I get this question frequently as a veterinarian. Dogs cough for a variety of different reasons. A cough in a dog is a symptom that there is an underlying condition occurring. If your dog keeps coughing and gagging, this means that there is some type of irritation or inflammation in the airways, lungs, or throat. There are multiple different causes of lung and throat irritation ranging from serious illnesses such as cancer or heart disease to milder conditions like allergies. Anytime your dog has a cough, you should consider consulting with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of your dog’s cough.
The way the cough sounds may give us a small clue as to what is causing the cough. Although, the sound of the cough is only a very small piece of the puzzle and does not give us a definitive answer as to the cause of the cough. These are a few different types of coughing that you may hear from your dog:
Is a dog cough serious? Yes, dog coughs can be a sign of serious illness. There are many different causes of coughing in dogs. Here are a few of the most common conditions that I see as a veterinarian.
Kennel cough is an infectious disease seen in dogs that causes a dry, hacking, or honking cough. This condition is especially common in dogs that go to dog parks, doggy daycare, or grooming and boarding facilities. Some causes of kennel cough can be prevented with the Bordetella vaccine.
Another common cause of dog coughing is allergies. Typically allergies will present as a hacking dry cough; although, dogs with chronic allergies and chronic bronchitis may have a deeper sounding cough. Veterinarians will typically prescribe steroids or antihistamines for this type of cough.
Heart failure is a serious cause of coughing. This potentially fatal condition occurs when the heart is not working like it should, the heart enlarges, and fluid builds up in the lungs causing a cough.
Unfortunately, cancer is another common cause of cough, especially in older dogs. If your dog is over the age of 6, it is especially important to rule out cancer as a possible cause of the cough. If your dog is older and has been having a difficult time getting around, consider a vet-recommended dog ramp to help your dog into the car or next to you on the couch.
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite carried in mosquitoes. This disease will cause coughing and may even potentially result in heart failure and death if left untreated.
When the trachea collapses on itself, this can cause a honking cough, especially in smaller dog breeds. This condition can be especially bad in overweight dogs, so it is important to keep your dog at an ideal weight to reduce the symptoms from this condition.
Your veterinarian will listen to your dog’s lungs with a stethoscope to check for a heart murmur which may be a sign of heart failure. Next, they will listen to the lungs to check for the presence of any abnormal lung sounds that might indicate an underlying disease. Depending on their exam findings, your vet may recommend doing an x-ray of your dog’s chest. The x-ray will help rule-out serious conditions like cancer, heart failure, and pneumonia.
Some of my clients ask, “what home remedy can I give my dog for coughing?” Unfortunately, there are no effective home remedies available for dog coughing. To administer the appropriate treatment for your dog’s cough, your vet will need to examine your pet to determine the underlying cause of the cough. Below are some of the common dog coughing treatments.
Various treatments exist for dog coughing depending on the underlying cause of the cough. If your dog’s cough is caused by heart failure, your veterinarian will start them on medications to try and move the fluid away from the lungs so they can breathe easier. When the cough is caused by cancer, your veterinarian may recommend medications to control the cough, chemotherapy drugs, or surgery. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe steroids or antihistamines if your dog’s cough is caused by allergies. If you are interested in learning more about Benadryl and other types of allergy medications that may be recommended by your veterinarian, visit this complete guide to allergy medications in dogs.
Dog coughs caused by bacteria are typically treated with antibiotics. If you are interested in learning more about kennel cough and prevention for kennel cough, be sure to check out this Alpha Paw article on the Bordetella vaccine.
Ensuring your dog’s immune system is robust is essential for their overall health. Explore the best immunity booster products designed to fortify your furry friend’s defenses. Look for supplements that contain immune-boosting ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics. These products can enhance your dog’s resilience against common health challenges and promote a thriving, active lifestyle.
Don’t delay getting your dog to the vet for a cough! Anytime your dog is coughing, I recommend visiting your veterinarian. Because it is difficult to differentiate between minor causes of dog coughing and more dangerous causes of dog coughing, it is vital that you visit your veterinarian promptly. It is especially important to visit your veterinarian quickly if your dog is older than 6 years of age or if your dog has a wet cough, a persistent cough, a frequent cough, or a history of a heart murmur. These may be signs of more serious illness.
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The medical, nutritional, or behavioral advice we provide is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our editorial content is not a substitute for formal or personalized medical advice from a veterinary professional. Only board-certified veterinary specialists who have examined your pet should diagnose medical conditions, provide personalized treatment, or prescribe appropriate medication. For questions regarding your pet’s health, or if your pet is exhibiting signs of illness, injury, or distress, contact your veterinarian immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our site.
