What Should I Do if My Dog Won't Stop Coughing?

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of your dog’s persistent coughing. It’s a scenario that no pet parent wants to face, one that can bring panic and stress. But it’s also an important reminder about one crucial point: Coughing in dogs, while sometimes seemingly minor, can be a sign of underlying health issues – some of which can be pretty serious!

The causes of a dog’s cough can vary from simple irritations to more concerning medical conditions. That’s why it’s so important to recognize that a persistent cough isn’t something to ignore.

This blog post will provide the information you need to better understand your dog’s cough, identify the potential causes, and (most importantly) know when to seek immediate veterinary help. I will share the different types of coughs, how to recognize the more common causes, and steps you can take to prevent that unwanted cough; keeping your dog happy and healthy.

Understanding Coughing in Dogs

Coughing is a natural reflex designed to clear the airways of irritants. An occasional cough might not be a cause for alarm. In fact, it may even be healthy. For example, if your dog was sniffing outdoors and inhaled a bunch of pollen, coughing could effectively clear this common allergen out of their system. But a persistent cough is a different story.

Your dog’s ongoing or constant coughing could signal that something isn’t right, and paying attention is crucial. Understanding the nuances of your dog’s cough and communicating them to your veterinarian can help you reach a diagnosis and find a suitable treatment option faster.

Here are the most common types of canine coughs:

• Honking Cough: Often described as sounding like a goose, this type of cough is frequently associated with kennel cough or tracheal collapse.
• Dry, Hacking Cough: This type of cough might point towards kennel cough as well, but it could also be triggered by many common allergies or other irritants your dog has been exposed to. 
• Wet, Productive Cough: A wet cough often sounds like your dog is bringing something up. This can be more concerning and is usually associated with pneumonia, heart disease, or other severe medical conditions.
• Coughing Followed by Vomiting or Gagging: While sometimes seen with kennel cough, it could signal something more serious if your dog is vomiting after they cough.

The distinction between these different types is so important. By carefully noting the specific sound and characteristics of your dog’s cough, you can provide your veterinarian with key information they may not be able to collect during an appointment. We’ve all been to a vet appointment where we’ve tried to explain what’s happening because it somehow magically stopped the moment we walked through the door.

A short video recording on your phone can be incredibly helpful, allowing your vet to hear the cough firsthand.

Common Causes of Coughing in Dogs

Several factors can contribute to your dog’s cough, ranging from minor ailments to serious medical conditions. As a responsible and loving dog parent, I recommend learning the most common causes and what other symptoms to look out for to help you better understand what your dog is experiencing.

Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

This highly contagious respiratory infection often spreads in places where large numbers of dogs congregate, such as boarding facilities, dog parks, and kennels. It’s characterized by a distinctive “honking” cough, which may be accompanied by other cold-like symptoms. While kennel cough will often clear up on its own (much like a human cold), sometimes antibiotics or cough suppressants are necessary. Fortunately, vaccination is an effective preventative measure, especially if you know your dog often frequents high-risk areas.

Tracheal Collapse

This occurs when the trachea, or windpipe, weakens. Tracheal collapse most often affects small breeds, but it can happen in any size of dog. The hallmark symptom is a goose-like “honking” couch, which can worsen with excitement or exercise. If you suspect you may be dealing with tracheal collapse, contact your veterinarian. Treatment options include medications, weight management, and, in some cases, surgery.

Heart Disease

The heart is likely not the first thing that comes to mind when considering the cause of a cough, but coughing can be a significant symptom of heart disease, particularly heart failure. This couch is often worse at night or after exercise and may be accompanied by other signs of heart trouble, like fatigue, weakness, and difficulty breathing. If your dog is diagnosed with heart disease, they will need ongoing management of the underlying heart condition by your veterinarian.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs, can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. It is typically associated with a wet, productive cough. Other common symptoms of pneumonia in dogs include:

• Fever
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Nasal discharge
• Rapid heart rate
• Altered mood
• Changes in appetite
• Lethargy or sluggishness

Treatment for pneumonia usually involves antibiotics. Your dog may also require supportive care, addressing some of the symptoms to allow their body to heal. For example, if your dog is struggling with loss of appetite, your vet may recommend an appetite stimulant.

Allergies and Irritants

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from environmental allergies and react to inhaled irritants like smoke, dust, and pollen. These allergies and irritants usually trigger a dry, hacking cough. You may also notice other signs your dog is suffering from allergies, such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, ear infections, inflamed skin, and paw licking. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and supportive care.

Canine Distemper

This serious and potentially fatal viral illness is thankfully preventable through vaccination. However, if you have a young puppy who hasn’t completed their puppy vaccination schedule, they are at risk. Coughing is one of the most common symptoms, along with fever and neurological signs. If you suspect your dog may have distemper, it is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary care. Treatment is supportive and often intensive.

Lung Tumors

Like in humans, coughing can be a symptom of lung tumors or lung cancer. Luckily, this isn’t common in dogs. Signs of trouble include a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, and lethargy. Treatment for lung tumors will depend on the type and stage of the tumor.

