If your dog is constantly coughing, it means there is a problem in their breathing tubes. A cough is the body’s way to clear the throat or lungs of irritants or extra fluid. This guide will help you figure out why your dog keeps coughing and what you can do to help.
Pinpointing the Source: Common Causes of Dog Coughing
A cough is not one single illness. It is a sign. Many things can make your dog hack or wheeze. Finding the right cause is the first step to making your pet feel better.
Infectious Agents: Dealing with Dog Respiratory Infection Symptoms
Dogs can catch colds, just like people. These are often caused by viruses or bacteria. When your dog has a dog respiratory infection symptoms, you might see more than just a cough.
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough): This is very common. It often causes a harsh, dry, “honking” sound.
- Viruses: Parainfluenza and Adenovirus can also lead to these issues.
- Signs of Infection: Look for a runny nose, watery eyes, and low energy. Sometimes, a fever is present too.
If the cause is a bacterial infection, your vet might suggest antibiotics. Canine kennel cough treatment often involves rest and sometimes cough suppressants to let the airways heal.
Environmental Triggers and Dog Upper Airway Irritation
Sometimes the cough is not from an illness but from something irritating the throat. This is often related to dog upper airway irritation.
- Dust and Smoke: Strong smells, dust from cleaning products, or smoke from a fire can trigger a reflex cough.
- Allergies: Just like people, dogs can have allergies to pollen or molds. This often leads to sneezing and coughing.
- Harnesses and Collars: A tight collar pulling on the windpipe can cause a reaction. This often leads to a sudden, short burst of coughing. Try using a harness instead of a neck collar for walks.
Heart Issues and Fluid Buildup
The heart plays a big role in breathing. If the heart is weak, fluid can back up into the lungs. This fluid causes a cough.
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): This is more common in older, small breeds, though large breeds can get it too.
- Cough Sound: This cough is often moist or wet. It might get worse when the dog is resting or lying down, as this is when fluid settles.
Chronic Lung Conditions
Some dogs have ongoing issues with their lungs or airways that cause a persistent coughing in dogs.
Tracheal Collapse
This is a very common cause, especially in small toy breeds like Yorkshire Terriers or Poodles.
- What Happens: The rings that keep the windpipe (trachea) open get weak. They flatten, causing the airway to narrow.
- The Cough: This usually sounds like a goose honk or a seal bark. It often happens when the dog gets excited or pulls on the leash. Treating chronic cough in dogs caused by tracheal collapse often focuses on managing weight and avoiding irritants.
Bronchitis
This is long-term swelling and inflammation inside the airways leading to the lungs.
- Symptoms: Persistent coughing, sometimes with wheezing.
- Management: Vets manage this with anti-inflammatory drugs and bronchodilators to keep airways open.
Dog Asthma Symptoms
While less common in dogs than in cats, some dogs do suffer from asthma. This is an allergic reaction causing the small airways to tighten up.
- Signs: Wheezing, labored breathing, and a cough that sounds dry and hacking.
Foreign Objects and Masses
If a dog suddenly starts coughing hard, they might have inhaled something small.
- Objects: Pieces of toys, grass awns, or even food stuck in the throat or windpipe.
- Growths: Less often, tumors or masses in the chest can press on the airways, causing irritation and a cough.
Differentiating Cough Types: Dog Gagging and Coughing vs. Other Sounds
Not every sound your dog makes is a true cough. Knowing the difference helps the vet figure out the problem faster.
Distinguishing True Coughs
A cough is an active expulsion of air. It often involves the chest muscles contracting.
- Dry Cough: Sounds harsh and unproductive (nothing comes up). Common with kennel cough or tracheal collapse.
- Wet Cough: Sounds rattling or bubbly. Suggests fluid in the lungs, often related to heart issues or deep infection.
Understanding Dog Gagging and Coughing
When a dog seems to be trying to throw something up, this is often dog gagging and coughing.
| Sound/Action | Likely Cause | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Honking Cough | Tracheal Collapse, Kennel Cough | Sharp, loud, like a goose call. |
| Retching/Gagging | Nausea, Foreign Body, Post-Nasal Drip | Throat clearing, repeated attempts to vomit. |
| Moist Cough | Heart Failure, Pneumonia | Sounds bubbly or phlegmy. |
| Straining Cough | Chronic Bronchitis | Deep, repetitive effort. |
Dog Reverse Sneezing vs Coughing
This is a common point of confusion. A dog reverse sneezing vs coughing is usually very different.
