Has your dog suddenly started coughing? If you are worried there is good news. Luckily, coughing is a natural reaction. Determining the cause of your dog’s cough will make it possible to treat the cough.
Don’t be afraid to contact our Moline, IL, veterinarians, especially if the coughing is severe or paired with other symptoms.
Causes of Cough
There are many causes of coughing for dogs: from having a sore throat to having lung problems. Determining the cause is key to treating your dog’s cough.
Reasons why your dog may be coughing continuously:
- Dry or sore throat
- Obstruction
- Kennel cough
- Lung problems
- Tracheal collapse
- Heart disease
- Distemper
- Heartworms
- Canine influenza virus
- Chronic bronchitis
Dry or Sore Throat
A dry or sore throat can cause coughing. If your dog coughs only a few times, it may be a sign of a dry or sore throat.
A sore throat may also be caused by an infection. If you suspect an infection, call your vet for options. A cough caused by a sore throat may sound like gagging or may be higher in pitch than normal.
Treatment
To treat a dry or sore throat, provide your dog with water to drink. You may need to refill a water bowl or two.
If your dog’s sore throat is caused by an infection, there are medicines your vet can prescribe to help treat the discomfort and infection.
Obstruction
An obstruction in your dog’s throat may also cause coughing. Your dog will likely cough until they are able to get the obstruction out or moved.
Treatment
If coughing does not clear the obstruction, you need to call your vet or a local emergency vet. They can remove the obstruction, and if necessary, perform a tracheotomy until the obstruction can be removed.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a common cause of coughing. Your dog may get kennel cough while staying in a dog hotel or with other dogs. Kennel cough is passed along like a cold.
Group settings are the most common threat. Pay attention to the other dogs around your dog. If any of them are coughing, your dog may end up with a kennel cough.
Avoid dogs that seem sick. This may not always be possible. Luckily, kennel cough is not a major issue. A kennel cough is a dry, hacking, and raspy cough.
Treatment
If your dog has a kennel cough, talk to your vet about options. They may tell you to let your dog try to heal itself. However, you can get antibiotics to help. Keep your dog away from other dogs so that you do not pass the cough along.
Lung Problems
Lung problems can cause coughing. These can be as simple as inhaling water with their air and as complicated as influenza or pneumonia. If a dog’s cough sounds wet and phlegmy it is a sign it might be pneumonia.
Lung problems, such as pneumonia, can affect any dog but are especially those with weakened immune systems, young puppies, and senior dogs.
Other Symptoms:
- Cough
- Labored breathing
- Nasal discharge
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Respiratory distress
- Blue gums
Treatment
Lung problems and pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, or exposure to toxins. Depending on the cause, there are different treatments. In all cases, call your vet for help.
Lung problems caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics. You can also treat pneumonia with oxygen therapy or fluid therapy. Ventilation is another option. The last options are nebulization and coupage. Talk with your vet over which treatment will work best.
Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse happens when the tracheal rings become slack or start to sag. It can also be caused by a lack of strength in tracheal muscles.
Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Toy Poodles, and Yorkshire terriers are more vulnerable to tracheal collapse.
A cough caused by tracheal collapse is persistent, dry, and harsh. The cough may sound like a goose honking.
Treatment
Tracheal collapse can be treated by a vet with surgery. There are a number of medical procedures that can be used based on how severe the collapse. Talk to your vet about next steps.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the most common causes of coughing. Heart disease can cause swelling of the heart which constricts the space for lungs to expand.
If your dog’s cough is soft and continuous, heart disease is a real contender. The cough will also be worse at night when they are lying down.
Other Symptoms:
- Tired
- Lack of energy
- Fainting
- Collapsing
- Frequent coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing difficulties
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Quickly getting winded
- Reduced appetite
- Noticeable weight gain or weight loss
- Swelling in the abdomen
Treatment
Treating your dog’s heart disease can help with coughing caused by an inflamed heart. Talk to your vet about heart disease treatment options.
Distemper
Canine distemper is caused by a virus that causes respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system problems. Similar to kennel cough, distemper can be passed by coughing and sneezing.
Other Symptoms:
- Watery discharge from the eyes
- Pus-like discharge from the eyes
- Fever
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting
- New or severely increased Circling behavior
- New or severely increased Head tilts
- Muscle twitching
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Hardened foot pads
Treatment
Vaccination is key to preventing distemper and protecting your dog. Unfortunately, once your dog has distemper, you cannot cure it. However, there are medications that can be used to mitigate the symptoms. Keep dogs with distemper away from other dogs.
Heartworm
If you live in a warmer climate, heartworm disease is a more likely cause of coughing than if you live in a cold climate.
Heartworm can be passed to your dog by mosquitos, and prevention is key. Quick treatment is important.
Other Symptoms:
- Mild cough
- Persistent cough
- Intolerance for exercise
- Abnormal lung sounds
- Weak pulse
- Syncope
- Increase intolerance of exercise
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Swollen belly
- Heart failure
- Labored breathing
- Collapsing cardiovascular system
- Pale gums
- Dark urine
- Organ failure
Treatment
The key to heartworm is to prevent it. However, if your dog does get heartworm, there is treatment. The sooner you get treatment for your dog, the easier it is to heal them. Contact your vet for the best recommendation.
Canine Influenza Virus
Canine influenza virus, like kennel cough, can be passed from dog to dog. Other symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Purulent nasal discharge
- Runny eyes
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
Canine Influenza can sometimes be mistaken for kennel cough. If you are not sure which your dog has, check with a vet.
Treatment
While you cannot treat or cure canine influenza, you can help mitigate the symptoms. Just like with humans, dogs’ bodies will fight off the flu if they are given the chance. Talk to your vet about how to proceed.
Chronic Bronchitis
Canine chronic bronchitis is similar to what humans can be diagnosed with, and affects small airways called bronchi and bronchioles. Inflammation is the main cause of bronchitis.
Bronchitis may also be acute instead of chronic. Acute bronchitis can be reversible, whereas chronic cannot be cured.
Treatment
Treatment of bronchitis depends on the causes. Chronic Bronchitis can be treated by treating the inflammation. Acute bronchitis can be treated with medication or surgery to strengthen the airways. Talk to your vet about the options available for your dog.
Reach Out to Our Moline, IL, Animal Hospital if Your Dog’s Coughing Raises Concern
Please reach out to our Moline, IL, animal hospital to address any concerns you have with your dog’s coughing by giving us a call at (309) 524-5696.