Dog Coughing: Causes and Treatment 

Why Does a Dog Cough in the First Place?

If a dog coughs, this – much like in humans – is not a disease in its own right. Rather, it is a symptom of a condition affecting the respiratory tract or other organs. However, coughing in dogs can also be a reflex that protects the body, for example from foreign objects or irritating substances.

When a dog coughs, some owners confuse it with other behaviours or reflexes. Attempts to vomit or regurgitate (bringing food back up) can sound very similar. Reverse sneezing, gagging and heavy panting are also often mistaken for coughing.

To narrow down the possible causes, vets differentiate between various types of cough. They also distinguish between a sudden (acute) cough and a persistent (chronic) cough in dogs.

How Does a Dry, Irritating Cough Develop in Dogs?

If your dog coughs in a dry, forceful, harsh or barking way, vets refer to this as a dry, irritating cough. It can be very painful for your dog.

If the dry cough persists, it can intensify and create a vicious cycle. The forceful intake of air irritates and damages the mucous membranes, which in turn increases the urge to cough. Your dog then draws in air again – and the cycle continues.

The cough can often be triggered simply by slight pressure on the collar or by pressing on the larynx or windpipe. Excitement and breathing in cold, dry air can also bring on further coughing fits.

Causes of an acute dry cough include:

• Early stages of infections and inflammation of the respiratory tract (such as kennel cough)
• Inhaling foreign material such as food or liquid
• Inhaling irritating substances such as allergens or smoke
• Parasites

Causes of a chronic dry cough:

• Tracheal collapse, common in small dog breeds
• Pressure on the airways caused by tumours, an enlarged heart atrium or enlarged lymph nodes
• Parasites

Possible Causes of a Wet Cough in Dogs

If your dog coughs up mucus, this is referred to as a wet cough. You will often hear a rattling sound when your dog coughs. This type of cough tends to sound more muffled and is often accompanied by gagging at the end of a coughing fit. Your dog may also bring up mucus afterwards. In most cases, dogs cough particularly after periods of rest, such as after sleeping.

Causes of a wet cough:

• Advanced stages of infections and inflammation of the respiratory tract (bronchitis, pneumonia)
• Pulmonary oedema
• If your dog coughs up blood or blood-tinged mucus, the vet will immediately consider more serious causes such as injuries to the airways, inhaled foreign objects, severe pneumonia or even a tumour. You should therefore have this checked as soon as possible.

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My Dog is Coughing: What Tests Will the Vet Carry Out?

Depending on the type and severity of the cough, the vet will perform different examinations. Your dog’s size and breed also play a role in further diagnostics, as smaller breeds are more prone to tracheal collapse. First of all, the vet will need a detailed history from you (anamnesis):

• How long has the cough been present?
• How often and how severely does your dog cough?
• Is it a dry or a wet cough?
• When does the cough mainly occur (at night, during the day, when excited, when eating)?
• Does your dog have any other symptoms and what is their general condition like?
• Are there any known pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease?

The vet will then carry out a thorough clinical examination. Often, the cause of the cough can already be identified at this stage. For example, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, an elevated body temperature or even fever, a reddened throat and swollen tonsils may indicate an infection.

In some cases, further diagnostics such as X-rays of the lungs or chest are necessary. The vet will pay particular attention to changes in the lungs, heart or windpipe. A blood test, endoscopy or even an MRI or CT scan may also be required.

Treating Coughs in Dogs

For treatment to be effective, it is essential to know the cause of your dog’s cough. If your dog is only coughing mildly due to a cold, rest and supporting the immune system are often enough. After consulting your vet, giving an expectorant for a wet cough can also be helpful.

However, if the cough is more severe, lasts several days, keeps recurring or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should visit your vet for further investigation. Depending on the severity and cause, medication such as anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, cough suppressants, bronchodilators or drugs to reduce fluid in the lungs may be prescribed.

Which Home Remedies Help if My Dog is Coughing?

Before giving any “home remedies”, you should always consult your vet, as some remedies are not suitable for dogs. Home remedies should never replace a professional diagnosis by a vet.

To provide additional support, you can offer your dog herbal teas (sage, peppermint, camomile). Humidifiers or bowls of water with essential oils placed in the room may also provide relief.

Prognosis: What Are the Chances of Recovery if My Dog Is Coughing?

The prognosis for your dog depends largely on the underlying cause of the cough. If your dog is coughing due to an infection, it can usually be treated successfully with the right medication. However, if tumours or advanced heart disease with subsequent pulmonary oedema are responsible, the prognosis may be significantly worse.

Prevention: How Can I Stop My Dog from Coughing?

Of course, preventing a cough is better than treating one. Strengthening the immune system through a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent many colds.

Because of the risk of infection, you should avoid contact between your dog and sick dogs wherever possible. As a responsible owner, you should also avoid taking a coughing dog to dog training classes or other places where dogs gather. In addition, regular vaccination against kennel cough can lessen the severity of an infection.

You should also make sure your dog is not exposed to substances such as smoke or harsh cleaning products in a way that allows them to inhale these irritants.

If your dog tends to gulp their food, it’s best to feed them from an anti-gulp bowl to prevent them from swallowing or inhaling food. To relieve pressure on the neck area, using a harness instead of a collar is also recommended for some dogs.