Reverse sneezing (pharyngeal gag reflex) happens when the dog quickly sucks air in through the nose, rather than pushing air out like a regular cough or sneeze.
- Reverse Sneeze: Sounds like snorting, gasping, or choking. It usually lasts only a few seconds, and the dog often stretches its neck out straight. It’s often triggered by excitement or eating too fast.
- Cough: Is a forceful exhalation.
While a reverse sneeze is usually harmless, persistent ones might need checking, as they can sometimes signal dog upper airway irritation.
When to Worry About Dog Cough
All dog owners need a guide for when a cough is just a minor irritation and when it signals an emergency. When to worry about dog cough depends on how long it lasts and how sick your dog seems.
Seek Immediate Veterinary Care If:
- Breathing Difficulty: Your dog is struggling to catch its breath, panting heavily when resting, or their gums look blue or pale.
- Collapse or Fainting: The cough episode causes your dog to pass out. This suggests a severe lack of oxygen or a major heart problem.
- Coughing Up Blood: Any sign of pink, frothy fluid or frank blood means an emergency vet visit is needed right away.
- Lethargy and Loss of Appetite: If the cough is accompanied by refusal to eat, severe weakness, or high fever.
Monitor Closely If:
- The cough is new but mild.
- It only happens when excited or pulling on the leash.
- The dog seems otherwise normal and energetic.
If a mild cough lasts longer than seven days, it is time to schedule a regular vet appointment.
Diagnostic Tools: How Vets Figure Out the Cause
To treat the cough correctly, your vet needs to know what is causing it. This involves several steps.
Initial Physical Exam
The vet listens carefully to your dog’s heart and lungs using a stethoscope. They will also feel the throat and trachea to check for tenderness or narrowing. Telling the vet about when the cough happens (night, morning, after exercise) is very helpful.
Further Testing Options
Depending on the initial findings, your vet might suggest these tests:
- Chest X-rays (Radiographs): These are vital. They show the size and shape of the heart, look for fluid in the lungs (like in heart disease or pneumonia), and check the trachea.
- Blood Tests: These help check for infection or inflammation markers in the body.
- Heartworm Test: Heartworms live in the vessels near the lungs and cause severe coughing. This test is essential, especially in endemic areas.
- Bronchoscopy: For very complex cases, a specialist might pass a small camera down the airway to look directly at the tissue and take samples.
Home Care and Supportive Measures
While waiting for the vet appointment or while recovering from a mild illness, there are things you can do to ease your dog’s discomfort.
Creating a Better Environment
Reducing irritants is key for dog upper airway irritation and asthma.
- Air Quality: Use an air purifier, especially one with a HEPA filter, in the rooms where your dog spends the most time.
- Avoid Scents: Stop using air fresheners, scented candles, and strong cleaning chemicals around your dog.
- Humidity: Dry air can irritate airways. Use a humidifier, especially in winter, to add moisture to the air.
Managing Leash Tension
If you suspect tracheal collapse or irritation, switch to equipment that does not press on the neck.
- Use a Harness: Ensure the harness fits well and does not rub under the dog’s front legs or put pressure on the throat area.
- Avoid Jerking: Keep walks calm and slow. Sudden stops or pulls can trigger the cough reflex.
Hydration and Warmth
Keeping your dog well-hydrated helps keep mucus thin, making it easier to clear.
- Offer fresh water frequently.
- If your dog has a dry, hacking cough, sometimes bringing them into a steamy bathroom for 10–15 minutes (like after a shower) can soothe the throat. This mimics humid air therapy.
Medical Treatments for Persistent Coughing
Treating chronic cough in dogs requires targeting the specific underlying issue. Medications aim to reduce inflammation, open airways, or manage heart issues.
