Your canine companion’s occasional cough might be a cause for concern, but it’s often a normal occurrence. However, a persistent or recurring cough can signal an underlying health issue. Understanding the common reasons behind a dog’s cough can help you determine when it’s time to seek professional veterinary care. This article explores the various causes of coughing in dogs, from simple irritations to more serious conditions, and provides guidance on when to consult a veterinarian.
Common Causes of Coughing in Dogs
Coughing in dogs can stem from a wide array of issues affecting their respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and even from ingesting foreign substances.
Infections of the Respiratory Tract
Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites can all lead to coughing in dogs. These pathogens can infect the upper respiratory tract, lung tissue (leading to pneumonia), airways (causing bronchitis), or a combination of these areas (bronchopneumonia). For instance, canine influenza virus, which is increasingly prevalent, presents symptoms like coughing, fever, and nasal discharge. Parasitic infections, such as those caused by heartworms, can also manifest as coughing. Dogs can contract heartworms by ingesting infected prey, allowing the parasite larvae to migrate to the lungs and cause inflammation.
Chronic Bronchitis
When a dog exhibits a persistent cough without any other identifiable cause, chronic bronchitis is a likely diagnosis. This condition involves long-term inflammation of the airways, resulting in a dry, hacking cough that typically worsens with physical exertion or excitement.
Allergies
Allergies in dogs are a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to environmental substances known as allergens. When exposed to these allergens, the immune system can become sensitized and overreact, leading to inflammation in the airways and lungs, which can trigger a cough.
Reverse Sneezing
Although technically not a cough, the distinct sound of reverse sneezing is often mistaken for one by pet owners. This occurs when an irritant at the back of a dog’s nasal passages causes spasms. While occasional reverse sneezes are normal, frequent or severe episodes, especially when accompanied by nasal discharge or facial changes, warrant a veterinary visit.
Heart Disease
Various heart conditions, including mitral valve endocardiosis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure, can lead to coughing in dogs. The compromised function of the heart can result in fluid buildup that affects the lungs.
Collapsing Trachea
This condition, more common in small breeds, involves a weakening of the cartilage rings that support the trachea. When a dog inhales, the trachea can collapse, causing irritation and a characteristic goose-honk-like cough.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension refers to high blood pressure within the lungs’ arteries, which impedes blood flow and oxygen delivery. This can be caused by chronic lung disease, heartworm disease, or blood clots in the pulmonary arteries.
Heartworm Disease
Transmitted by infected mosquitoes, heartworms mature in a dog’s heart and lungs, causing inflammation and potentially leading to coughing and severe heart and lung damage.
Foreign Objects in the Airways
Inhaling foreign materials or objects can cause them to become lodged in a dog’s airways, triggering a cough as the body attempts to expel them. If unsuccessful, veterinary intervention, often with an endoscope or surgery, is required.
Foxtails and Grass Awns
These sharp, bristle-like parts of certain grasses can penetrate a dog’s skin and migrate into the lungs or chest cavity, causing irritation and coughing. In severe cases, this can lead to pneumonia or other serious complications.
Laryngeal Paralysis
When the nerves controlling the larynx weaken, dogs may experience laryngeal paralysis, preventing them from fully opening their airway. This results in coughing, noisy breathing, and shortness of breath.
Cancer
Cancers affecting the lungs, respiratory tract, heart, or surrounding tissues can manifest as a cough, often one of the first noticeable symptoms.
Rat Poison Ingestion
Certain types of rat poisons, known as anticoagulants, prevent blood clotting. Ingestion can lead to bleeding into the chest cavity, causing a cough. Immediate emergency veterinary care is crucial in such cases.
Esophagitis
Inflammation of the esophagus, similar to GERD in humans, can occur if acidic stomach fluid irritates the esophageal lining. This can be triggered by gastrointestinal upset, certain foods, or medications like doxycycline.
Tumors in the Larynx and Trachea
While rare, tumors or masses in the larynx or trachea can obstruct breathing, swallowing, and eating, leading to coughing.
Aspiration Pneumonia
This condition involves lung inflammation or infection caused by inhaling food, water, vomit, or regurgitated matter. Bacterial growth follows, leading to coughing, breathing difficulties, and reduced oxygen levels.
Inhaling Indoor Irritants
Household sprays and airborne irritants can trigger coughing, particularly in dogs with pre-existing respiratory conditions or sensitivities.
Lung Lobe Torsion
This condition occurs when a dog’s lung twists on itself, blocking the airway. It is more common in dogs with fluid in their chest or heart disease.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
If your dog’s cough is persistent or accompanied by any of the following signs, seek immediate veterinary attention:
- Difficulty breathing or heavy/rapid breathing
- Persistent vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nasal discharge (especially green or yellow)
- Protrusion of one or both eyes
- Changes in facial symmetry
- A whistling sound during breathing
- Changes in bark
- Exercise intolerance
Never administer over-the-counter cough syrups or human medications to your dog without veterinary approval.
If your dog’s cough is mild and not accompanied by other concerning symptoms, you can monitor them at home for a day or two. However, if the cough does not resolve, worsens, or new symptoms appear, a veterinary visit is necessary.
Diagnosing Coughing in Dogs
A veterinarian will begin by taking a detailed health history, including information about travel, preventive care, and the onset of symptoms. A thorough physical examination will follow. Sometimes, a diagnosis can be made at this stage, but further diagnostic tests may be required. These can include:
- Screening for respiratory infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
- Fecal examination
- Echocardiography (heart ultrasound)
- Blood pressure measurement
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Examination of airway fluid samples
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
- Bronchoscopy
Treating Coughing in Dogs
Treatment for a dog’s cough is entirely dependent on the underlying cause. Potential treatments include:
- Endoscopy or surgery for foreign bodies or masses
- Antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals for infections
- Medications for allergies or inflammatory conditions
- Medications for heart conditions
- Surgery for conditions like collapsing trachea or laryngeal paralysis
Supportive care may also be recommended, such as humidifiers, nebulizers, or oxygen therapy. While many mild to moderate cases can be treated with outpatient care, some may require hospitalization.
Home Remedies for Coughing in Dogs
If your veterinarian has determined that your dog’s cough is mild and not indicative of a serious emergency, they might suggest home remedies to provide comfort. Steam therapy, by having your dog spend time in a steamy bathroom, can help moisten dry airways. Ensuring your dog stays hydrated by encouraging fluid intake, perhaps with ice chips in their water, is also beneficial. Immune-boosting supplements may also be helpful.
Crucially, always consult your veterinarian before attempting any home remedies, especially if your pet shows any signs of respiratory distress. Relying solely on home remedies for a serious condition can be dangerous and delay life-saving treatment.
Can dogs have cough drops?
No, dogs should not be given human cough drops. Ingestion can lead to digestive upset or intestinal obstruction. Furthermore, some cough drops contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.
