Seven Possible Causes of Coughing in Dogs
Coughing in dogs might be caused by a variety of factors. While coughing isn’t necessarily a cause for concern if your dog coughs frequently and for an extended amount of time, it might indicate a respiratory problem. Coughing in dogs is a common occurrence in most people. If your dog is coughing regularly, this is referred to be a chronic cough, and you should consult your veterinarian.
Here are seven reasons why your pet could be coughing:
- Throat Clearing
Smoke and dust restrict the pet’s airways, causing mucus to build up. As a result, coughing becomes a reflex reaction in an attempt to clear the tract.
- Adverse Effects of Medications
Coughing is commonly caused by drugs used to treat heart diseases and high blood pressure in dogs. This form of cough does not require therapy because it goes away after the drugs are stopped.
- Asthma
In dogs, asthma is brought on by an allergic reaction. Dogs sniff the world and absorb various allergens such as pollen, mildew, germs, viruses, and other contaminants that can cause airway inflammation and asthma.
- Canine Influenza
Canine flu is an infectious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus in dogs, which can produce wet or dry coughing in dogs. The virus is spread by the air, contaminated items, and direct contact with an infected dog. Canine flu has no cure, therefore you can only treat the symptoms (such as coughing) rather than the disease itself.
- Kennel Cough
Kennel Cough is an infection and inflammation of the windpipe in dogs. Coughing is one of the most common symptoms in dogs. It’s infectious, and it creates an uncomfortable dry cough. However, similarly, like canine flu, it normally goes away on its own if just the symptoms are treated to make the dog feel better.
- Heart Disease
Coughing that persists, along with difficulties breathing, decreased energy, and stamina in dogs is a clear symptom of heart disease or heart failure. It’s essential to have your dog assessed by a veterinarian as soon as you notice a cough that doesn’t go away, grows worse at night or leaves him gasping for air.
It’s natural for your dog to cough from time to time. However, if your dog does it frequently or cannot seem to stop, you may have a sick puppy that may require medical attention.
- Sore Throat
A choking cough with a high pitch might indicate upper airway irritation, illness, or even a partial obstruction. Your dog may have a painful throat as a result of tonsillitis (which is quite uncommon in dogs), infections of the mouth or sinuses, or a foreign body or substance lodged in his throat, producing discomfort and a sore throat. Foreign items in the throat are harmful because they inhibit appropriate breathing and swallowing. A foreign item lodged in your dog’s throat can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical assistance.
When Should You See a Vet?
Schedule an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian if:
- The cough persists for more than a week or gets worse.
- Your dog appears to be fatigued.
- Your dog has a fever
- Your dog refuses to eat
- Your dog has other health issues
