Why Is My Pet Coughing? When It’s Time to Visit the Vet
Coughing in pets can be alarming, and while occasional coughs may be harmless, persistent or severe coughing can indicate an underlying health issue. At Groves Veterinary Clinic, we are here to help pet owners recognize when a cough is a minor irritation and when it signals something more serious.
Common Causes of Coughing in Pets
Coughing in pets can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from mild irritants to serious infections or chronic conditions. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for determining the appropriate treatment.
Infectious Diseases
- Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (Kennel Cough): A highly contagious condition among dogs, kennel cough is often caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and other viruses. It results in a harsh, dry cough, especially after excitement or exercise.
Learn more about kennel cough from the AVMA. - Feline Upper Respiratory Infections: Cats can suffer from viral or bacterial infections that cause sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge.
Read about feline upper respiratory infections from the ASPCA.
Chronic Respiratory Conditions
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs are prone to airway obstruction due to their facial structure, causing noisy breathing, snorting, and chronic coughing.
Learn about BOAS from Cornell Vet. - Chronic Bronchitis: Long-term inflammation in the airways can cause persistent, dry coughing in both dogs and cats. This condition often worsens over time without treatment.
Heart Disease and Coughing
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): In both dogs and cats, fluid buildup in the lungs due to heart disease can cause a persistent, wet cough and difficulty breathing.
- Heartworm Disease: Heartworms can damage the lungs and heart, leading to a deep, hacking cough and exercise intolerance. Preventative medication is crucial in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.
Other Causes of Coughing
- Allergies & Environmental Irritants: Smoke, dust, mold, and pollen can trigger coughing due to airway irritation.
- Parasites: Lungworms and other parasites can cause chronic coughing and respiratory distress.
- Foreign Objects: Small toys, grass awns, or food particles can become lodged in the throat, leading to sudden, severe coughing fits.
Identifying the Type of Cough and What It Means
The sound and pattern of a pet’s cough can offer clues about the cause:
| Type of Cough | Possible Cause |
| Dry, hacking cough | Kennel cough, allergies, bronchitis |
| Honking cough | Tracheal collapse (common in small breeds) |
| Wet, gurgling cough | Pneumonia, heart failure |
| Sudden, severe coughing | Foreign object obstruction |
| Intermittent coughing with weight loss | Heartworm disease |
Explore more about respiratory distress in pets from AAHA.
When to Seek Veterinary Attention
Some coughing episodes are minor and self-resolving, but certain symptoms require immediate veterinary care:
Signs of a Serious Condition
- Persistent coughing for more than a few days
- Coughing accompanied by labored breathing or wheezing
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever
- Bluish gums or difficulty breathing (a sign of oxygen deprivation)
Contact Groves Veterinary Clinic if your pet is experiencing these symptoms.
Diagnosing Your Pet’s Cough
At Groves Veterinary Clinic, we use advanced diagnostic tools to determine the cause of your pet’s cough and create a treatment plan.
- Physical Exam & History: Assessing symptoms and potential exposure to infectious diseases.
- X-rays & Ultrasound: Checking for pneumonia, heart enlargement, or tumors.
- Blood Tests & Heartworm Screening: Identifying infections, inflammation, or parasites.
- Tracheal Wash or Bronchoscopy: In some cases, fluid samples are collected to diagnose lung disease.
Treatment Options for Coughing Pets
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the cough:
- For Infections: Antibiotics (for bacterial infections) and antivirals (for severe viral infections).
- For Heart Disease: Medications to reduce fluid buildup and support heart function.
- For Tracheal Collapse: Cough suppressants, bronchodilators, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.
- For Allergies: Antihistamines or steroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
Home Care Tips:
- Keep your pet calm and rested to avoid aggravating the cough.
- Use a humidifier to ease airway irritation.
- Avoid exposure to smoke, perfumes, or household cleaners.
Preventing Cough-Related Illnesses
Prevention is key to reducing the risk of respiratory issues:
- Vaccinations: Keeping up with kennel cough, influenza, and feline respiratory vaccines.
- Heartworm Prevention: Year-round heartworm medication for dogs and cats.
- Regular Vet Visits: Routine check-ups can detect early signs of disease.
Read more about kennel cough prevention from the AKC.
FAQs About Coughing in Pets
Q: Can I give my pet human cough medicine?
A: No. Many human medications are toxic to pets. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication.
Q: My pet coughs after drinking water. Should I be worried?
A: Occasional coughing after drinking is common, but frequent coughing may indicate tracheal collapse (common in small breeds) or other issues.
Q: How do I tell if my pet’s cough is contagious?
A: If your pet recently boarded, visited a dog park, or was around other sick pets, they may have an infectious respiratory disease. Isolate them and call your vet for guidance.
While an occasional cough may not be cause for alarm, persistent or severe coughing requires veterinary attention. At Groves Veterinary Clinic, we are here to provide expert care and treatment to keep your pet healthy and comfortable.
