Introduction
Coughing is a common symptom in dogs that signals a potential underlying health issue. While mild coughing may resolve on its own, persistent or worsening coughs warrant veterinary attention. Understanding the causes, severity, and treatment options for coughs in dogs is crucial for pet owners to know when to seek medical intervention.
Coughing in dogs can be triggered by mild irritation or infection, but it can also indicate more serious conditions like heart disease, collapsing trachea, pneumonia, cancer, or congestive heart failure. Some breeds like schnauzers, Yorkshire terriers, and Chihuahuas are prone to chronic bronchitis or collapsing trachea, making coughs more prevalent. Since coughing deprives the dog of much-needed rest and stresses the body, it’s important for pet owners to closely monitor coughing episodes and consult a vet when concerned.
This guide will cover the common causes of coughing in dogs, how to assess cough severity, when to take your dog to the vet, diagnostic tests vets use, potential treatments, home care tips, prevention, and when urgent veterinary attention is required. Understanding the nuances of canine coughing empowers owners to make informed decisions about their dog’s health.
Common Causes of Coughing in Dogs
There are several common causes of coughing in dogs that owners should be aware of. One of the most frequent causes is kennel cough, which is an infectious respiratory disease caused by bacterial or viral infections like Bordetella bronchiseptica. Kennel cough is highly contagious and dogs can contract it from coughing, sneezing, or contaminated objects. Symptoms include a harsh, dry cough that often sounds like a honking goose. Treatments include antibiotics, cough suppressants, and rest
Another common cause of coughing in dogs is heart disease, especially in older dogs. Enlarged hearts or heart failure can lead to coughing, especially at night or when lying down. Coughing is the heart’s way of trying to clear fluid buildup in the lungs caused by pulmonary edema. If the cough persists, veterinary exams and x-rays can check for an enlarged heart or fluid in the lungs.
Infections in the lower respiratory tract from viruses, bacteria, or fungi can also lead to coughing in dogs as the body tries to expel the invading organisms. Pneumonia is a bacterial or viral lung infection that causes coughing along with lethargy, fever, and breathing issues. Antibiotics, rest, and good nursing care can treat pneumonia in dogs.
A collapsing trachea is another source of coughing in dogs, especially toy breeds. This occurs when the cartilage rings supporting the windpipe weaken, causing the trachea to narrow and make breathing difficult. Coughing is a common symptom, along with gagging or respiratory distress. Medications, surgery, or tracheal stents may help strengthen or open the airways.
For more on causes of coughing in dogs, see the informative articles at Hill’s Pet Nutrition and PetMD.
Assessing the Severity of the Cough
Determining the severity of your dog’s cough can help identify potential causes and determine if a vet visit is needed. Pay attention to the following characteristics of the cough:
Dry vs. Wet: A dry, hacking cough may indicate kennel cough or a collapsing trachea, while a wet, productive cough can signal pneumonia, congestive heart failure, or lung cancer (Evaluating and Managing Chronic Cough in Dogs, https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/respiratory-medicine/evaluating-and-managing-chronic-cough-in-dogs/).
Frequency: Frequent bouts of coughing, especially when excited or exercising, can indicate heart or lung disease. Less frequent coughing may be caused by kennel cough or allergies (Testing for Cough | VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/testing-for-cough).
Time of Day: Coughing that’s worse at night may be caused by heart disease, while coughing triggered by activity points to lung disease or collapsing trachea.
Triggers: Pay attention to what makes your dog cough – exercise, excitement, eating or drinking, or lying down can all provide clues to the underlying cause.
When to See the Vet
If your dog’s cough does not improve after a few days, it’s a good idea to make a vet appointment. According to Leo’s Pet Care, you should take your dog to the vet if the cough persists for more than 2-3 days or is worsening over time. Certain symptoms may also indicate a need for prompt veterinary attention.
Specifically, the vet visit cannot wait if the cough is accompanied by lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, or unusual fluid sounds. Coughs that sound moist or involve gagging, wheezing, or labored breathing also warrant urgent vet care, according to Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Such symptoms may be a sign of infections, heart disease, kennel cough, or other serious respiratory conditions requiring treatment.
In summary, it’s time to call the vet if your dog’s cough persists beyond a few days, seems to be getting worse, or is paired with concerning secondary symptoms. Catching respiratory issues early maximizes the chances of effective treatment and prevention of lasting damage.
Diagnostic Tests
If your dog has a persistent cough, the vet will likely perform a thorough physical exam first. They will listen to your dog’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope to check for any abnormalities. The vet will also visually inspect the throat, nasal passages, trachea, and lymph nodes for signs of irritation, swelling or infection.
Imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasound may be recommended to get a closer look at the chest and airways. These can help identify issues like fluid in the lungs, pneumonia, tumors, or a collapsed trachea. Other scans like CT or MRI may be needed for a more detailed view.
