can irritate the throat such as smoke and perfume. 

While taking the above measures, you should closely monitor your dog's symptoms and contact your veterinarian for professional treatment if the cough persists or is accompanied by other serious symptoms. Do not self-administer human cough medication to your dog as this may not be suitable for your dog or cause adverse reactions. Your veterinarian will advise on the appropriate treatment for your dog's specific condition.

What Can Help Relieve Dog's Coughing Symptoms?

• Keep the air in the house moist

Using a humidifier can increase the humidity in the air and help soothe your dog's dry throat.

• Avoid irritants

Make sure your dog stays away from smoke, dust and other substances that can irritate the respiratory tract.

• Provide plenty of water

Encourage your dog to drink plenty of water to keep his throat moist.

• Home Care

Gently massage your dog's chest or use heat and ice packs to relieve discomfort.

• Keep the house clean

Clean your dog's living environment regularly to reduce allergens and pathogens.

• Avoid Strenuous Exercise

Reduce strenuous physical activity during your dog's cough to avoid aggravating it.

• Maintain the right temperature

Avoid exposing your dog to excessive heat or cold, which may exacerbate the cough.

• Monitor symptoms

Closely monitor your dog's coughing frequency, duration and other related symptoms so that you can report them to your veterinarian in a timely manner.

Remember to consult your veterinarian before taking any therapeutic measures to ensure that the chosen approach is appropriate for your dog's specific situation. Your veterinarian may be able to provide more specialized advice and treatment options. 

How Should I Nebulize My Dog's Cough?

Nebulization therapy is a treatment that converts medication into tiny particles that are inhaled directly through the respiratory tract and is indicated for treating coughs and other respiratory conditions in dogs. The following steps should be followed when administering nebulization therapy.

• Choose the right nebulizer

Ensure that the nebulizer is the right size for your dog and can produce drug particles small enough for your dog to inhale and reach deep into the respiratory tract.

• Prepare the medication solution

Prepare the appropriate medication solution according to your veterinarian's instructions. Common medications include antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin) and bronchodilators (e.g., budesonide).

• Create a quiet and comfortable environment

Conduct nebulization treatments in a quiet and temperature-appropriate environment to reduce your dog's stress and anxiety.

• Help your dog inhale the medication

Gently place the nebulizer nozzle in front of your dog's nose or mouth and encourage your dog to breathe calmly to ensure that the medication can be inhaled effectively.

• Monitor your dog's response

Closely monitor your dog's reaction during the nebulization treatment to ensure that no adverse reactions occur.

• Clean and maintain the nebulizer

After the nebulization treatment, the nebulizer should be cleaned to avoid drug residue and bacterial growth.

Nebulization treatment can be used as an adjunct to medication to help relieve your dog's coughing symptoms and promote respiratory health. Consult your veterinarian for a personalized treatment plan and medication recommendations before nebulizing. 

How to Adjust Dog's Diet When He Has a Cough

When your dog has a cough, it's important to make dietary adjustments to support his or her health. Here are some suggestions for dietary adjustments.

• Provide easily digestible food

Choosing foods that are easily digestible, such as cooked chicken or fish, will ease the burden on your dog's digestive system and help him absorb nutrients better. 

• Increase water intake

Ensuring your dog has adequate water intake can help dilute and expel respiratory secretions and alleviate coughing symptoms. 

• Avoid irritating foods

Foods such as spicy, caffeine, chocolate, garlic and onions may stimulate coughing and should be avoided when your dog is coughing. 

• Provide foods rich in protein and fiber

Protein helps repair tissue and fiber promotes intestinal health, which are nutrients your dog needs during recovery. 

• Increase Nutrition

You can boost your dog's immunity and overall health by adding some nutritional supplements such as cod liver oil or nutritional yeast. 

• Consider therapeutic food

Some therapeutic recipes may help relieve coughing, such as stewed pigeon cake and nori fish ball soup, which often contain ingredients that are beneficial to the respiratory tract. 

• Consult your veterinarian

Before making any dietary adjustments, it's a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the adjustments made are appropriate for your dog's specific health condition and the cause of the cough. 

By making these adjustments, you can provide your coughing dog with a diet that is better suited to his current health condition, helping to alleviate symptoms and support his overall health. Remember to closely monitor your dog's response during a cough and make further dietary adjustments as needed.

What Foods Provide Soothing Effects for Dogs' Throats?

For dogs with throat irritation, there are several foods that may provide a soothing effect.

Honey

Honey has antimicrobial properties that cover the throat, reducing irritation and helping to soothe. It also calms the nerve endings in the throat and reduces coughing.

Oats

Oats have a soft texture and are easy to swallow, limiting throat irritation while providing nutrients. 

Yogurt

Yogurt is not only soft and easy to swallow, it is also rich in nutrients and probiotics that help support the immune system. 

Chicken Soup

Warm foods such as chicken broth can help reduce throat irritation and have a moisturizing effect. 

Popsicles

Popsicles can moisturize and make the throat more soothing, lowering the temperature of the nerve endings in the throat and easing pain. 

When offering these treats, make sure they are suitable for your dog and do not have added ingredients that can be harmful to your dog, such as xylitol or excessive sugar. If your dog's throat discomfort persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult your veterinarian.

How to Prevent Coughing in Dogs?

In order to prevent your dog from coughing, you can take the following measures.

• Regular Vaccinations

Follow your veterinarian's advice and regularly vaccinate your dog against relevant vaccines to prevent respiratory diseases such as kennel cough. 

