Dogs cough for many reasons, but how do you know when it requires medical attention? Coughing can be caused by different things and sometimes your dog may need to be seen by a vet. So if you’re wondering, “Why is my dog coughing?”, here are a few possible reasons:

Why is My Dog Coughing?

Most dogs occasionally feel the need to cough. These occasional coughs are usually not cause for concern, but if your dog’s cough becomes more persistent, it may be signaling an underlying issue. Here are a few reasons why your dog is coughing:

1. Allergies or Irritation

Dogs, just like humans, can experience allergies to a variety of substances in the environment. These allergens can cause inflammation of the airways and when this happens, the immune system may react with watery eyes, runny nose, or cough. There are a few ways to help your dog survive seasonal allergies like using antihistamines if your vet recommends them, which should alleviate your dog’s cough.

Dogs may also cough due to an irritated throat. If dust particles or other irritants bother their throats, coughing can help get these irritants out, relieving the irritation. Give them some water to see if that helps. Dogs can get sore throats or infections of the throat or tonsils, but these are uncommon. If your dog continues to cough, schedule an appointment with your vet.

2. Choking

Dogs will cough if there is a foreign object caught in their throat. This coughing may be accompanied by some gagging as well. If you think your dog may be choking, call your vet immediately and they’ll most likely have you bring your dog in.

If you cannot wait, there are some emergency choking responses you can perform, like the Heimlich maneuver for dogs. Ask your vet for the best resources so you practice to be best prepared.

3. Kennel Cough

Another common cause of coughing is kennel cough, otherwise known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC). Kennel cough is a common health problem in dogs and will produce a dry and honking cough. If kennel cough is not treated, it can cause pneumonia.

This upper respiratory infection in dogs is extremely contagious. So, if you have any other dogs, you will need them checked out for kennel cough as well. Dogs diagnosed with kennel cough will be given antibiotics and a cough suppressant.

Kennel cough often spreads in settings where many dogs are present, like kennels, obedience training, or doggy daycare. Thankfully, there is the Bordetella vaccine available to help stop kennel cough from spreading. Getting your dog vaccinated is important, especially if your dog frequents these settings.

4. Heartworm

Heartworm in dogs can be another reason why your dog is coughing. However, some dogs with heartworm may not exhibit a cough. It tends to depend on how big the dog is, how many heartworms are present, and the overall health of the dog.

Heartworms are caused by a parasite transmitted by a mosquito. The parasite larvae then hatch in the heart and lungs and can grow up to a foot long. These worms cause inflammation and even fatal heart and lung damage if not treated promptly.

If a cough is present with heartworm, you may see a persistent but mild cough, lack of appetite, and some lethargy, which are all symptoms you shouldn’t ignore in your dog. A severe infection may result in heart failure along with fluid buildup in a swollen abdomen.

If heartworm is found early it is treatable. However, it is a long and restrictive treatment, as well as expensive. The best way to keep your dog safe is with early preventive medication, as early as 8 weeks.

5. Heart Disease

Heart disease or heart murmurs are other reasons a dog may be coughing. Heart disease affects the heart valves or heart muscle, which prevents the heart from being able to pump blood efficiently. When not enough blood is pumped, the heart can become enlarged, compressing airways in the lungs. Fluid can also build up in the lungs, causing coughing.

Your veterinarian will be able to determine if heart disease is the cause of a dog’s cough. If the cough is caused by heart disease, their cough may be worse if they’re resting on their side or during the night. You may also see them lose some stamina and energy. Knowing the signs of heart disease is one of the best ways to keep your dog’s heart healthy. Early intervention is key.

If your dog’s veterinarian determines that the cough is a result of heart disease, they probably recommend heart medications. These medications can help alleviate fluid around their heart and lungs and relax blood vessels, allowing for the blood to flow more easily.

6. Laryngeal Paralysis

Laryngeal paralysis in dogs is another condition that may cause your dog to cough. If a dog has laryngeal paralysis, it means the muscles that open the airway fail to function correctly. When this happens, their larynx stops opening and closing normally.

Other symptoms along with coughing include vocalization changes, shortness of breath, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has laryngeal paralysis, make an appointment with your vet. Surgery is usually necessary to treat laryngeal paralysis, but there are other ways to help control symptoms.

7. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a common upper respiratory infection in dogs and can be another reason your dog may be coughing. This is something that is typically seen more often in young puppies or senior dogs, especially if they have compromised immune systems. Pneumonia usually has a few main causes, including viral, bacterial, and aspiration (inhaling something into the lungs).

With pneumonia, your dog’s cough will sound wet or phlegmy. You will also notice a lack of appetite and some lethargy. They may also have a high fever. Your dog will need veterinarian care and treatment will depend on the cause of the pneumonia.

If it’s bacterial, your dog will have a course of antibiotics but if it’s viral, treatment will focus on mitigating and reducing their symptoms. This usually includes plenty of rest and fluids, as well as medications to alleviate symptoms. In some cases, your dog may need to stay at the veterinarian’s office for more intense treatment.

8. Canine Influenza

If your dog is coughing, it might be the flu. Yes, dogs can get the flu, however, it is not the same flu that humans get. While canine influenza is contagious between dogs, you won’t need to worry about catching the flu from your dog. Along with a cough, your dog may exhibit other symptoms like sneezing, fever, lethargy, and eye and nasal discharge.

If your dog has canine influenza, they will need medication. The cough can last for up to about a month, but it typically resolves sooner than that. You will want to keep your dog away from other pets in your home because canine influenza is contagious between animals.

So, if you’re wondering “Why is my dog coughing?”, these might be a few reasons. If your dog is coughing more than usual or more frequently, make sure to contact your vet. They can examine your dog and determine any necessary treatments. Hopefully, your dog will be back to feeling healthy!