Lab tests on samples like mucus or blood can identify infections. Common tests check for parasites, viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Samples may be taken from the throat, lungs or nose. Bloodwork helps assess systemic inflammation or identify underlying conditions. The vet may recommend a heartworm test, complete blood count, and biochemistry profile as well.
Potential Treatments
There are a few potential treatment options for a dog’s cough depending on the cause and severity:
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Antibiotics – If the cough is caused by a bacterial infection like kennel cough, the veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics. Some common antibiotics used are doxycycline and amoxicillin (AKC). The antibiotics help fight the infection and reduce symptoms.
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Cough suppressants – Cough suppressants like butorphanol or hydrocodone can help control coughing spasms and reduce irritation of the throat and airways (PetMD). These medications provide short-term relief but don’t treat the underlying cause.
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Addressing underlying issue – Depending on the cause of the cough, other medications may be prescribed to address underlying conditions like heart disease, allergies, fungi, parasites etc. Controlling the underlying issue can help resolve the cough.
In mild cases, the vet may recommend just providing supportive care with rest, fluids, and humidity management at home.
Home Care Tips
There are several at-home remedies that can help soothe your dog’s cough and support their recovery:
Rest – Ensuring your dog gets plenty of rest is crucial, as their body needs time to heal. Restrict exercise and stimulation during recovery and allow them to rest as much as needed. Make sure they have a comfortable, warm place to relax.
Honey – Honey has natural antimicrobial properties and can help coat and soothe irritated throats. Give your dog 1 teaspoon of honey several times per day. Manuka honey is best, but regular honey can also help. Just check with your vet on dosage for the size of your dog. [1]
Humidity – Keeping the air humid can help loosen mucus and make coughs more productive. Use a humidifier or take your dog into the bathroom while you run a hot shower to let them breathe in the steam. Just be careful not to get them overly wet.
Other remedies like warming compresses, sage tea, and coconut oil may also provide some relief. But the most important at-home care is letting your dog rest and stay hydrated while their cough runs its course.
Prevention
There are several steps you can take to help prevent your dog from developing a cough:
Get your dog vaccinated. Vaccines can help prevent some of the most common causes of coughing in dogs, such as kennel cough and canine influenza. Vaccines are available for both viruses. Talk to your vet about getting your dog the recommended vaccines.
Avoid irritants. Things like dust, smoke, and air pollution can irritate your dog’s airways and lead to coughing. When possible, limit your dog’s exposure to known irritants that might trigger coughing episodes.
Manage underlying conditions. Many coughs are secondary to other medical conditions like heart disease, collapsing trachea, or allergies. Work closely with your vet to properly manage any underlying disease that could contribute to your dog’s cough.
Regular vet checks. Have your vet examine your dog regularly to catch any potential health issues early before they progress to coughing. Your vet can also recommend prevention tips tailored to your dog’s specific health profile.
With some proactive care and preventative steps, you can reduce the chances of your dog developing an uncomfortable cough. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian to develop the right prevention plan for your dog’s needs.
When to Take Urgent Action
In some cases, a cough in dogs can indicate an immediate, life-threatening emergency requiring urgent veterinary care. According to https://pettownsendvet.com/why-is-your-dog-coughing/, you should take your dog to the vet or emergency vet right away if they show any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing or labored breathing
- Collapsing or unable to stand
- Pale or blue gums
- Choking or gagging
These symptoms can indicate blockages in the throat or windpipe, pneumonia, fluid in the lungs, or other life-threatening conditions requiring immediate emergency care. According to https://aercmn.com/coughing-in-pets/, respiratory distress is a true veterinary emergency. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms improve – get veterinary help right away if your dog shows any of these signs along with coughing.
Summary
A cough in dogs can have minor or serious causes. Keep an eye on your dog’s coughing episodes, especially if they are frequent or severe. Notice if the cough is dry, wet/moist, or has gagging/retching. Determine if your dog has other symptoms like fever, lethargy, breathing issues, or loss of appetite. Mild coughs from things like kennel cough may improve on their own, but frequent, severe, or worsening coughs require veterinary attention. Diagnostic tests like x-rays and bloodwork help determine the cause. Treatment depends on the underlying condition but may include antibiotics, cough suppressants, bronchodilators, anti-inflammatories, and addressing any underlying infections, heart conditions, airway obstructions, or other issues. Try home remedies like honey, humidity and rest in mild cases. Prevent coughs by minimizing irritants, keeping vaccines up to date, avoiding strenuous exercise after eating, and maintaining your dog’s health. Seek emergency vet care if your dog struggles breathing, collapses, has pale gums, or appears in distress. With proper care, most coughs in dogs can be managed.