Dog cough

Types of cough in dogs

Sound and character can orient the vet toward likely causes. Dry, hacking, goose-honk cough suggests tracheal inflammation. Wet, productive cough (with mucus or saliva) suggests pulmonary or cardiac involvement. Cough triggered by exertion or appearing at night when the dog is lying down raises cardiac suspicion. Cough with gagging or swallowing attempts suggests a possible foreign body.

Common causes

• Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis): highly contagious, often after contact with other dogs (boarding, parks, grooming). Dry, hacking, often ending in a retch. Usually resolves in 1-2 weeks.
• Heart problems: mitral insufficiency (common in small breeds over 8 years), dilated cardiomyopathy in large breeds. Cough mostly at night or in the morning, after the dog has been lying down for a while.
• Foreign body: bone, toy, grass blade lodged in trachea or pharynx. Sudden intense cough with gagging or unproductive retching.
• Lungworm: Angiostrongylus vasorum (cardio-pulmonary parasite transmitted via slugs and snails), Dirofilaria. Chronic cough, exercise intolerance.
• Tracheal collapse: typical in small breeds (Yorkie, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle). Honking cough triggered by leash pull or excitement.
• Allergies and irritants: cigarette smoke, perfumes, pollen.
• Pneumonia: bacterial, viral or aspiration (rare but serious).

What you can do at home

Switch from collar to harness to reduce tracheal pressure, especially in breeds prone to collapse. Ambient humidity 50-60% — a humidifier or sitting in a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes can ease irritation. Relative rest — no running or vigorous play. Check for cigarette smoke, scented candles or aerosols in the home. For suspected kennel cough, avoid contact with other dogs for 2-3 weeks.

EMERGENCY SIGNS — call the vet immediately

• Cough with blood or pink foam
• Dog is choking, gums turning blue or grey
• Cough with rapid breathing, panting even at rest
• Cough with intense gagging and unproductive retching (possible foreign body or GDV)
• Cough + collapse, fainting, evident weakness
• Chronic cough over 1-2 weeks without improvement
• Puppy or senior dog with sudden onset cough

At the vet — what to expect

Lung and heart auscultation, chest X-ray (for pneumonia, mass, enlarged heart), echocardiography if cardiac suspicion, possibly blood tests and special faecal exam for lungworm. For suspected foreign body, oral exam or endoscopy.

Prevention

Kennel cough (Bordetella) vaccine for dogs that frequent boarding, grooming or parks — discuss with the vet. Monthly parasiticides that cover lungworm for dogs in at-risk areas. Harness instead of collar for small breeds. Avoid exposure to smoke and aerosols. For dogs with known heart conditions, regular vet checks. For any cough that persists beyond a few days or that appears suddenly with extra signs, book a consult — don't try human medications at home, many are dangerous.