All dogs cough from time to time, but sometimes coughing is a sign of a more serious health condition. Dogs make much sound when coughing, So it is only natural to take note when they are doing this.
Coughing is a reflex action that protects the respiratory system. When the body senses foreign material in the airway, it coughs to remove it so breathing can continue. Like humans, dogs cough to remove foreign objects, mucus, or debris from their airways so they can keep breathing well.
Dogs are social creatures. When they sniff each other, they share bacteria and viruses. Some of these can cause a dog to be sick. For example, a dog with a canine form of the flu might cough and sneeze then pass this disease on to another dog by physical contact or by leaving droplets of moisture from its nose on the ground. This virus is easily transfer from one pet to the other.
If your dog has a cough that won’t go away, it could be due to a number of different causes. Viral infections and bacterial infections are the most common reasons for dogs to develop coughing. Other health issues such as inflammation or allergies can also cause dogs to develop a chronic cough.
Table of Contents
Condition that Brings about Coughing in Dogs
- Allergic reaction
Allergens are substances in your dog’s environment that their immune system perceives as an invader. For example, if they are sensitive to dust or ingredients in their food, their immune system may react as if it were being attacked by a foreign virus or bacteria. This can lead to coughing, similar to what humans’ experience.
- Heart Problem
When the heart is having trouble pumping blood, fluid may start to accumulate in the lungs. This condition is called congestive heart failure (CHF) and occurs when fluid builds up around your dog’s lungs. Certain dog breeds are more likely than others to develop this disease as they age. As a result, some dogs will cough as their disease progresses and fluid builds up around their lungs.
- Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse is a condition where the trachea (windpipe) becomes soft and flat. This condition makes it harder for dogs to breathe, specifically small or toy breeds. It is a progressive condition that causes a harsh, dry cough, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
- Canine Influenza
The canine influenza (also known as dog flu) virus is a highly contagious respiratory virus that causes coughing and disease in dogs. The canine influenza virus is different from the one that causes flu in humans, so it cannot be spread to or from humans. However, the dog flu can be dangerous for your pup.
- Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a common ailment of dogs. It affects those with weak or undeveloped immune systems, including young puppies and senior dogs. This disease can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, aspiration from vomit, or inhalation of toxins.
- Kennel cough
Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease caused by bacteria or viruses. It normally causes mild illness, but can develop into serious health problems like pneumonia or chronic bronchitis. Dogs typically contract kennel cough from boarding and doggy daycare facilities, as well as any place where dogs congregate. Kennel cough is generally not a serious disease.
The coughs that dogs exhibit can be a result of a number of diseases.
- A dry, hacking cough may indicate kennel cough, which is the most common cause of coughing in dogs. Kennel cough is a contagious disease that can be deadly if not treated properly.
2 .A deep, dry, honking cough may indicate tracheal collapse
- A wet, phlegmy cough that sounds moist can indicate dog flu or pneumonia. If it sounds like your dog is gargling, the condition could be kennel cough.
- A high-pitched cough that sounds like the dog is gagging could indicate tracheal collapse, which occurs when the cartilage around the trachea (windpipe).
- Night or sleeping cough, a cough that occurs only at night or when your dog sleeps might be a sign of something more serious.
Conclusion
Dogs typically cough for a variety of reasons. Before your veterinarian can treat your dog’s cough, they must diagnose the underlying cause. Dogs will cough from simple throat-clearing to a life-threatening condition. There are many types of dog coughs and causes. The best thing you can do is call your veterinarian as soon as you notice your dog has continuous coughing.
