Coughing in dogs is the first clear sign that can reveal a series of other calm or serious health problems. Therefore, it is important to know the different types of coughs that your dog can develop, their causes and the right approach to deal with them. It is often difficult to find the cause of coughing in dogs, but in this article I will try to explain the main reasons, possible symptoms and their combination, as well as the methods used to diagnose this disease and the means of its treatment and prevention.
Symptoms of Coughing in Dogs
Coughing behavior can present in several forms in dogs and may have peculiarities suggesting various possible causes.
Dry, strong, high-pitched or barking cough
This type of cough is said to sound a lot like a dry, loud bark. This may be a sign of kennel cough, an opportunistic infection of the dog’s upper respiratory tract. This type of cough is not productive and the dog may be quite well at other times outside of the coughing spasms.
A productive cough characterized by the ejection of secretions
A productive cough, accompanied by sputum, may be a sign of a lung infection, such as pneumonia. The coughed-up secretions often indicate that the lungs themselves are trying to expel the infection. This type of cough should alarm the owner and the animal should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Cough that may be confused with attempts at vomiting or reverse sneezing
Some dogs may have a cough that resembles an attempt to vomit or regurgitate, or paroxysmal dysphagia. This may be due to a foreign body in the trachea or tracheal collapse, especially in small breed dogs.
Causes of Coughing in Dogs
Coughing in dogs can have several different causes, including infections and respiratory problems.
Respiratory tract infections and inflammations
Kennel cough
When it comes to dog coughs, kennel cough is by far one of the most commonly known diseases. It is an easily transmitted respiratory disease caused by a number of viruses and bacteria, including Bordetella . bronchiseptica . Dogs that are in direct contact with other dogs, especially in a kennel, shelter, or park, are most vulnerable to infection.
Pneumonia
Inflammation of the lungs attributed to a bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infection in dogs is known as pneumonia. They are mainly characterized by a wet cough accompanied by phlegm, fever, fatigue and shortness of breath.
Inhalation of foreign bodies and irritating substances
Dogs are prone to choking on objects that may include fragments of toys, food, or materials from the environment, resulting in persistent coughing. Additionally, irritation from cigarette smoke, chemicals, dust, or pollution can also lead to a cough reflex.
Parasites such as giardiasis or ear mites
There are some parasitic diseases that, if present in dogs, can cause coughing, including giardiasis or ear mites. These parasites cause inflammation of the airways, forcing the patient to cough all the time.
Canine tracheal collapse
Tracheal collapse is a well-observed phenomenon in toy breed puppies, especially Yorkshire puppies and miniature or toy poodles. It is a weakness of the cartilaginous rings of the trachea, which causes a chronic cough commonly referred to as a “honking cough”; this is aggravated by excitement, exercise, or pressure on the trachea from a collar.
Tumors and enlarged lymph nodes
Growths such as tumors, whether benign or malignant, can constrict the airways and cause a cough. It is easy to see that an enlarged atrium of the heart or enlarged lymph nodes can cause a cough when the airways are blocked.
Pulmonary edema
Pulmonary edema, or fluid in the lungs, can result from heart problems, kidney disease, or toxic effects. This serious condition is characterized by a wet cough and may be associated with breathing problems and cyanosis, or a bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes due to insufficient oxygen supply.
Diagnosis of cough in dogs
Tests and examinations performed to determine the cause of a cough in a dog include the following.
Thorough clinical examination
Standard procedure involves a physical examination before going any further in diagnosing a patient. The veterinarian will auscultate the heart and lungs with the dog and will also take into account the color of the mucous membrane and any coughing the dog may have. Another area that will be addressed is health: the dog’s vaccinations, as well as its contact with other animals.
X-rays of the lungs or chest
They are common in imaging of the lungs and trachea. It can show pathology that may include pulmonary edema, pneumonia, or tumors. Sometimes it may also be possible to see a foreign body or signs of tracheal collapse on an X-ray.
Blood tests, endoscopy, MRI or CT scan if necessary
Laboratory tests can reveal the presence of an infection or unsuspected pathology in an organ. Patients may be treated with endoscopy, which involves inserting a small camera into the airway, which can remove a foreign body or even take a tissue sample from the airway. In more complex cases, a doctor may order an MRI or CT scan to get a better idea of what is happening inside the patient’s body.
Treatment of cough in dogs
Management of cough in dogs will therefore depend on the recurring cause and can range from basic home doses to advanced medical remedies.
Adequate rest for mild cough due to cold
For example, when a person wants mild coughs supplemented by colds or simple viral ailments, the best remedy is to simply relax. Make sure your dog finds comfort in a warm and quiet restriction area that is provided to the animal and limit the physical activity of the animal’s body until the symptoms diminish.
Expectorants for wet coughs on the advice of the veterinarian
In a situation where your dog is suffering from a wet cough, your veterinarian may prescribe an expectorant that will help clear the substance from the lungs. However, these medications must be administered under the veterinarian’s prescription to avoid complications.
Medications according to the cause
Anti-inflammatories
In cases of inflammatory cough, such as kennel cough, anti-inflammatory medications may be given to help reduce inflammation in the airways.
Antibiotics
If the cough is caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia, then antibiotics will be necessary. They are useful in eliminating Frey and preventing the spread of this infection.
