Why Is Your Dog Coughing?

Infections often affect the respiratory system, leading to coughing. Here’s a closer look at common infections:

Kennel Cough

This highly contagious condition often spreads in dog parks or kennels. It causes a deep, dry, hacking cough, including sneezing or mild vomiting. Fortunately, kennel cough is preventable with routine care and attention to your dog’s social interactions.

Canine Influenza

Similar to the human flu, canine influenza can cause coughing, fever, and nasal discharge. Early detection and proper care are crucial for a swift recovery. Maintaining good hygiene and avoiding contact with infected dogs are key preventive measures.

Lungworms

Lungworms are parasites that infect the lungs, causing coughing and difficulty breathing. Dogs typically contract lungworms by consuming contaminated food or water. Preventative care, such as regular check-ups, can safeguard your dog from this serious condition.

If your dog’s cough stems from an infection, here’s how you can help:

Supportive Care

Ensure your dog gets plenty of rest, fluids, and nutritious food. Keeping them comfortable in a stress-free environment aids recovery. Adding a humidifier to their space can also ease breathing.

Environmental Adjustments

Keep the air clean and free from irritants like smoke or strong odors. Using air purifiers and maintaining a dust-free home can improve your dog’s respiratory health.

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition where a dog’s airways become inflamed, leading to a persistent, dry cough. This condition can worsen with activity or exposure to pollutants like cigarette smoke. Managing bronchitis involves early diagnosis and consistent care to slow its progression.

Managing Chronic Bronchitis

Non-invasive methods, such as reducing exposure to irritants, regular monitoring, and creating a clean living environment, are crucial for managing this condition effectively. Keeping your dog’s surroundings comfortable and calm can significantly improve their quality of life.

Dogs can develop allergies to pollen, dust, mold, or even specific foods, causing coughing along with symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes. Identifying and avoiding allergens is key to controlling their symptoms.

Allergy Management

Reducing exposure to allergens, cleaning your dog’s environment, and avoiding irritants can make a big difference. Allergy testing may pinpoint specific triggers, allowing for a more targeted approach to keeping your dog comfortable.

Heart problems can lead to coughing, especially when your dog is resting or sleeping. Additional symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, and changes in gum or tongue color. Heart conditions require careful management to maintain your dog’s quality of life.

Managing Heart Health

Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet are essential for addressing heart conditions. Controlled activity levels and creating a stress-free environment also play a significant role in supporting your dog’s heart health.

Small dogs are particularly prone to collapsing trachea, a condition where the windpipe partially collapses, causing a honking cough. Early detection is key to managing this uncomfortable condition.

Reducing Stress on the Trachea

Switching to a harness instead of a collar can help reduce pressure on the trachea. Maintaining a healthy weight and creating a calm environment can also minimize coughing episodes. In severe cases, discuss additional options with your vet.

Heartworms are dangerous parasites that live in the heart and lungs, causing severe coughing and breathing difficulties. They are transmitted by mosquitoes and can be life-threatening if untreated.

Prevention

Preventative measures are the best defense against heartworm disease. Regular vet check-ups and keeping up with routine care are essential to protecting your dog from this serious condition.

Dogs may inhale small objects or foxtails that become lodged in their throat or lungs, triggering sudden, violent coughing. Quick action is necessary to prevent complications.

What to Do

Visit your vet immediately if you suspect a foreign object. They can safely remove it and address any resulting damage. Keeping harmful objects out of reach is an effective preventative measure to avoid such incidents.

When the muscles controlling the voice box malfunction, it can cause coughing and breathing difficulties. Discuss care options with your vet to improve your dog’s quality of life.

Reverse Sneezing

This harmless condition occurs when dogs inhale air rapidly through their nose. It’s usually triggered by excitement or irritants and doesn’t require treatment unless frequent.

Pulmonary Hypertension

High blood pressure in the lungs can lead to coughing. This serious condition requires ongoing care and management by a vet.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophagus, often caused by irritants or reflux, can result in coughing. Adjusting your dog’s diet and environment can help relieve symptoms.

Laryngeal Paralysis

When the muscles controlling the voice box malfunction, it can cause coughing and breathing difficulties. Discuss care options with your vet to improve your dog’s quality of life.

Cancer

In rare cases, coughing can indicate cancer in the lungs or respiratory system. Regular check-ups and early detection are essential for effective care.

Certain symptoms signal a need for immediate veterinary attention, such as:

• Vomiting blood
• Extreme lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• High fever
• Sudden collapse

If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Quick action can make all the difference in your dog’s recovery.