Why Is My Dog Coughing? Causes & Treatment

Why Is My Dog Coughing? Understanding the Causes

A persistent cough in your dog can be alarming, but understanding the underlying causes can help you determine whether your pet needs immediate veterinary care or if the condition can be managed at home. Coughing is a common symptom in dogs and can range from a minor irritation to a sign of a serious health condition. The key to helping your dog is recognizing what type of cough your pet has and identifying what might be triggering it.

Understanding Different Types of Coughs

Dogs can experience different types of coughs, and the characteristics of each cough can provide important clues about what might be causing it. A cough is triggered by stimulation of coughing receptors located in the larynx, trachea, and large bronchi. Understanding the distinction between different cough types helps veterinarians identify the underlying problem more quickly.

One common cough variation is the “expiratory reflex,” which consists of multiple forced expiratory efforts against a closed glottis not preceded by a deep inspiration. This type of cough is often accompanied by a “huff” sound and may be described by owners as “a bone stuck in the throat” or “clearing the throat.” The presence of an expiratory reflex typically indicates upper airway irritation, such as kennel cough. In contrast, a typical cough suggests lower airway disease, such as bronchitis or bronchomalacia.

Common Causes of Dog Coughing

Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

Kennel cough is the most common infectious cause of coughing in dogs. This highly contagious condition can be caused by several types of viruses and bacteria working alone or in combination. Dogs with kennel cough typically develop a deep, dry, hacking cough along with possible sneezing, snorting, gagging, and in some cases, vomiting. The infection spreads through contact with other dogs, so pet parents should be especially aware of symptoms if their dog has been recently boarded or exposed to large numbers of other dogs at places like dog parks or shelters.

Canine Influenza

Canine influenza virus is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States and leads to symptoms like coughing, fever, and nasal discharge. This respiratory virus can affect dogs of all ages and breeds and requires veterinary attention to prevent complications.

Chronic Bronchitis

When a dog is coughing due to chronic inflammation of the airways and no other cause can be identified, chronic bronchitis is the most likely diagnosis. Dogs with chronic bronchitis tend to have a dry, hacking cough that worsens with exercise or excitement and deteriorates over time. This condition is caused by persistent inflammation of the airways, which swells the lining and produces mucus that further narrows the lung passages. Exposure to airborne pollutants and irritants such as cigarette smoke are thought to contribute to the development of this disease. Chronic bronchitis in dogs is considered a progressive disease that will worsen with time and requires regular management.

Collapsing Trachea

Small dogs are more at risk for a weakening of the cartilage rings that partially encircle the trachea. When this occurs, the trachea collapses on itself when the dog breathes in. This leads to tracheal irritation and a chronic cough that is often described as sounding like a goose honk. Tracheal collapse is a genetic condition where the windpipe’s cartilage is less supportive, causing it to collapse during breathing.

Heart Disease

Many types of heart disease can make dogs cough, including mitral valve endocardiosis (degeneration), dilated cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure. Approximately half of dogs with mitral valve disease present with coughing. This cough has often been referred to as “cardiac cough,” though the mechanism is frequently misunderstood. The most common explanation for “cardiac cough” is the presence of pulmonary edema. However, it’s important to note that the cough reflex is not evoked in the deeper respiratory tract where pulmonary edema occurs; instead, the presence of fluid in these anatomical areas will almost inevitably present with rapid breathing and difficulty breathing rather than cough alone.

Heartworm Disease

Heartworms can cause dogs to cough and are transmitted when a mosquito bites an infected dog, picks up the larval form of the parasite, and then bites another dog and passes the larvae on to them. The larvae migrate to the heart and lungs of the newly infected dog, where they mature into spaghetti-like adults. Their presence causes inflammation that can lead to coughing and potentially fatal heart and lung damage.

Lungworms

Lungworms are parasites that cause infection in the pulmonary artery and right heart ventricle in dogs. They are not as common as heartworms but may cause your dog to cough. Dogs can get infected by eating prey infected with the worm. The parasites migrate out of the intestines, into the bloodstream, and into the lungs, which can cause coughing and other symptoms.

Laryngeal Paralysis

Dogs with laryngeal paralysis cannot fully open the passageway into their windpipe due to weakness of the nerves that control the surrounding muscles. This leads to coughing as well as noisy breathing and shortness of breath.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)

A relatively common disorder in dogs, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is accompanied by cough in more than 50% of patients. GORD-related cough in dogs can be caused by microaspiration of gastric contents and a vagally mediated esophageal-tracheobronchial reflex. At the level of the upper airway, recurrent aspiration events can lead to laryngeal inflammation and cough. In humans, up to 75% of patients with confirmed diagnosis of GORD present with cough without gastrointestinal manifestations, suggesting that even in dogs, the prevalence of this cause of cough may be underestimated.

