What Does Coughing Mean in Dogs? When Should You See a Veterinarian?

If you've noticed your dog coughing recently, you might be wondering about the underlying cause. Dogs can cough for many reasons. From a simple tickle in the throat to a serious health problem, many things can cause coughing in dogs. However, a significant portion of the diseases that cause coughing can be easily treated. In this article, you can find information about the most common health problems that cause coughing symptoms in dogs. Health Problems That Cause Coughing in Dogs Coughing in dogs can occur due to many different reasons, from a small piece of food stuck in the throat to a serious health problem such as pneumonia. Knowing the diseases that can cause coughing symptoms in dogs is important in order to be more informed when faced with this symptom and to go to the veterinarian in time. Heart Diseases One of the most common causes of coughing in dogs is heart disease. Problems in the heart valves or muscles prevent blood from being pumped as it should be. Coughing occurs because some parts of the heart enlarge, putting pressure on the main airways in the lungs. Coughs caused by heart problems are usually mild and recurrent. The cough worsens especially late at night or during rest. The dog should be taken to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Pneumonia Pneumonia is one of the common causes of cough in dogs. Pneumonia in dogs occurs with inflammation in the lungs. Bacteria such as canine influenza can cause difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, or some metabolic disorders. In dogs with pneumonia, the cough is soft and moist. Fever, loss of appetite, and fatigue may also be observed. Tracheobronchitis Tracheobronchitis is a condition that occurs when the lower respiratory tract and trachea become infected. Tracheobronchitis is especially common in young dogs, but it can also occur in older dogs. The risk of infection increases in environments where many dogs are together, such as training areas or veterinary clinics. Dogs with tracheobronchitis have a dry, sharp cough. The cough worsens when wearing a collar. Symptoms such as gagging and vomiting may also occur. Tracheobronchitis usually resolves on its own, but medications such as antibiotics and cough medicine may be used. In some cases, secondary problems such as pneumonia may occur. Tracheobronchitis is a highly contagious infection. This infection is caused by a type of Bordetella bronchiseptica, and there is a vaccine available. This vaccine can prevent the dog from becoming infected. Tracheal Collapse Tracheal collapse, or tracheal collapse, is a condition where the trachea loses its tension due to softening. It is especially common in small breeds such as Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Shih Tzus. Dogs with tracheal collapse exhibit a dry, spasmodic cough. They cough constantly and have difficulty calming down. Similar to tracheobronchitis, coughs worsen when wearing a collar in tracheal collapse. Coughs are much more severe in obese dogs, those living in very hot climates, or those with environmental allergies. Also, dogs with tracheal collapse experience worse coughs when excited. Bronchitis and heart disease are often also present in dogs with tracheal collapse. Therefore, the cough varies each time. Treatment for tracheal collapse requires weight loss in the dog. This is accompanied by cough suppressants, bronchodilators, steroids, and antibiotics. In very severe cases of collapse, surgery may be necessary.

Health Problems That Cause Coughing in Dogs

Coughing in dogs can occur due to many different reasons, from a small piece of food stuck in the throat to a serious health problem such as pneumonia. Knowing which diseases can cause coughing symptoms in dogs is important for being more informed when faced with this symptom and for going to the veterinarian in time. Heart Diseases One of the most common causes of coughing in dogs is heart disease. Problems in the heart valves or muscles prevent blood from being pumped properly. Coughing occurs because the enlargement of some parts of the heart puts pressure on the main airways in the lungs. Coughs caused by heart disease are usually mild and recurrent. The cough increases especially late at night or while resting. The dog needs to be taken to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Pneumonia Pneumonia is another common cause of coughing in dogs. Pneumonia in dogs occurs with inflammation in the lungs. Bacteria like canine influenza can cause difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, or certain metabolic disorders. Dogs with pneumonia have a soft, moist cough. Fever, loss of appetite, and fatigue may also be present.

Heart Diseases

One of the most common causes of coughing in dogs is heart disease. Problems in the heart valves or muscles prevent blood from being pumped properly. Coughing occurs because the enlargement of certain parts of the heart puts pressure on the main airways in the lungs. Coughs caused by heart problems are usually mild and recurrent. The cough worsens especially late at night or during rest. The dog should be taken to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is one of the common causes of cough in dogs. Pneumonia in dogs occurs with inflammation in the lungs. Bacteria such as canine influenza can cause difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, or certain metabolic disorders. In dogs with pneumonia, the cough is soft and moist. Fever, loss of appetite, and fatigue may also be observed.

Tracheobronchitis

Tracheobronchitis is a condition that occurs when the lower respiratory tract and trachea become infected. Tracheobronchitis is more common in young dogs, but it can also occur in older dogs. The risk of infection increases in environments where many other dogs are together, such as training areas or veterinary clinics. Dogs with tracheobronchitis have a dry, sharp cough. The cough worsens when wearing a collar. Symptoms such as gagging and vomiting may also occur. Tracheobronchitis usually resolves on its own, but medications such as antibiotics and cough medicines may be used. In some cases, secondary problems such as pneumonia may occur. Tracheobronchitis is a highly contagious infection. This infection is caused by a type of Bordetella bronchiseptica, and there is a vaccine available. This vaccine can prevent the dog from becoming infected.

Tracheal Collapse

Tracheal collapse, or tracheal collapse, is a condition where the trachea loses its tension due to softening. Tracheal collapse is particularly common in small breeds such as Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Shih Tzus. Dogs with tracheal collapse exhibit a dry, spasmodic cough. They cough constantly and have difficulty calming down.

Similar to tracheobronchitis, coughs worsen when wearing a collar in tracheal collapse. Coughs are much more severe in obese dogs, those living in very hot climates, or those with environmental allergies. Also, dogs with tracheal collapse experience worse coughs when excited. Bronchitis and heart disease are often also present in dogs with tracheal collapse. Therefore, the cough varies each time. Treatment for tracheal collapse requires weight loss in the dog. This is often accompanied by cough suppressants, bronchodilators, steroids, and antibiotics. In very severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Kalp Kurdu

Heartworm is another health problem that causes coughing in dogs. Heartworm is generally more common in regions with warm climates. Wherever there are mosquitoes, there is also a risk of heartworm. Heartworm may not cause any symptoms. Symptoms depend on various factors such as the size of the dog, the number of worms, and the dog's general health condition. Dogs showing symptoms experience weight loss, weakness, and loss of appetite. In severe cases of heartworm, dangerous health problems such as heart failure or fluid accumulation in the abdomen may occur.

Canine Influenza

Just like in humans, dogs also have canine influenza. One of the symptoms resulting from respiratory tract infection is coughing. It can usually be easily treated with medication. If there are other animals in the house, the sick dog should be quarantined because canine influenza is contagious among animals but not to humans.

When Should You See a Veterinarian When Your Dog Starts Coughing?

If you notice your dog coughing regularly, you should take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Most problems causing coughing are treatable. You need to describe the symptoms you see in your dog and any behavioral changes in detail to the veterinarian. Symptoms such as coughing up blood, mucus, or white foam may occur. It is important to describe these symptoms to the veterinarian without fail.