Also Read:  Puppy’s First Injections：Puppy Health Guarantee

• Maintain environmental hygiene

Ensure that the environment where your dog lives is clean and tidy to avoid irritation of the respiratory tract caused by dust, hair and other foreign objects. 

• Avoid contact with allergens

Know your dog's allergens and try to avoid their contact to minimize allergy-induced cough. 

• Eat well

Provide a nutritionally balanced diet to strengthen your dog's resistance and help prevent coughing. 

• Exercise in moderation

Appropriate exercise helps to strengthen your dog's immunity, but you should avoid over-exercising your dog when coughing symptoms are severe. 

• Measures to keep your dog warm

Take care to keep your dog warm when the weather changes, especially in cold or wet environments. 

• Reducing the risk of infection

Try to minimize the exposure of your puppy to germs by taking him to play in places where there are piles of dogs. 

• Regular medical checkups

Take your dog for regular veterinary checkups to detect and deal with health problems in a timely manner. 

By taking the above measures, you can effectively reduce the risk of coughing and keep your dog's respiratory tract healthy.

When to Seek Veterinary  

While occasional coughing isn’t usually a cause for concern, certain signs indicate the need for veterinary attention.

Persistent Coughing

If your dog’s cough lasts for more than a few days or is getting progressively worse, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. Persistent coughing can indicate a serious condition that needs treatment.

Additional Symptoms

Seek veterinary care if the coughing is accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Bluish gums or tongue
• Nasal discharge

These symptoms can indicate a more severe underlying condition that requires prompt medical attention.

FAQs

What Steps Should I Take to Prevent Cross-Infection When My Dog Coughs?

Isolate the sick dog

Separate your coughing dog from other household pets by using different food bowls, water bowls and sleeping areas to minimize the risk of pathogen transmission.

Clean and disinfect regularly

Ensure that your dog's living environment is cleaned and sanitized regularly, especially areas that your dog touches frequently, such as sleeping mats, toys and food and water containers.

Limit visitors

Limit visits from outsiders and other pets during your dog's cough to avoid potential cross-infection.

Avoid public places

Do not take your coughing dog to the pet park, doggy daycare, or other places where other animals may be present until your doctor confirms that your dog is no longer contagious.

Monitor health closely

Closely monitor the health of all household pets, especially those in close contact with the sick dog, and immediately isolate and consult your veterinarian if coughing or other symptoms develop.

Follow your veterinarian's instructions

Follow your veterinarian's recommendations for treatment and preventive measures, make sure all pets have received the necessary vaccinations, and follow your veterinarian's instructions for health management.

By taking these measures, you can effectively reduce the risk of other pets in your household contracting the cough.

How to Tell if My Dog's Cough is Kennel Cough?

Persistent cough: Kennel cough usually presents as a paroxysmal dry cough that may be followed by dry heaving or vomiting.
Change in sound: The cough may become shrill, sometimes sounding like the dog is honking.
Symptoms accompanying the cough: The dog may have a runny nose and sneezing, and the cough may change from a mild to a heavy cough that may eventually become a severe, persistent cough.
Course and progression: Kennel cough may begin as a dry cough, which may then change to a wet cough with purulent nasal discharge.
Vaccination Reaction to Kennel Cough: If your dog has been vaccinated against kennel cough, the cough may be a normal reaction to the vaccination, but this cough is usually mild and short-lived.
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, it is recommended that he or she be taken to a veterinary hospital for a relevant infectious disease test to confirm the diagnosis of kennel cough. Your veterinarian may recommend pathogenetic testing, such as antigen test strips, PCR viral gene testing, and bacterial isolation and culture, to help confirm the diagnosis. 

What Are Typical Symptoms of Canine Infectious Bronchitis Virus Infection?

• Sudden dry or wet cough, especially worse with exercise, excitement or pressure on the neck.
• A positive artificially induced cough, which may be accompanied by vomiting, dry heaves and a runny nose.
• Dogs with simple infectious tracheobronchitis usually do not show systemic symptoms, but the presence of weight loss, persistent anorexia, or other organ signs (e.g., diarrhea, choroidal retinitis, or convulsions) may indicate the
• presence of more serious disease.
• In some cases, canine infectious bronchitis may lead to a respiratory syndrome or secondary bacterial pneumonia, especially in puppies, immunodeficient dogs, or dogs with pulmonary abnormalities.
• Affected dogs may show signs of elevated temperature, loss of appetite and lethargy . 

If My Dog Has a Cough and No Fever, Do I Still Need to Take Him to the Doctor?

Even if your dog has a cough without a fever, it is recommended that you take him to the doctor. Coughing can be caused by a number of things including, but not limited to, kennel cough, upper respiratory infections, foreign body aspiration, heart disease or lung disease. The absence of a fever does not rule out these conditions, especially if the cough persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, loss of appetite or depression. 

A prompt veterinary examination can help determine the cause of the cough and provide appropriate treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend blood work, x-rays or other diagnostic tests to help diagnose an underlying health problem. Additionally, some conditions such as kennel cough may not be accompanied by a fever in the early stages, but other symptoms may develop as the condition progresses. 

Therefore, to ensure your dog's health and prevent potential complications, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian promptly when your dog develops a cough.

Conclusion

Coughing in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, from minor irritants to serious health conditions. Understanding the potential causes of your dog’s cough and recognizing when to seek veterinary care is essential for keeping your dog healthy and comfortable. Whether it’s a simple case of kennel cough or a more complex issue like heart disease, early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in your dog’s recovery. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper vaccinations, and a healthy lifestyle are key to preventing and managing coughing in dogs.