Although similar to humans, dog coughing can be caused by various reasons. Some are harmless, and others are more serious and can be a symptom of underlying health issues.
Dog owners need to determine a simple cough from a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary care.
Here is an outline of the 7 most common causes of coughing in dogs and their treatments.
1. A Simple Dog Cough
Sometimes dog coughing is caused by harmless reasons. Your pup might have breathed in some dust, hair, or a bug which caused a temporary irritation. This usually lasts for only a few minutes. At times, it may last for a few days because of a common cold.
Monitor your dog closely and pay attention if there are additional symptoms that may manifest. If it lasts for more than five days without improvement, it is best to pay a visit to the vet.
2. Foreign Object Blockage
Partial blockages are usually removed through surgical procedures. Prevent throat infections or blockages by undergoing immediate treatment.
3. Reverse Sneezing
Technically, reverse sneezing is not a form of dog coughing. However, the sound of reverse sneezing is commonly mistaken as coughing or choking.
Reverse sneezing is triggered by an irritant that can be from a simple excitement, pollen, a too-tight collar, or a sudden temperature change. The mentioned irritants can cause a spasm in the throat, which may seem like dog coughing.
Throat blockages can become life-threatening quickly, so swift action must be taken to resolve the issue. Drive to the nearest emergency animal clinic in your area. A surgical procedure might be carried out to retrieve the swallowed foreign material.
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4. Viral Infections
A deep, dry cough, sneezing, gagging, and in worst cases, vomiting, are usually caused by any viral respiratory infections, such as canine influenza or kennel cough.
These conditions are much more serious than harmless dog coughing. They are highly contagious amongst other dogs. As such, these types of respiratory issues can be quite a problem when they occur in boarding kennels and pet shelters.
Observe your dog for 2 to 14 days after contact as this is the period where symptoms may show, such as:
- Lethargy
- Inappetence
- Fever
- Nasal discharge
- Persistent cough
- Sneezing
If he is exhibiting these clinical signs, contact your vet to set an examination schedule. Treatment will depend on the severity of these diseases.
Mild kennel cough can be resolved through cough suppressants, antibiotics, and adequate amounts of rest. Severe cases may require hospitalisation for intravenous fluids, antibiotics intake, and supplemental oxygen therapy.
As for canine influenza, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories might be prescribed to alleviate nasal and throat inflammation. If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, antibiotics will be prescribed by the vet.
Unfortunately, these ailments can reoccur when the pooch is stressed as it weakens their immune system. Prevent dog coughing caused by viral infections by keeping your canine fit and healthy.
Avoid stress and places with extreme temperatures. Minimise his exposure to other dogs, especially in enclosed places. Vaccinate your furbaby before going to events where he will be exposed to other dogs.
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5. Chronic Bronchitis
It is a type of respiratory disease born from the inflammation of the airways, triggering incessant dog coughing, abnormal mucus production, and in severe cases, difficulty in breathing.
Chronic bronchitis is manageable through medication therapy. The vet may prescribe corticosteroids, bronchodilators, mucolytics, and cough suppressants to alleviate the symptoms above.
The affected dog also needs to avoid exposure to inhaled irritants, such as dust, pollen, and smoke. For obese dogs, weight loss is crucial to significantly relieve their symptoms. Thus, gentle exercise might be recommended by the vet.
6. Heart Disease
Chronic dog coughing is also a symptom of heart disease in dogs, resulting from abnormalities in the function or formation of the cardiovascular system. This places additional strain on the respiratory system, which then leads to dog coughing.
It will ultimately depend on the type of heart disease afflicting affected dogs. Some of the most common options are medications, dietary changes, and nutrient supplementation like taurine. Certain cardiac disorders may require surgery.
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7. Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse in dogs is a progressive disease that is typically seen in small breeds. However, it may also occur in obese dogs and can also be triggered in hot, humid weather during outdoor activities.
Tracheal collapse-induced dog coughing tends to be episodic and usually sounds similar to a goose honk. Other symptoms include flu-like symptoms, lethargy, and unhappiness. It is best to take him to the vet upon detecting the signs.
Tracheal collapse can be addressed medically, surgically, or both. The vet may describe medications like cough suppressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics to control clinical signs like dog coughing.
Take note that the surgical route does not cure tracheal collapse but rather serves to alleviate symptoms of this disorder.
FAQs About Dog Coughing
1. Is Dog Coughing an Emergency?
Dog coughing is not always an emergency. However, as it is a common symptom of various illnesses, this condition should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian.
They are the ones who can confirm whether you should be worried of your dog’s coughs.
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2. How Do I Know If Dog Coughing Has Become Serious?
You will know if dog coughing has become serious if it is getting more persistent and forceful. The presence of other symptoms like lethargy, inappetence, breathing difficulties, and increased mucus production is also a glaring red flag.
Thus, take your dog to the vet immediately for proper examination and diagnosis.
3. Will Dog Coughing Go Away on Its Own?
Dog coughing caused by harmless reasons like mild irritation in the throat is temporary and will go away on its own.
However, if caused by an underlying condition, such as viral infections, heart problems, and foreign blockage, it will not be resolved until its root cause is addressed.
Never ignore dog coughing, especially when it happens frequently and severely. Otherwise, this condition may evolve into a more serious health problem later on.
4. Can I Give My Dog Cough Medicine?
Certain types of cough medicine formulated for humans can be given to your dog. But it should be done with the veterinarian’s guidance.
We highly discourage treating dog coughing using cough medicine without professional advice as it opens the risk of overdose.
Some medications also contain toxic ingredients to dogs, which should never be administered to your pooch.
Conclusion
Remember that the details above will not serve as a substitute diagnosis for your pet’s health.
It is, however, important to know what symptoms to look out for when it comes to dog coughing, as these may assist your vet in coming up with an accurate diagnosis. Read more similar articles in our pet health blog section!
