A dog coughing once in a while isn’t unusual. Dogs cough for many of the same reasons people do. But if your dog is coughing repeatedly, coughing at night, or coughing up mucus or foam, it’s worth paying attention. Dog coughing can be a sign of anything from a minor irritation to a serious respiratory or cardiac condition. At McGehee Clinic for Animals in Memphis, TN, our veterinarians help dog owners understand and address coughing in dogs every day, and we’re here to help you figure out what’s going on with your pet.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Cough?
An occasional cough is normal, especially if your dog just ate or drank too fast, inhaled something dusty, or is excited. But a cough that persists for more than a day or two, occurs frequently throughout the day, or is accompanied by other symptoms is not something to ignore. Persistent dog coughing is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It tells you something is irritating or affecting the airways, lungs, or heart, but it doesn’t tell you what. That’s where your veterinarian comes in.
Common Reasons Your Dog Is Coughing
There are many possible causes of dog coughing, ranging from infections to allergies to serious diseases. Here’s a look at the most common ones and what distinguishes them.
Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection most often caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, sometimes in combination with viruses like canine parainfluenza. Dogs with kennel cough typically produce a harsh, honking cough that can sound alarming. The cough often worsens with activity or excitement. Dogs usually pick up kennel cough from other dogs in places like boarding facilities, dog parks, groomers, or shelters. Most cases are mild and resolve on their own, but some require veterinary treatment, particularly in puppies, elderly dogs, or immunocompromised pets.
Canine Influenza
Dog flu (canine influenza) causes coughing, nasal discharge, fever, and lethargy. Like kennel cough, it spreads between dogs and can travel through kennels and dog parks rapidly. A dog coughing with flu symptoms may need veterinary support, including rest and fluids, and in some cases antiviral or antibiotic therapy for secondary infections.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia in dogs can be bacterial, viral, or fungal in origin. A dog with pneumonia often has a deep, wet-sounding cough, along with fever, labored breathing, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Pneumonia is a serious condition that requires prompt veterinary care. Dogs that aspirate food or liquid into the lungs (aspiration pneumonia) can also develop this cough pattern.
Heart Disease
A dog coughing at night or when lying down can sometimes indicate heart disease. As the heart weakens, fluid can accumulate in or around the lungs (a condition called pulmonary edema or pleural effusion), causing a moist or productive cough. This type of coughing is more common in older, small-breed dogs. Heart disease-related coughing often comes alongside exercise intolerance, rapid or labored breathing, and lethargy. If you notice your dog coughing primarily at rest or at night, a cardiac evaluation is strongly recommended.
Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse is a condition in which the cartilage rings supporting the trachea weaken, causing the airway to flatten during breathing. It’s especially common in small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas. The resulting cough is often described as a goose-honk, or a high-pitched, harsh sound that can be triggered by excitement, exercise, or pulling on a collar. Dogs with tracheal collapse benefit from veterinary management and lifestyle modifications.
Foreign Body or Obstruction
A dog that suddenly starts coughing intensely and uncontrollably may have inhaled or partially swallowed a foreign object. If your dog is pawing at their mouth, gagging, or showing signs of distress alongside coughing, treat this as an emergency and contact your veterinarian immediately.
What Does Your Dog’s Cough Sound Like? Clues for Your Vet
The sound and pattern of a dog’s cough can provide your veterinarian with valuable diagnostic clues. Here’s a general guide to what different types of coughing may suggest:
- Dry, hacking cough: Often associated with kennel cough, tracheal irritation, or environmental irritants
- Wet, productive cough: May indicate pneumonia, fluid in the lungs, or a lower respiratory infection
- Honking or goose-like cough: Commonly linked to tracheal collapse, especially in small breeds
- Coughing at night or when resting: A possible sign of heart disease or fluid accumulation
- Coughing after eating or drinking: Could indicate aspiration, megaesophagus, or throat problems
When to Take Your Dog to the Vet for Coughing
Not every cough requires an emergency visit, but coughing that persists or worsens should always be evaluated by a veterinarian. Schedule an appointment at McGehee Clinic for Animals if your dog is coughing and any of the following apply:
- The cough has lasted more than two or three days
- The cough is getting worse over time
- Your dog is coughing up blood, mucus, or foam
- Your dog has difficulty breathing or is breathing faster than normal
- Your dog is lethargic, not eating, or showing other signs of illness
- Your dog is very young, very old, or has an existing health condition
Seek emergency care immediately if your dog is struggling to breathe, has blue-tinged gums, or has collapsed.
How Does the Vet Diagnose the Cause of Dog Coughing?
When you bring your coughing dog to McGehee Clinic for Animals, our veterinarians will start with a complete physical exam, listening carefully to the lungs and heart and assessing the trachea. Depending on what they find, diagnostics may include:
- Chest X-rays to evaluate the lungs and heart size
- Blood work and a complete blood count
- Heartworm testing
- Culture and sensitivity testing if an infection is detected
Treatment depends entirely on the diagnosis. Kennel cough may resolve with rest and, when indicated, antibiotics. Heart disease is managed with medications to reduce fluid accumulation and support cardiac function. Tracheal collapse is managed with weight control, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery. Pneumonia requires aggressive treatment, often including hospitalization.
What Memphis Dog Owners Should Know About Dog Coughing
A coughing dog is sending you a message. It might be minor, or it might be the first sign of something that needs prompt attention. Either way, the team at McGehee Clinic for Animals in Memphis, TN, is equipped to get to the bottom of your dog’s cough quickly and compassionately. If your dog has been coughing and you’re not sure why, give us a call at (901) 682-5684 or book an appointment online. We’re here to help your dog breathe easier and feel better.