Lung Cancer

Coughing can be one of the first symptoms that pet parents notice when a dog has cancer of the lungs, other parts of the respiratory tract, heart, or surrounding tissues. A persistent cough can sometimes signal something more serious, such as pneumonia or lung cancer.

Environmental Factors

Indoor dogs can be exposed to compounds that can cause coughing, such as dust mites, molds, fireplace ash, dandruff, litter tray dust, sprays, deodorants, and cigarette smoke. Histological bronchial changes have been reported in several animal models following experimental chronic cigarette smoke inhalation, while biochemical evidence of exposure to passive cigarette smoke has been demonstrated in privately owned dogs.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Although relatively common, coughing in dogs can be a sign of more serious issues that can be life-threatening in some cases. Persistent coughing or accompanying symptoms like lethargy, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing warrant immediate veterinary attention. If the cough is severe, gets worse, or does not improve over a week, you should book an appointment with your veterinarian.

If you notice symptoms of lethargy, difficulty breathing, lack of appetite, or other potentially serious symptoms, then call your veterinarian immediately. If you are unsure if your dog’s cough warrants a visit to the vet, always err on the side of caution and take them regardless.

Diagnostic Testing

Your veterinarian may recommend various diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your dog’s cough. Common diagnostic procedures include:

• Physical examination: A thorough physical exam to assess your dog’s overall health and lung function
• Chest X-rays: Imaging to visualize the lungs and airways
• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: To assess the esophagus and stomach lining
• Bronchoscopy: To assess the trachea and major airways (bronchi) that go to the lungs
• Blood tests: To check for infections or systemic conditions
• Ultrasound: To evaluate the heart and other organs

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your dog’s cough. Your veterinarian will determine a treatment plan based on the diagnosis. Treatment options may include:

• Antibiotics: For bacterial respiratory infections
• Antiviral medications: For viral infections like canine influenza
• Dewormers: For parasitic infections like lungworms
• Anti-inflammatory medications: To reduce airway inflammation
• Cardiac medications: For heart disease-related coughs
• Oxygen therapy: For severe respiratory distress
• Surgery: For conditions like laryngeal paralysis or tracheal collapse
• Chemotherapy or radiation: For cancer cases
• Palliative care: To manage symptoms and improve quality of life

Home Care and Management

For mild dry coughing, there are several home remedies that may help provide relief while you arrange veterinary care:

Steam Therapy

Allow your dog to breathe humidified air found in a steamy bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes to moisten airways. Environmental humidification overnight helps bring up mucus from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea because it thins the mucus and lubricates the irritated respiratory tract. Several ultrasound humidifiers (“cool mist”) are available and can be installed in the area the dog sleeps.

Hydration

Encourage your dog to drink filtered or iced water to maintain hydration, which helps keep the respiratory tract moist and supports the body’s natural healing processes.

Rest

You should allow your dog to rest for 10 to 14 days, restricting activity by limiting jumping, running, stairs, and other forms of exertion. This helps the body focus its energy on recovery.

Chest Coupage

The usefulness of chest coupage is somewhat controversial, but it may help dislodge deeper secretions from the respiratory tract.

Prevention Strategies

While not all causes of dog coughing can be prevented, you can take steps to reduce your dog’s risk:

• Vaccination: Keep your dog up-to-date on vaccinations, including those for kennel cough and canine influenza
• Heartworm prevention: Use preventive medications as recommended by your veterinarian
• Limit exposure: Reduce exposure to other dogs if kennel cough is prevalent in your area
• Avoid irritants: Minimize exposure to cigarette smoke, dust, and other environmental irritants
• Regular veterinary checkups: Early detection of heart disease and other conditions can prevent coughing
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Keep your dog at a healthy weight and provide regular exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long should I wait before taking my dog to the vet for coughing?

A: If the cough persists for more than a few days, gets worse, or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or difficulty breathing, schedule a veterinary appointment immediately. It’s better to err on the side of caution.

Q: Can I give my dog cough medicine from the pharmacy?

A: No, you should not give your dog over-the-counter cough medicine without veterinary guidance. Some human medications can be toxic to dogs, and the underlying cause needs to be addressed.

Q: Is kennel cough dangerous?

A: Kennel cough is usually self-limiting and not dangerous, but it can progress to pneumonia in some cases, particularly in puppies or senior dogs. Veterinary care is recommended.

Q: Can allergies cause coughing in dogs?

A: Yes, allergies can cause coughing in dogs, though it’s typically accompanied by other symptoms like itching, sneezing, or nasal discharge.

Q: Is a goose honk cough always collapsing trachea?

A: While a goose honk sound is characteristic of collapsing trachea, especially in small breeds, a veterinary diagnosis is necessary to confirm the condition.

Q: Can heart disease cause coughing without other symptoms?

A: Yes, coughing can be an early sign of heart disease. Some dogs may not show other symptoms until the disease progresses, which is why regular veterinary checkups are important.

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medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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