Medications Used
| Condition Targeted | Common Drug Types | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Infection | Antibiotics | Kills bacteria if present. |
| Inflammation/Allergy | Steroids (e.g., Prednisone) | Reduces swelling in the airways. |
| Bronchospasm (Asthma/Bronchitis) | Bronchodilators (e.g., Terbutaline) | Opens up the narrowed airways. |
| Heart Failure | Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide) | Removes excess fluid from the lungs. |
| Severe Dry Cough | Cough Suppressants (e.g., Dextromethorphan) | Calms the cough reflex center in the brain. (Use only under vet direction). |
Importance of Following Vet Instructions
When dealing with Canine kennel cough treatment or other long-term issues, consistency matters. If your vet prescribes steroids for bronchitis, stopping them too early can cause the inflammation to flare back up worse than before. Always complete the full course of medication unless severe side effects occur.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Long-Term Health
For dogs dealing with chronic conditions, adjustments to daily life are just as important as medicine.
Weight Management
Excess weight puts extra strain on the heart and lungs. It also puts physical pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing harder when lying down. Maintaining a lean body condition score is crucial for any dog with a chronic cough.
Exercise Modification
Dogs with heart conditions or severe tracheal collapse need lower-impact exercise.
- Replace long jogs with several short, slow walks throughout the day.
- Avoid strenuous activity in hot or humid weather, as this stresses the respiratory system immediately.
Monitoring Changes
Keep a simple log of your dog’s coughing episodes. Note the following:
- Time of day (morning, night, after eating).
- Duration of the episode.
- What seemed to trigger it (excitement, lying down, drinking water).
This detailed information is invaluable when your vet needs to adjust the treating chronic cough in dogs plan.
Focusing on Specific Types of Coughs
Some specific cough presentations need specialized attention.
Recognizing Canine Kennel Cough Treatment Needs
Kennel cough is highly contagious. If your dog has this, isolation is key to protect other dogs at the park or daycare.
- Quarantine: Keep the infected dog away from other animals for at least two weeks after the coughing stops, as they can still shed the virus/bacteria.
- Relief: The goal is often just keeping the dog comfortable while the immune system clears the infection.
When It Seems Like Dog Gagging and Coughing is Food-Related
Sometimes, what looks like a cough is related to esophageal issues. If the dog gagging and coughing happens right after drinking or eating, the esophagus (food pipe) might be involved.
- Megaesophagus: This is a condition where the esophagus enlarges and loses muscle tone, causing food to sit in the tube instead of moving to the stomach. Dogs often cough or regurgitate food shortly after eating. This requires specialized feeding techniques (like elevated bowls or “Bailey Chairs”).
Conclusion: Taking Action When Your Dog Coughs
A constant cough is never normal and should always be checked by a veterinarian. While many dog respiratory infection symptoms resolve with rest, others, like heart disease or tracheal collapse, require ongoing medical management. By observing the sound of the cough, noting the triggers, and working closely with your vet, you can successfully manage your dog’s condition and ensure they breathe easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I give my dog human cough syrup?
A: No, never give your dog human cough medicine unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Many human cold medicines contain ingredients like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or decongestants that are highly toxic to dogs.
Q: Is my dog coughing because they are too old?
A: Age can make a dog more susceptible to diseases like heart failure, which causes coughing. However, aging itself is not the cause. The cough is a symptom of an underlying disease process that needs diagnosis, whether it is heart disease, collapsing trachea, or bronchitis.
Q: How long does a typical kennel cough last?
A: Uncomplicated kennel cough usually lasts between 10 days and 3 weeks. If the cough lasts longer than three weeks, your vet will likely want to investigate other causes, as this moves into the realm of persistent coughing in dogs or chronic bronchitis.
Q: If my dog has a reverse sneeze, should I still see a vet?
A: A single, quick reverse sneeze is usually nothing to worry about. If your dog is doing it frequently, or if the reverse sneezing episodes look exactly like a choking fit or dog gagging and coughing, you should seek advice to rule out other irritations or underlying issues.
Q: Can I prevent my dog from getting a respiratory infection?
A: Yes, partly. Vaccinations against common pathogens like Bordetella (kennel cough) can significantly reduce the risk, especially if your dog frequently visits dog parks, boarding facilities, or grooming salons.