Coughing in Dogs

What is a cough?

A cough is a sudden, noisy burst of air expelled from the lungs when breathing out. It is usually caused by irritation or inflammation of the lining of the windpipe (trachea) or the airways in the lungs (bronchi and bronchioles).

Coughing helps clear foreign material or a buildup of secretions, such as mucus. Severe bouts of coughing may end with retching, and a dog may even bring up stomach contents, such as bile. 

Unlike cats, dogs do not generally suffer from asthma, at least not to the same degree of severity. However, if your dog has difficulty breathing or has a bluish or gray tongue or gums, this is a medical emergency—seek veterinary care right away.

What causes dogs to cough?

In dogs, coughing is usually a sign of inflammation in the lower airways, especially some form of bronchitis. Other possible causes include:

• Infections, including those caused by bacteria such as Bordetella, viruses such as canine distemper virus, or fungi.
• Parasitic worms, especially heartworms.
• Allergies.
• Foreign material in the airway, such as inhaled grass.
• Irritation from inhaled liquids or gases.
• Chest tumors, which occasionally cause coughing.
• Heart disease.
• Tracheal collapse
• Upper respiratory tract disease, when irritation or inflammation affects the voice box (larynx) or windpipe (trachea). Excess secretions from the nose can also drain into these areas, causing irritation and coughing.

When does a coughing dog need veterinary attention?

It is normal for some dogs to cough occasionally. If the dog is in good health and the cough does not produce mucus or other material, veterinary attention is not immediately required.

However, consult your veterinarian if the cough persists for more than a few days, is severe, keeps returning, or produces mucus or other material. You should also contact your veterinarian if your dog appears sick or is losing weight. Seek veterinary care right away if your dog has difficulty breathing.

How is the cause of a dog’s cough diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will review your dog’s medical history and perform a physical examination. Tell your veterinarian when the cough began, how it has changed, whether anything has changed in your dog's home environment, and whether you have noticed any other signs of illness. If the cough is severe or has been present for some time, further investigation may be needed. 

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Chest X-rays
• Several types of blood tests, including heartworm testing
• Laboratory testing of a fluid sample collected by flushing the lower airways

Your veterinarian may also examine the airways with a small camera, a procedure called endoscopy. Ultrasound of the heart may be necessary in some cases. Your dog may require sedation or anesthesia for some of these procedures. These tests can also help your veterinarian determine whether your dog has asthma. 

How is a cough be treated?

Treatment depends on the diagnosis and your dog’s medical condition. Your veterinarian may prescribe cough suppressants in mild cases, if the cough is not productive (does not help clear mucus or other material from the airways). 

If a bacterial infection is causing the cough, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics. The length of treatment depends on the infection and your dog’s response. It is important to give all medication as prescribed, even if your dog seems better. Do not stop the treatment without consulting your veterinarian.

Long-term inflammation can damage the airways, and some dogs need ongoing treatment. Targeted supplements may help improve mucous membrane repair or act as immune stimulants. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to reduce inflammation, particularly if allergies are involved and the substance triggering the reaction cannot be identified or removed from the cat’s environment. 

For certain types of cancer, chemotherapy may be an option. If coughing is due to heart disease, it may decrease when the heart disease is treated.