One of the top priorities of pet owners is to make sure that their dog doesn’t get sick. However, regardless of what you feed them, where you bring them, and how much they exercise, there are times when dogs just get sick, and there’s not much you can do about it.
And if you hear or see your dog coughing, that could be a cause of concern as they could be sick or struggling from other medical conditions. With that said, if you notice your dog coughing, panicking won’t do anything.
When you see your dog coughing, the first thing to do is analyze the situation. Try to see if your dog is exhibiting any other symptoms, the type of cough they have, and try to retrace their steps from the past couple of days.
From there, it will be much easier for you to determine why your dog is coughing. On top of that, though, it would help a lot if you actually knew the different causes of a dog’s cough.
Remember, just like humans, dogs can cough for a range of reasons, and for an accurate diagnosis, it’s best to see a vet.
With that said, a vet isn’t always necessary. So, here are some of the common reasons your dog may be coughing and how you can determine if that’s actually the cause of their cough.
What Causes Dogs To Cough?
If you notice your dog coughing, don’t panic. There are more than a few reasons that your dog may be coughing, and many of them aren’t serious. But to help you figure out if it’s time to call a vet, here are a couple of reasons why your dog may be coughing.
Kennel Cough
This is a very common respiratory disease in dogs. This is very contagious, so if your dog has been to a dog park, vet, or groomer lately, they could have caught the disease there. Usually, kennel cough is nothing to worry about as the infection passes on its own without the need for antibiotics or medication.
However, there may be times that the infection can go down to the lungs and cause more severe problems. So, if you think your dog has kennel cough, try observing them for a few days.
If your dog is coughing and vomiting, the article on this website has a lot of information on what the color and texture of your dog’s vomit could mean.
Fungal Infections
Along the lines of kennel cough, fungal infections can be the reason your dog is coughing. Different bacteria, fungi, and parasites can all enter your dog’s respiratory tract and cause an infection. And if your dog has an infection in that area, they will likely develop a cough. There are many different types of bacteria and diseases that can cause coughing in dogs. So, if you’re concerned for your dog’s health, contact your vet to let them know of the situation, and they will give you the best advice available.
Lung Problems
The most obvious indicator that your dog has an issue in their lungs is wet or moist cough. There is a definite difference between these coughs and a dry cough, so it’s important to listen closely to get a better idea of your dog’s condition. This is caused by fluid in their lungs that could be dangerous.
If your dog has a lung infection, they will likely have a hard time breathing even when they aren’t coughing. This is more likely if you have dogs with a weakened immune system, such as puppies and senior dogs. In the event this happens, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
Tracheal Collapse
If you have a toy dog breed, there’s a high chance of tracheal collapse. This happens when the cartilage rings around the trachea weaken and eventually collapse. The most common indicator of this is a honking sound that is accentuated when you put on the collar. There are many ways to treat tracheal collapse, but there are some conditions that may require surgery to fix.
What To Do If Your Dog Is Coughing
If your dog is coughing, the first thing you need to do is check on your dog. Try and listen to the cough and hear whether it’s dry, wet, deep, or high. All of these qualities will help you determine what’s happening to your dog and what you can do.
On top of that, it will be beneficial to look out for other symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, or vomiting. In fact, if your dog vomits, you can even examine the vomit to check on its consistency and color, as that can tell a lot about your dog’s condition.
A coughing dog usually isn’t a reason to call a vet. However, if symptoms persist or you think your dog is also suffering from a more serious underlying health condition, contact your veterinarian and schedule a visit as soon as you can. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to treat your dog’s condition.
