When your dog coughs, it's natural to be concerned. From a mild, occasional cough to a persistent, bothersome one, this guide will help you understand the different types of coughs, the common reasons dogs cough, and when to seek professional help. Remember, your vet is your best resource for diagnosing and treating your dog's cough.
Common Conditions that Cause Dogs to Cough
Coughing in dogs can be caused because of various reasons. Ranging from chronic illnesses to seasonal allergies, coughing in dogs is common. Here is an explanation of the most common conditions that may be the reason your dog is coughing:
1) Kennel Cough
Kennel cough, caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and other viruses, is very contagious. It is known for its high-pitched, hacking cough that sounds like 'honking.' Sneezing, running nose, and moderate fever may also occur. It can spread in kennels, dog parks, and grooming facilities. Refer to the Pet Rx Discount Card for the best diagnosis and service.
2) Canine Influenza
Also known as dog flu, H3N8, and H3N2 influenza viruses are the reason behind canine influenza. The main signs of canine influenza are coughing, sneezing, runny nose, slight temperature, appetite change, lethargy, exhaustion, weakness, and lack of energy. Like human flu, canine influenza spreads by respiratory droplets, atmospheric viruses, airborne contact, contaminated items, and other means. To get the best treatment at a discount, prefer the Pet Prescription discount card.
3) Heart Disease
It is possible for illnesses such as congestive heart failure to cause coughing. It can occur due to fluid accumulation in the lungs or the pressure imposed on the airways. Some warning signs or symptoms include coughing, especially during the night or after action, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and bluish gums. Coughing is most common during the night or after any physical activity.
4) Tracheal Collapse
The trachea, the windpipe, clears air and makes breathing easy. Tracheal collapse occurs when the windpipe partially collapses or is blocked, preventing normal lung airflow. It can cause tracheal obstruction or malfunction, producing dry coughing, wheezing, honking, and hard breathing. The gums may have a bluish appearance.
5) Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis originates in the lungs and can cause a persistent coughing pattern in dogs. The cough can be dry or may produce phlegm, and it has accompanying symptoms like wheezing, lethargy, and resistance to physical activity or exercise. Chronic Bronchitis is an inflammatory condition that causes dysfunction in the lower airways and can last relatively long.
6) Pneumonia
Pneumonia in dogs can result from inflammation of the lungs caused by bacterial, viral, or even fungal infections. As a result, this kind of cough leads to a moist/wet productive cough, wheezing, accompanying fever, lethargy, fatigue, bodily weakness, lack of energy, and a rapid respiratory rate. Refer to the Rx prescription discount card for the best discounts and services.
7) Parasitic Infection
Parasites like heartworms and lungworms can affect the respiratory or cardiovascular system and contribute to coughing in dogs. Common symptoms of a parasitic infection include persistent cough, wheezing, fatigue, bodily weakness, mild fever, lethargy, and weight loss. Especially in the case of heartworms, a particular fluid fills the abdominal area, which can swell it profoundly.
8) Allergies
Allergies are mainly airborne or waterborne and spread through environmental allergens like dust, pollen, mites, and mold. They can also vary from season to season and may occur frequently depending upon your dog's contact with and vulnerability to these allergens. Besides coughing, runny nose, and sneezing, other accompanying symptoms can be itchy skin and watery eyes.
What are Various Types of Dog Coughs?
Coughs in dogs can differ from one type to another. To understand and identify the cause of your dog's cough and find the right solution to it, it is best also to understand the different types of cough. Here is an explanation of different types of cough in dogs:
1) Dry Hacking Cough
A hacking cough is dry and non-productive in its primary symptoms. It sounds like a honking goose; you can know it if your dog is clearing something stuck in their throat. Dry hacking cough usually happens due to tracheal collapse or kennel cough. Wheezing as a symptom also accompanies a hacking cough, which can be worsened by physical activity or tracheal pressure. For the best treatments, we recommend using a Free Prescription Discount Card.
2) Moist Productive Cough
A moist, productive cough is a type of cough that is moist or wet and produces phlegm or mucus. This type of cough indicates inflammation in the lungs or the presence of fluid in the airways. Heart disease or pneumonia are usually the leading causes. The primary symptoms are production of phlegm or mucus, lethargy, fever, and weakness.
3) High-Pitched Honking Cough
It has a distinctive, high-pitched honking sound that is sometimes compared to a goose's type of honking. The most common cause is tracheal collapse, especially in tiny breeds, as the trachea is weaker in these breeds. Anxiety, physical activity, or strain on the neck are all factors that make this sort of cough worse.
4) Gagging Cough
This type of cough ends with a retching or gagging action as if the dog is trying to puke something out. It can mainly be caused by kennel cough or a foreign object stuck in the esophagus or the air passage. Actions like swallowing or eating may usually trigger this kind of cough.