Cough suppressants
Sometimes there is a dry cough that can be difficult to get rid of, so a cough suppressant can be given. However, these medications should not be given to the dog without consulting the veterinarian because they would mask crucial signs.
Bronchodilators
For dogs with chronic respiratory problems, there are bronchodilator medications available to reduce airway constriction and thus make breathing easier or loosen mucus in cases of chronic bronchitis or asthma.
Chest drainage
Pulmonary edema or fluid buildup around the lungs, the dog may need to have the chest patted to drain the fluid and make breathing easier.
Preventing Coughing in Dogs
To prevent coughing in dogs, many preventive measures are taken and the general well-being of the animal must be respected.
Strengthening the immune system through a healthy lifestyle
A healthy dog rarely develops a cough. Always make sure that your dog is eating the right food, is active, and gets the rest he needs. Consuming supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, etc. is also beneficial in boosting a person’s immunity. Pets that are well cared for and live in good health will be in a better position to fight off infections and other respiratory related diseases.
Avoid contact with sick dogs
Kennel cough and other chronic infections are highly contagious. To prevent your dog from becoming infected, he should not be exposed to other animals that may be sick. For example, if you discover that a dog nearby or in a park that you often take your dog to is coughing, you should avoid having your dog come into contact with the affected dog until he recovers.
Likewise, if your dog is sick, it is wise to avoid having him interact with others to prevent the disease from spreading. This is especially important in areas where many dogs frequent, for example, boarding kennels, dog daycares or dog shows.
Vaccination to slow the progression of an infection
Kennel cough and other chronic infections are highly contagious. To prevent your dog from becoming infected, he should not be exposed to other animals that may be sick. For example, if you discover that a dog nearby or in a park that you often take your dog to is coughing, you should avoid having your dog come into contact with the affected dog until he recovers.
Likewise, if your dog is sick, it is wise to avoid having him interact with others to prevent the disease from spreading. This is especially important in areas where many dogs frequent, for example, boarding kennels, dog daycares or dog shows.
Prevent exposure to smoke or harsh cleaning products
If someone goes outside and inhales cigarette smoke, fumes from cleaning products or pollution deeply, this can trigger an existing cough or create a new one. It is advisable to ensure that your dog’s environment is clean and safe so that he avoids any contact with hazards.
Never use sharp or toxic products when cleaning and make sure the house is well ventilated, especially after cleaning with harsh products. If you smoke, do it outside so that your dog is not exposed to second-hand smoke.
Using a harness instead of a collar for some dogs
Dogs with sensitive necks or those with tracheal collapse that may require them to pull hard on the leash will be better handled with a harness. It often chokes the throat or trachea, so it is not advisable for a dog that is coughing heavily or has tracheal collapse, especially if it is a toy breed.
A harness distributes the pressure across the dog’s chest and not around the neck, so he won’t choke or suffocate from the pressure applied by the harness. This is especially true in small dog breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas who commonly suffer from tracheal collapse.
When to see a veterinarian
This section focuses on the signal you need to take your dog to a veterinary clinic when he or she is coughing. While it is often normal to have a mild cough that may go away on its own without seeking medical attention, it is worth noting that some coughs can be serious symptoms of other underlying medical issues.
Signs requiring urgent consultation
Certain situations require immediate veterinary attention:
- Coughing with difficulty breathing : These symptoms include if your dog is having difficulty breathing, appears to be gasping for air but is producing shallow breaths or is breathing very quickly; this could be an acute case of pulmonary edema or airway obstruction.
- Dog Behavior : Some of the other signs that accompany the cough may actually describe a serious health deficiency in your dog and therefore warrant evaluation by the veterinarian if at any point your dog;
- Blood in Cough : If you see your dog drooling or coughing up something like blood, it could very well indicate a serious infection or tumor. This requires urgent attention from a veterinarian and as such, pet owners should ensure that they seek the services of a veterinarian.
What the vet can do
During the consultation, the veterinarian will be able to observe the dog’s condition, perform the necessary tests and develop the best treatment plan. This may include:
- Personalized treatment plan : This is usually done in consultation with the doctor, who may prescribe certain medications or simply advise you to practice certain activities at home or recommend that you undergo surgery.
- Severe cases : In case of severe pathological changes, for example in end-stage diseases of pneumonia or pulmonary edema, hospitalization may be necessary to treat the animal more actively.
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Conclusion
Dogs cough only occasionally or continuously, which can mean a simple cold or a serious pathology. An owner must pay some attention to the signs presented by a dog and also know the different causes of coughing while being able to distinguish when he needs a veterinarian.
Through proper vaccination, controlling the area of origin of your dog and not using a collar but a harness for some of them, the risks of your dog coughing can be minimized. Finally, to avoid problems related to breathing in dogs, it is necessary to adopt a healthy diet and make sure to consult the veterinarian for another check-up.
FAQ
What to do when a dog coughs?
Consult a veterinarian to determine the cause of the cough and follow his or her recommendations.
What to do when a dog is coughing?
Monitor symptoms, avoid exposure to irritants, and consult a veterinarian if the cough persists.
How to calm a dog that is coughing and choking?
Keep him calm, away from irritants, and consult a veterinarian immediately for an accurate diagnosis.
What can I give my dog for a cough?
Do not give any human medication; consult a veterinarian for appropriate treatments.
