Why is my dog coughing?
A dog starts coughing when an irritant becomes lodged in the airways. These irritants can occur in the larynx, windpipe, or bronchi of the lungs. If your dog is also unwell, has a fever, is coughing severely, or the symptoms persist for too long, take your dog to the vet.
Each location and cause produces a different characteristic cough. When you visit the vet, make sure you describe your dog’s cough as accurately as possible or record a video of it, so the vet can make the correct diagnosis. It may happen that your dog does not cough precisely when you are at the vet. There are several things to pay attention to when your dog coughs, such as: does your dog cough up mucus or anything else, does it cough at specific times, and does it seem to be in pain while coughing? If the cough is painful, the dog suppresses it and the cough is often soft.
An important distinction is between a dry, loud cough caused by problems in the throat or windpipe and a soft cough caused by problems with the lungs.
Dry, loud cough
- Irritation and inflammation
The most common cough is kennel cough. The mucous membranes in the throat and larynx are inflamed, causing the dog to develop a dry, harsh, spasmodic cough, followed by gagging. The dog becomes hoarse, and the throat is sensitive to touch. The dog needs a course of antibiotics if it has a fever. Make sure the dog gets plenty of rest and stays away from other dogs. Also prevent irritation from dust, smoke, or a collar that is too tight. Give a soothing children’s or thyme cough syrup and a respiratory-support product. Kennel cough can be prevented with vaccination. Your dog may also suffer from a sore throat.
- Foreign object
When your dog eats a foreign object, the body may react. This can happen, for example, with an object from the home. Symptoms can range from sudden coughing to difficulty breathing. You may also hear unusual sounds while your dog breathes, and it may start gagging. If the object has been lodged for a longer period, the area can become severely inflamed, causing the dog to become ill. Using an X-ray or a special camera, the vet can determine whether something is lodged in the airways and then remove it.
- Collapse of the windpipe
Breeds such as Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, and toy poodles can develop flattening of the windpipe. As a result, the windpipe can collapse during inhalation. These dogs develop a honking cough and quickly become short of breath during exercise or in warm weather, and may even faint. Unfortunately, there is no treatment available, although giving cough medicine can reduce the irritation.
Soft cough caused by lung problems
- Pneumonia or bronchitis
Your dog may develop pneumonia caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses, fungi, or inhaling food. Bronchitis or asthma can also cause a soft cough.
- Lungworms
Dogs can become infected through contact with slugs or frogs. Infection through contact with slugs or frogs. Lungworm can be diagnosed in various ways: stool testing, blood tests, X-rays, or lung lavage. Treatment and prevention involve deworming. Also read: worms in cats and worms in dogs
- Tumors
Tumors can make it more difficult for dogs to breathe.
- Heart problems
Fluid can build up in the lungs due to left-sided heart failure. This causes coughing. An enlarged heart can also press on the windpipe.
Given the seriousness of the causes above, it is always recommended to visit the vet when you notice a cough, so your dog can receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