5) Wheezing Cough
This cough triggers the dog to produce a wheezing or whistling sound, especially when exhaling. Some major causes of this can be chronic Bronchitis, allergens, or infections. Airway blockage, asthma, or respiratory infections can mainly result from this cough.
6) Night-Time Cough
A night-time cough, significantly when it disrupts sleep and is more pronounced in the early morning, could be a sign of a serious condition like congestive heart failure. This emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help promptly. Signs of difficulty breathing or restlessness may accompany it.
Recognizing the signs of an emergency is vital. It will guide you on when to seek immediate veterinary care for your dog's cough. Don't hesitate to act if you notice these signs.
Home remedies or rest may not be the right solution in case of worsening the dog's cough. It can be an emergency that requires a professional vet to examine the dog. Following are the signs you should keep in mind to see if it is time to bring your dog to the vet:
1) Persistent or Worsening Cough
If your dog's coughing does not improve with rest or home remedies and is persistent or worsening over time, do not delay going to a vet. The cough can be caused by some other underlying condition or a serious ailment, and it is best to be reassured and visit a vet as soon as possible. Use the Free Rx Card to get the best discounts.
2) Difficulty Breathing
Difficulty breathing should be a serious indication, and you must take it to the vet as soon as possible. Signs like shallow breathing, laborious breathing, excessive drooling while breathing, physical resistance, or a bluish appearance in the gum may indicate underlying conditions like heart disease, pneumonia, obstruction by foreign objects, airway collapse, and chronic Bronchitis.
3) Coughing up Blood or Green/Yellow Mucus
If your dog coughs up blood or green/yellow mucus, it may indicate infection, lung issues, airway obstruction, fluid retention, or an internal injury. All these possible outcomes can be serious. If you see these occurrences, immediately take your dog to the vet and ensure their checkup.
4) Exposure to Contagious Diseases or Toxins
When the dogs are exposed to other dogs or environments prone to infections or viral tracts, it can become easier for them to contract infections and contagious diseases. Another common occurrence is their exposure to toxins in the form of chemical materials or foreign objects. If you suspect their contact with either of these, contact your vet and seek professional reassurance for your dog.
5) Accompanying Severity of Symptoms
Keep an eye out for other serious signs, like feeling tired, losing appetite or hunger, having a high fever, or suddenly losing weight. These signs, along with coughing, can mean that your dog has a major health problem that needs to be treated right away by a vet.
What is the Treatment for a Dog's Cough?
Your dog needs the most suitable one among many home remedies, lifestyle changes, medications, and professional treatments. Here is a list of the most common treatments for a dog's cough:
1) Medications
If the cough is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, like kennel cough or canine influenza, your vet may give your dog medicines or drugs that fight viruses. These get rid of the illness and ease the symptoms. They may also recommend anti-inflammatory drugs to lower inflammation in the airways and make breathing easier for dogs with long-term conditions like Bronchitis. Choose the Best Pharmacy Discount Card to avail yourself of the best services at lower prices.
2) Supportive Care
Supportive care for a dog mainly involves two things: hydration and nutrition. In case of such infections or diseases, the dog's body may often lose energy and experience weakness and fatigue. At this time, you need to be cautious of their diet and nutritional needs and ensure they are staying hydrated thoroughly.
3) Cough Suppressants and Bronchodilators
Cough suppressants help reduce the severity and intensity of your dog's cough, relaxing the dog and easing the pressure on its lungs and throat. Conversely, bronchodilators help expand and open the airways so your dog can breathe easily and in a relaxed manner.
4) Environmental and Lifestyle Changes
Protecting your dog from external irritants like smoke, dust, and strong smells can help stop coughing. Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can make breathing more accessible for your dog. Keeping the dog's weight down and using a harness instead of a collar can help relieve pressure on the airway, especially in dogs whose trachea has collapsed or have a chronic illness.
5) Surgery and Advanced Treatments
If the airway collapses badly or there are other structural problems, your dog may require surgery. Stents can be put in place during procedures to keep the trachea open. Advanced treatments for heart disease may include medicine to control how the heart works and lower the buildup of blood, as well as lifestyle changes that are good for the heart.
Conclusion
Many things can make a dog cough, from minor irritations to significant health problems. Knowing the type of cough and any other signs that come with it can help you decide if you need to take your dog to the vet. Some coughs can be treated at home with easy remedies and rest, but a doctor must treat others to avoid complications. The most important thing is to take care of your dog's health. If you are trying to figure out what to do, you should always talk to your vet to ensure your pet friend gets the right care and treatment. To help keep your dog healthy and happy, knowing what is causing the problem and when to get professional help is best.
