Why is My Dog Coughing?

Coughing is a normal reflex that protects the lower airways from harmful bugs or foreign material. Just like us, an occasional cough is nothing to worry about, but persistent or increasing bouts of coughing can signal something isn’t quite right. There are many causes of cough in dogs including inflammation, infection, foreign material, or even heart disease.  

A dog cough can sound strange! They can range from dry and hoarse, to loud and honking, and can sometimes end with a gag or retch. A dog cough can sound wet and produce foamy saliva, or can sound dry like they have something stuck in their throat.  Sometimes sneezing can also be mistaken for coughing! 

Has your dog ever barked like a seal, or honked like a goose? These are very loud signs of a dry cough in dogs. A dry cough is also called non-productive as nothing is spit up after the cough. A dry cough can also end with a gag if it is particularly severe. Common causes are kennel cough and chronic bronchitis.  

A gagging cough occurs when your dog coughs repeatedly and finishes with a loud gag. This can be alarming and looks much like vomiting. The gag is called a terminal retch and occurs after a severe bout of coughing. It can happen because there is some fluid or secretions to bring up, but can also be triggered by a deep, dry cough and sensitive airway. 

With so many causes of cough, finding a diagnosis can take some investigative work!  

Your veterinarian may recommend a series of tests to localise the issue including bloodwork, x-rays, ultrasound, or an endoscope. Some diagnostics require an anaesthetic and some involve sending samples to the laboratory for testing. 

Coughing is a common ailment in our senior pups and should be taken seriously.  

Many causes of mild cough in younger dogs can progress and cause severe symptoms as they get older, including bronchitis and tracheal collapse. Long-term coughing can severely impact quality of life and there are often many treatments that can alleviate their symptoms. Cancer also becomes more frequently diagnosed in older dogs and coughing can be an early sign something is not quite right.  

Luckily, many causes of dog cough can be successfully treated if caught early including kennel cough, influenza, and pneumonia. Other conditions, like heart disease and chronic bronchitis, cannot be cured and will need careful management throughout your dog’s life.  

Treatment will depend on the inciting cause and can include anti-inflammatories, inhalers, antibiotics, and weight loss.  

Home remedies for dog cough can help soothe your furry friends symptoms but should not replace or delay a vet visit. If your dog has a dry cough try popping them in the bathroom while you have a hot shower, the humidity can help reduce airway irritation. Keep your dog rested and avoid long walks, but if they need to stretch their legs, swap the collar for a harness to reduce pressure on the throat. Irritated, sore throats will benefit from lots of water and soft, wet food rather than kibble.  

All cases of cough should be examined by your veterinarian as early detection of illness can significantly impact your dog’s long-term health. If your dog has the occasional cough but is still bright, happy and eating well it is less emergent, but still make an appointment with your GP vet for a check up.  

A persistent, productive cough or one increasing in frequency is concerning. Also, watch for concurrent signs; a reduction in appetite, lethargy, bleeding, or green mucous indicate something more serious is happening.  

Coughing can also be a sign of respiratory distress, a life-threatening condition. If your dog has trouble catching his breath, is panting heavily, salivating, or seems distressed you should present to the vet immediately. Similarly, a dog with a white, blue or purple tongue should be seen as an emergency.  

Remember, early treatment is always best when it comes to your dog’s health, and our friendly Jollyes vets are only a phone call away.