Foreign Objects

A random object lodged in your dog’s trachea or lungs can cause a sudden onset of coughing, gagging, and difficulty breathing. This is your dog’s attempt to dislodge the object as they are choking, and it requires immediate attention. If the object is visible and can be easily removed, you may be able to do so using the Heimlich maneuver. However, if you can’t see the lodged item or if your dog is panicking and biting (which many do, even the friendliest dogs), you should get your dog to the nearest veterinarian or emergency clinic.

Reverse Sneezing

Reverse sneezing is a common occurrence in dogs that is often mistaken for coughing. Instead of exhaling forced air in a cough, it is characterized by a sudden, loud gasping sound. While usually harmless and self-resolving, it can be concerning for pet parents – especially if this is your first time experiencing it. There are techniques you can learn to help your dog through a reverse sneeze episode, such as holding the nostrils closed for just a few seconds or gently massaging your dog’s throat.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

While your dog’s cough may be mild and resolve on its own, it’s crucial to understand when a cough warrants immediate veterinary attention. Any persistent or worsening cough is a reason to schedule a vet visit. Even if your vet finds that the cause is nothing concerning, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially considering some potential causes.

However, certain “red flags” indicate that your dog needs to be seen immediately. These red flags include:

• Sudden severe coughing: A sudden or dramatic change in how severe your dog is coughing, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, warrants immediate attention.
• Difficulty breathing: If your dog is struggling to breathe, gasping for air, or showing any sign of respiratory distress, this is a critical emergency.
• Blue or pale gums: Healthy gums should be light bubble-gum pink or salmon pink. Blue or pale gums indicate a lack of oxygen, meaning your dog needs immediate veterinary attention.
• Lethargy or weakness: If your dog is unusually tired, sluggish, or weak, especially in combination with a cough, it could signal a serious problem.
• Loss of appetite: A sudden disinterest in their favorite foods, particularly when combined with symptoms like coughing, can be a sign of illness.
• Coughing up blood: This is always a serious sign and requires immediate veterinary care.
• Collapse: If your dog collapses or faints, it’s a medical emergency.

When you take your dog to your vet or nearest emergency clinic, be prepared to describe their cough as accurately as possible. The more details you can provide, the better. Again, a video recording of the couch can make diagnosing your dog’s condition much easier by helping your vet see precisely what’s happening.

Have your dog’s medical history readily available if you’re going to an emergency clinic or a different veterinarian than usual. This will help your vet make an informed diagnosis and provide an appropriate custom treatment plan that prioritizes your dog’s overall health and well-being.

Home Care and Prevention Tips

While professional veterinary care is the secret to accurately diagnosing the reason for your dog’s cough and treating the underlying cause, there are some general home care tips that can help manage their symptoms in combination with your veterinarian’s guidance.

• Rest: Just like humans, dogs need rest to recover when they’re not feeling well. Limit your dog’s activity and provide them with a quiet, comfortable space to recuperate. If you are usually a high-energy household, this may mean having other family members slow down to avoid hyping your dog up. It may be time for a movie night and puppy cuddles!
• Humidify the Air: Keeping the air humid can help soothe an irritated throat. If possible, set up a humidifier in the space where your dog is most comfortable. Another option is having your dog spend time in a steamy bathroom.
• Avoid Irritants: Try to minimize any exposure to irritants like smoke, dust, and strong chemicals that can worsen coughing. If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home, try running an air purifier (you’ll benefit, too).
• Proper Hydration: Ensure your dog stays well-hydrated by always providing access to fresh water. If your dog isn’t drinking enough, you may want to try switching to different water dishes (some dogs prefer different materials), using a pet water fountain, or adding a little sodium-free broth to your dog’s water to make it more enticing.
• Complete Medications: If your veterinarian prescribes medication, make sure your dog completes the entire course, even if their symptoms improve.

Once your dog’s cough has passed and they feel better, you can focus on taking proactive steps to prevent future problems. Keeping your dog up-to-date on vaccinations, especially for kennel cough and distemper, is crucial. Maintaining a healthy weight can also help to reduce stress on your dog’s respiratory system, allowing it to better handle minor irritants.

Try to limit your dog’s exposure to other dogs that are coughing or showing signs of illness. Often, if there is an outbreak, a warning will be made to those who use common areas like dog parks. But even a single dog with a noticeable cough can put your dog at risk.

Finally, regular veterinary checkups are essential for the early detection of potential health issues.

Stop the Cough and Give Your Dog Much-Needed Relief

Caring for your dog means being observant and proactive about their health (and potential health issues). A persistent or changing cough is a clear sign that something may be “off,” and you need to take it seriously. If you have any concerns about your dog’s cough, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. They are your best resource for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, giving your dog the relief they need.

Remember, the bond you share with your dog is precious. By being informed and proactive, you can help ensure they live a long, healthy, and happy life by your side.

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