Why is my dog coughing?
A dog coughs because there is an irritation stuck in the airways. These irritations can occur in the larynx, the trachea, or the bronchi of the lungs. If the dog is also sick, has a fever, coughs severely, or the symptoms persist for too long, take the dog to the veterinarian.
Each location and cause results in a different characteristic cough. Make sure that when you go to the vet, you describe your dog's cough as accurately as possible or make a video of it, so the vet can give you the correct diagnosis. It can happen that your dog does not cough exactly when you are at the vet. There are several things to watch for when your dog coughs, for example: does he cough up mucus or something else, does he cough at specific times, and does he seem to be in pain while coughing. If the cough is painful, the dog holds back the cough and the cough is often soft.
An important difference is a dry, loud cough caused by problems in the throat or trachea and a soft cough caused by problems with the lungs.
Dry and loud cough
- Irritation and inflammation
The most common cough is kennel cough. The mucous membrane in the throat and larynx is inflamed, and the dog suffers from a dry, hard, and spasmodic cough, which causes 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 rest and stays away from other dogs. Also, prevent irritation from dust, smoke, or a too-tight collar. Give a soothing children's or thyme cough syrup and a respiratory support product. Kennel cough can be prevented with a vaccination. Additionally, your dog may have a throat infection.
- Foreign object
If your dog swallows a foreign object, the body can react. This can happen, for example, with an object in the house. Symptoms can range from sudden coughing to difficulty breathing. You may also hear noises while breathing, and your dog may gag. If the object has been stuck for a longer time, the area can become severely inflamed, making the dog sick. Through an X-ray or a special camera, the vet can see if something is stuck in the airways and then remove it.
- Collapse of the trachea
In breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, and Toy Poodle, flattening of the trachea can occur. This causes the trachea to close during inhalation. These dogs develop a honking cough and quickly become short of breath during exercise or warm weather, or may even faint. Unfortunately, there is no treatment available, but giving a cough syrup can reduce irritation.
Soft cough due to lung problems
- Pneumonia or bronchitis
Your dog may suffer from pneumonia caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses, fungi, or choking on food. Additionally, bronchitis or asthma can cause a soft cough.
- Lungworms
Dogs can get an infection through contact with slugs or frogs. Lungworm diagnosis is possible in various ways: fecal examination, blood test, X-ray, or lung lavage. Treatment and prevention are done through deworming. Also read: worms in cats and worms in dogs.
- Tumors
Tumors can make it harder for dogs to breathe.
- Heart problems
Fluid can remain in the lungs due to left heart failure. This causes coughing. An enlarged heart can also press on the trachea.
Given the seriousness of the above causes, it is always recommended to visit the veterinarian for the correct diagnosis and treatment when you notice a cough.
