There’s an array of illnesses and conditions that can result in canine coughing, and with some of the causes of a dog’s coughing potentially deadly, it’s vital that owners investigate a bout of coughing in a prompt manner.
“Coughing is one of those symptoms that can be the result of many different problems. Some are relatively harmless and easy to treat, while other causes can be very serious. So with the potential for a serious problem, it’s vital to take coughing very seriously,” explained Dr. Michael Levine, DVM.
Causes of Coughing in Dogs
Dr. Levine offered the following overview of the causes for coughing in dogs.
- Kennel Cough: Kennel cough is a highly-contagious respiratory infection that results in acute bouts of dry, hacking coughing. Kennel Cough is associated with severe irritation and inflammation involving the tracheal and bronchial area, and in some cases, this irritation triggers mucus secretions that can lead to serious cases of pneumonia. So prompt treatment is key to help prevent secondary infection and the spread of this contagious cough. Bordatella vaccine prevents Kennel Cough and is now often required if a dog visits a training class, boarding facility or daycare.
- Distemper: Many dogs are routinely vaccinated against distemper, though there are still cases where this illness arises, particularly in puppies. It is often only mild in adults with a robust immune system, but in puppies, elderly dogs, and in dogs with a compromised immune system, distemper can prove deadly. Symptoms include a dry cough, fever, and a thick discharge from the nose and eyes.
- Internal Parasites: Parasites affecting the intestinal tract, like roundworms, can trigger coughing when the parasites migrate up the intestine and into the respiratory tract. Heartworms can also trigger coughing, as the juvenile heartworm parasites are transferred to the dog’s circulatory system by an infected mosquito. The immature heartworm parasites then migrate into the lungs, causing coughing and irritation as they develop and mature. Heartworm can be potentially deadly if left untreated.
- Heart Disease and Heart Failure: Dogs with serious heart problems, like congestive heart failure, can experience bouts of coughing. The enlarged heart will compress the airway, resulting in irritation and bouts of coughing.
- Allergies: Pollen and other inhaled irritants can trigger a reaction in the mucus membranes lining the respiratory tract. This can lead to a “wet” sounding cough that waxes and wanes depending on the dog’s exposure to allergens. Coughing can also be associated with a more generalized allergic reaction, like that that occurs following an bite from an insect that the dog happens to trigger an allergic response.
- Tracheal Collapse: A dog who is overweight, elderly or with neck injury may experience collapse of the trachea. This leads to inflammation and a cough that sounds like a “honk.” Medications and surgery are routine treatments for tracheal collapse.
- Fungal Infections: Dogs who live on farms or near chicken coops and other locations where large volumes of bird droppings are present, are more prone to developing coughs that result from inhaling fungus spores. These fungus spores are commonly associated with bird droppings, though another source of fungus spores includes a damp basement or other similar area where mold spores develop.
- Auto-Immune Diseases: With an auto-immune disease, the dog’s immune system goes haywire, and the immune system attacks the body’s own tissue. This can lead to an excessive production of mucus in the respiratory tract, as the body reacts as though it is affected by an irritant like pollen. Therefore, the excess mucus can trigger a “wet” sounding cough that’s similar to that associated with allergies.
- Coccidiosis: This is a micro-organism that can affect the dog’s respiratory tract and lungs. Symptoms are often very similar to those associated with distemper and exposure occurs in similar situations. Kennels that are not properly cleaned, for instance, can be a source of coccidiosis and infections, therefore regularly disinfecting and cleaning is key.
Treatment for a Coughing Dog
Treatment for a dog’s cough varies depending on the precise cause of the cough. Diagnostic measures can include performing an exam, blood work and x-rays.
In many cases, humidifiers can be helpful in alleviating some discomfort. Bringing the pet into a steamy bathroom can also make for easier breathing during a bout of coughing.
In some cases, over the counter cough suppressants (typically “DM” formulas) can be helpful in alleviating some of the dog’s symptoms. This is often combined with prescription treatments such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications and breathing treatments.
Related Reading:
 |
