Have you ever wondered, “Why is my dog coughing?” Just like humans, dogs can cough for all sorts of reasons, from something as simple as excitement to more serious health concerns. The tricky part is knowing when a dog’s cough is no big deal and when it’s a sign you should pick up the phone and call your vet.
Coughing in dogs can range from an occasional tickle in the throat to a persistent, hacking cough that makes you feel worried. Sometimes it clears up on its own. Other times, it points to bigger issues like kennel cough, chronic bronchitis, or even heart disease. Let’s break down the most common causes of coughing in dogs, how to spot the difference between mild and serious cases, and what you can do to support your pup’s comfort and health.
Why Is My Dog Coughing?
A cough is your dog’s way of clearing out the airway, just like when we humans have something stuck in our throats. The sound and frequency of your dog’s cough can often give you clues about what’s going on. For example:
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A dry cough may suggest irritation from dust, smoke, or allergies.
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A honking cough could point to tracheal collapse, especially in small breeds.
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A wet, phlegmy cough may signal fluid in the lungs, often linked to respiratory infections or heart problems.
Of course, it’s not always easy to tell one type of cough from another, and many conditions overlap. That’s why paying attention to other symptoms like nasal discharge, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or loss of appetite can help you (and your vet) figure out what’s happening.
Common, Non-Serious Reasons For Coughing in Dogs
Not every dog’s cough is a sign of illness. In fact, some of the most common causes are pretty minor.
Environmental Irritants
Think about the last time you inhaled a big cloud of dust or caught a whiff of cigarette smoke—you probably coughed too. Dogs are no different. Household cleaners, perfumes, air fresheners, and even pollen or hot weather can all irritate your dog’s airway.
Large breeds in particular, with their big chests and powerful lungs, may cough a little more noticeably if they’ve gotten into something irritating. Usually, this type of coughing stops once the irritant is removed.
To minimize environmental irritants, keep your dog's bedding clean and make sure you have a dog bed with a washable cover that you can launder as needed.
Overexcitement
Some dogs cough when they’re just plain excited. Maybe you come home from work, or it’s time for a walk, and your pup can’t contain himself. That sudden burst of energy can put pressure on the dog’s airway, leading to a short-lived cough. This is especially common in dogs that pull on their collars.
Switching to a harness for walks can sometimes reduce this type of cough.
Minor Illness
Just like kids get the sniffles, dogs sometimes pick up mild respiratory infections that cause occasional coughing. These are often viral, self-limiting, and clear up within a week or two. As long as your dog is otherwise acting normal—eating, playing, and breathing comfortably—it’s usually nothing to stress over.
To keep your dog's immune system strong and healthy, consider a daily multivitamin for dogs.
Serious Causes of Coughing in Dogs
While some coughing is harmless, other causes are more concerning and require close attention.
Kennel Cough
One of the most well-known culprits behind a dog’s cough is kennel cough. This highly contagious illness spreads quickly between dogs in kennels, dog parks, and grooming facilities. The hallmark sign of kennel cough is a persistent, hacking cough that can sound like your pup is trying to clear his throat.
Most dogs recover from kennel cough with rest and supportive care, but puppies, older dogs, and those with weaker immune systems may need veterinary help.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis in dogs is a long-term inflammation of the airways that leads to a chronic cough and difficulty breathing. It’s most often seen in middle-aged to older dogs. The cough tends to be dry and doesn’t go away with time. Dogs with this condition may also experience wheezing or breathing difficulties after exercise.
Managing chronic bronchitis usually means working with your vet to reduce inflammation, sometimes with medication, and avoiding triggers like dust or smoke.
Other Bacterial and Viral Infections
Dogs can catch a variety of bacterial and viral infections that irritate the respiratory tract. These often cause coughing along with other symptoms such as nasal discharge, fever, or lethargy. Left untreated, these infections can spread to the dog’s lungs and become more serious.
Collapsing Trachea
When the cartilage that supports a dog’s airway weakens, it can lead to a tracheal collapse. This condition is most common in small breeds, but other dogs can develop it too. The cough associated with tracheal collapse is often described as a “goose honk” or honking cough.
Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes, like weight management and using a harness, to medications or even surgery in severe cases.
Heart Disease
Sometimes a dog’s cough is connected to the heart rather than the lungs. Heart disease can cause fluid to build up in and around the lungs, leading to a wet, phlegmy cough and sometimes rapid breathing or fatigue. In advanced cases, heart disease may progress to congestive heart failure, which is a very serious condition requiring immediate veterinary care.
Dogs with heart disease often benefit from early diagnosis and treatment, which can greatly improve their quality of life.
Foreign Objects Stuck in the Throat
Occasionally, dogs inhale or swallow something they shouldn’t, like a piece of grass, a bone fragment, or a small toy, that ends up lodged in the airway. These foreign objects stuck in the dog's throat cause sudden, intense coughing or gagging.
This situation is an emergency. If your dog shows signs of choking or respiratory distress, seek help right away.
Diagnosing Coughing in Dogs
Because there are so many possible causes, diagnosing coughing in dogs usually requires a vet’s input. Your veterinarian may perform:
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A physical exam to listen to the dog’s breathing and lungs
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X-rays to check for problems in the chest
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Blood tests to rule out heartworm disease or infection
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Endoscopy to look for foreign objects or abnormalities in the airway
Sometimes it’s as simple as ruling out minor irritants. Other times, it involves piecing together test results and observing how your dog responds to treatment.
Treatment and Supportive Care
Treatment for a dog’s cough depends entirely on the cause. Some common approaches include:
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Rest and hydration for mild respiratory infections
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Medications like antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or cough suppressants for more serious issues
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Surgery or advanced interventions for conditions like tracheal collapse or tumors
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Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, using a harness instead of a collar, or keeping your dog away from cigarette smoke
At home, supportive care can go a long way. Making sure your pup has a calm, comfortable space to rest is essential. This is where a high-quality orthopedic dog bed can make a difference. Large dogs in particular need beds that cushion their joints and keep them comfortable while they recover from illness or simply rest after a coughing episode. A supportive bed won’t cure the cough, but it can help your big pup stay cozy while healing.
When to Seek Veterinary Attention
While some occasional coughing isn’t alarming, it’s important to know when to call your vet. Persistent coughing could indicate something serious, like an underlying respiratory condition. You should seek veterinary attention if your dog’s cough:
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Lasts more than a week (a persistent cough)
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Is accompanied by difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
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Produces blood or unusual discharge
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Comes with fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite
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Sounds like choking or gagging from a foreign object
Remember: you know your dog best. If your pup’s cough seems out of the ordinary or is causing them distress, don’t wait. A quick vet visit can give you peace of mind and may catch a problem before it gets worse.
Wondering Why Your Dog is Coughing?
Hearing your dog cough can be unsettling, but the cause may be as simple as a tickle in the throat or as complex as advanced heart disease. From kennel cough to chronic bronchitis to something lodged in your dog’s airway, there are many possible explanations. The best thing you can do is pay attention to patterns, watch for other symptoms, and provide your pup with the care and comfort they need.
