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.

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!