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Coughing in DogsCoughing in dogs is rather common and can be caused by numerous possible reasons, some of which can be serious. Timely diagnosis and
appropriate treatment are therefore essential.
Similar to sneezing, dog coughing is a way for the body to get rid of foreign particles and infectious bacteria from the respiratory tract. Sometimes mucus may be produced
to bind the foreign particles and prevent them from moving deeper into the lungs, resulting in a "moist cough".
There are a number of possible reasons that may cause coughing in dogs, some are more serious than others. With that in mind, dog coughing should not be taken lightly -
if your dog is coughing, especially if the cough is severe and chronic, be sure to take her to a vet for a thorough check-up.
Possible Causes of Coughing in DogsHere is a list of some possible causes of dog coughing: Kennel Cough
If your dog has dry, hacking coughs, but is otherwise fine, she may have contracted kennel cough or acute tracheobronchitis. Most cases of kennel cough are
not serious and the dog will get over the cough in 1 to 2 weeks. Visit our page on
Treating Kennel Cough for more information.
Allergies
Dogs with allergies may develop a "moist cough" as the body is trying to expel whatever
inhaled irritants (e.g. pollen, cigarette smoke, etc.) that may have entered the respiratory tract. The coughing may subside once the dog is removed from the source of
the allergen.
Parasites
Another common cause of coughing in dogs is internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and
heartworms. Larvae of intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms can trigger coughing (called a verminous cough) when they migrate up the intestine
into the respiratory tract.
Heartworms also cause coughing when the immature heartworms are transferred to the dog's circulatory system by an infected mosquito. The parasites migrate into the lungs,
causing the dog to cough (a dry to moderately moist cough) which usually gets worse when the dog is lying down. Heartworm infection is potentially life-threatening so
prevention is essential if your dog lives in an area where mosquitoes are plentiful.
Heart Disease
Dogs suffering from heart disease, such as congestive heart failure, can
develop coughing as well. The coughing is caused by the enlarged heart, which compresses the airway, resulting in dry, unproductive coughing bouts.
Tracheal Collapse
Dogs that are overweight, old, or have suffered neck injuries, as well as toy breeds of dogs are prone to tracheal collapse, causing inflammation of the membranes
which are lining the trachea and resulting in a dry, hacking cough. This condition is usually treated using medications or surgery.
Characteristics of Some Dog Breeds
Brachycephalic dogs (dogs with flat faces such as pugs, bulldogs, Pekingese, etc.) that snore often have elongated soft pallets in the rear of their mouths. This can cause
coughing as well. This condition is treated using medications and sometimes surgery.
Lung Tumors
Sometimes, coughing in dogs may mean something more serious. For example, it is common for dogs with lung tumors to have dry, hacking coughs. When the cancer is in its
advanced stage, the coughs may produce small amounts of phlegm or blood. Primary lung tumors are rare; most cases of lung tumors are a result of metastasis (the spreading
of cancerous cells from other parts of the body). Visit our page on Lung Cancer in Dogs
for more information.
Distemper
The first sign of dog distemper is a dry hacking cough, accompanied by a fever of 103° to 105°. A thick, yellow discharge from the nose and eyes is also common.
However, most dogs are now routinely vaccinated against distemper, so this disease has become very rare. Visit our page on
Puppy Distemper for more information on this disease.
Canine Influenza
Dogs infected with canine influenza will show signs of upper respiratory problems such as coughing and sneezing. Dog flu can also cause a dog to have a fever, sometimes
as high as 106°F. Currently there are no vaccines against dog flu. Visit our page on Dog Flu for more
information on this disease.
Canine Pneumonia
Dogs with pneumonia also have coughing as one of the symptoms. Pneumonia can be a result of an infection, or secondary to other conditions. Visit our page on
Canine Pneumonia for more information on this disease.
Top
Things to Look Out For in a Coughing DogIf your dog is coughing, try to observe her carefully and note down answers to the following:
Coughing in Dogs - When to See a VetTake your dog to the vet immediately if you notice the following:
Natural Remedies for Acute Coughing in Dogs
If your dog has an acute cough, but otherwise feels fine and has good energy, you may want to first give her some vitamin C and vitamin E for a day or two. You may also
try to use herbs to soothe and suppress excess coughing. Some useful herbs include licorice root,
mullein, marshmallow and coltsfoot.
You can also use essential oils to soothe and calm your dog. Essential oils of
lavender, eucalytus, and tea tree are antibacterial and antiviral. Chamomile essential oil has a calming effect. Use them in a vaporizer or diffuser to help your dog
relaxed and breathe easier.
There are also quite a few natural herbal and homeopathic products that are effective in alleviating coughing in dogs. Please visit our page on
Natural Dog Coughing Remedies for more information.
Related Topics Kennel Cough Natural Dog Coughing Remedies References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999). R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000). M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999). TOP of Coughing in Dogs |
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