Coughing is a symptom of many things in humans, but it can also be just as common in our four-legged friends. It is important that you know the difference between normal and abnormal coughing to take appropriate action for your dog.
Normal coughs from dogs are usually due to inhaling something they shouldn’t have or when they’re trying to clear their throat. Abnormal coughing includes excessive dry hacking (croup), wet hacking (kennel cough), and vomiting with each breath (tumors).
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Should I be worried?
Coughing with dogs is common. It can be caused by many things, including allergies, a foreign object in the windpipe or throat, or even an accumulation of fluid around the lung. In most cases coughing is nothing to worry about and should subside within 24 hours.
But if your dog has been coughing for more than 3 days and doesn’t seem to be getting any better you may want to take him into your vet’s office so they can determine what the cause of your dog’s cough is.
Coughing in dogs can be a scary thing. It is often hard to know if it is something serious or just a temporary issue that will go away quickly. If your dog has been coughing for more than two days, take them to the vet and make sure they are not experiencing any other symptoms.
Keep reading below for some information on why your pup might be coughing and what you can do about it!
What do I need to know about dog coughing?
Coughing in dogs is a very common condition that can be caused by many different things. It’s difficult to determine the cause of your dog’s coughing without doing an examination, but there are some guidelines that you should follow if your dog starts coughing.
What could it be?
Many different conditions, ranging in severity from mild to life-threatening, can cause dogs to cough. Fortunately, most conditions that cause a dog cough are easy to treat. There are a number of common conditions that make dogs more likely to cough more than an occasional cough:
- coughing because of respiratory tract,
- asthma,
- allergies
- chronic bronchitis
- respiratory infection
BUT there may be some more serious conditions when your dog has difficulty breathing
- pneumonia,
- breathing disorders,
- menopause,
- kidney failure,
- tracheal collapse
- canine influenza virus
- heartworm disease
- heart disease
- congestive heart failure
- viral infections
- bacterial infection
- lung problems
- problems with your dog’s airways
Why is my dog coughing?
There are many possible reasons why your dog might be coughing. If your dog coughs repeatedly it may be a sign of an underlying respiratory condition. Dogs cough to get rid of things they have breathed in (such as dust and germs), but dogs can easily pick up bacteria, parasites and viruses and pass them on to other dogs.
Some causes of coughing in dogs may resolve themselves while many require veterinary treatment. If you are concerned about your dog’s cough contact your vet or find your nearest emergency.
In this Blog we can help
If your dog cough a lot, they may have kennel cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis. Most dogs will recover without treatment, but it can sound terrible, most of the time it is not a serious condition. The condition can be described as ‘kennel cough’ or infectious informable treatments.
It is not always possible to treat your dog with such a form of treatment. Most dogs recover without needing treatment, and most dogs recover quickly.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a form of Bordetella bronchiseptica, for which there is a vaccine that can protect your dog. Dogs with kennel cough have a hacking, dry and raspy cough that sounds worse if they pull while being walked on their leash.
It usually isn’t serious and usually clears up on its own within a few days. However it can become more severe in some cases, particularly for dogs that are very old, very young or have other health issues.
When to See the Vet
Your dog’s vet may examine your dog and run tests to diagnose the problem. Find out if the problem is due to a virus, an infection, an allergy, or a different problem.
Treatments will depend on the cause. Make an appointment with your dog’s doctor if your dog is suffering.
Conclusion
The best way to avoid this situation is by not allowing your dog to be in situations that can cause him or her stress. However, if you find yourself with a coughing canine companion, it’s important to do the right thing for your pup and take them into see their vet immediately.
If your dog has been coughing for a few days, it’s important to take him or her in for an exam. There is not enough information here about what kind of cough this is and whether the cause could be serious. It’s best to get help from a vet if you are unsure!
If your dog has a honking canine cough, you should take them to the vet. Dogs can get pneumonia and other illnesses that are similar to what people have.
A lot of times when dogs have a coughing fit they will also bring up phlegm or mucus from their lungs which is why it’s important for them to see the veterinarian right away if this happens more than twice in an hour or so and your vet will be able to help and may treat secondary infections or provide cough suppressants for your coughing dog.
The best way to prevent these problems is by getting vaccinated every year and keeping your pet healthy with regular veterinary checkups and vaccinations as well as daily exercise!
Coughing in Dogs FAQs
Why is my dog coughing like something is stuck in his throat?
Coughing is a symptom of many things in humans and for dogs, but coughing can also be just as common. Learning the difference between normal and abnormal coughing will help you intervene appropriately.
Normal coughing from a dog includes inhaling something they shouldn’t have or clearing their throat. An abnormal cough can be seen as excessive dry hacking (croup), wet hacking (kennel cough), and vomiting with each breath (tumors).
With dogs, coughing is common, and can be caused by many different things. In most cases there is nothing to worry about, and it should subside in a day or two. If you have other dogs, see how they are too.
How do I know if my dogs cough is serious?
If your dog has a hacking cough then keep an eye on it.
It could be caused by a serious disease, but it might be nothing more than reverse sneezing. Your vet will be able to tell you, but we have listed some of the common causes of coughing above. The best course in any case is to talk to your vet
What causes a dog to cough and hack?
Many different conditions, ranging in severity from mild to life-threatening, can cause dogs to cough. Fortunately, most conditions that cause a dog cough are easy to treat.
Among the many reasons why a dog might be coughing are:
- coughing because of respiratory tract,
- asthma,
- allergies
- chronic bronchitis
- respiratory infection
BUT there are some more serious conditions when your dog has trouble breathing:
- pneumonia,
- breathing disorders,
- menopause,
- kidney failure,
- tracheal collapse
- canine influenza virus
- heartworm disease
- heart disease
- congestive heart failure
- viral infections
- bacterial infection
- lung problems
- problems with your dog’s airways
When should I be concerned about my dogs cough?
Coughing is a symptom of many conditions in both humans and animals. It is important to know the difference between normal and abnormal coughs so you can take appropriate action for your pets.
Dogs usually cough when they inhale something they shouldn’t have but there are other different types of coughs.
Coughing in dogs is not uncommon and can be caused by many things, such as a foreign body in the windpipe or throat, allergies, or an accumulation of fluid around the lung. Anyway, there may be an underlying cause that may cause, say, high blood pressure or reduced appetite.
