If you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering why your dog is coughing. Well, there could be many reasons. Maybe they ate something they shouldn’t have, or they could be getting sick. Either way, it’s important to take them to the vet to get checked out.
But in the meantime, here are a few potential reasons for that pesky cough:
Reasons for a Dog Coughing
Many dog owners are concerned when their dog starts coughing, but in most cases, it’s no cause for alarm. Sometimes, a dog may cough because he’s swallowed something he shouldn’t have, such as a toy. Other times, it could be due to Kennel Cough, which is a respiratory infection. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons for a dog coughing.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is one of the most common reasons for a dog to cough. It is a highly contagious disease that affects the respiratory system of dogs. Kennel cough is caused by several different pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It can be spread through the air, by contact with contaminated surfaces, or by contact with infected dogs.
Kennel cough is most commonly seen in shelters, kennels, and boarding facilities. But it can also occur in any group of dogs that are in close contact with each other. The most common symptom of kennel cough is a dry, hacking cough that sounds like a seal barking.
Other symptoms may include sneezing, nasal discharge, and watery eyes. Kennel cough is usually not serious and will resolve on its own within a few weeks.
However, it can be more severe in puppies or older dogs, and can lead to pneumonia or other respiratory problems. Treatment for kennel cough is typically not necessary unless the dog is having difficulty breathing or showing other signs of severe illness.
If your dog has kennel cough, keep him away from other dogs until he has recovered completely to prevent spreading the disease
Allergies
Allergies are a common cause of coughing in dogs. Many environmental and food allergies can cause a dog to cough. Seasonal allergies to pollens and molds are common in the spring and fall. If your dog is coughing, take him to the vet to find out the cause and get treatment.
Heart Disease
One of the more common reasons for a dog coughing is heart disease. While there are many different types of heart conditions that can affect dogs, most of them will cause your dog to cough at some point.
The cough is important because it helps to move mucus and fluid out of the lungs, which can reduce congestion and make it easier for your dog to breathe. If your dog is coughing frequently, it’s important to have him checked out by a veterinarian so that the cause can be determined and treated appropriately.
When to Worry
A cough in dogs is usually a symptom of an underlying problem, such as kennel cough, heart disease, or tracheal collapse. If your dog is coughing, it’s important to pay attention to other symptoms he may be exhibiting and to consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause.
In this article, we’ll discuss the various reasons why dogs cough, when you should be concerned, and what you can do to help your dog.
If your dog is coughing up blood
If your dog is coughing up blood, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. While coughing up blood can be caused by a number of benign conditions, such as kennel cough or a minor respiratory infection, it can also be a sign of something much more serious, such as heart disease or cancer.
If your dog is coughing up blood, please contact your veterinarian right away.
If your dog has a fever
A dog fever is not like a human fever. A human fever is usually caused by an infection and it is a way for the body to fight off the infection. A dog fever is usually caused by an underlying medical condition.
Dog fevers can be very dangerous and should be treated immediately. If your dog has a fever, here are some things you should do:
- Take your dog’s temperature. The normal temperature for a dog is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If your dog’s temperature is above 103 degrees, they have a fever.
- Contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not wait until the next day to make an appointment.
- Do not give your dog over-the-counter medications meant for humans, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These can be toxic to dogs and can make their condition worse.
- Try to keep your dog cool and comfortable. Place them in a cool room or in front of a fan. You can also place a cool, wet towel on their body (avoid their face). Do not put them in ice water or use ice packs, as this can be too extreme and can cause shock.
- Offer your dog small amounts of water frequently to avoid dehydration. You can also give them ice chips or chicken broth (without onions) if they are not able to hold down water
Home Treatment
If your dog is coughing, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any serious underlying causes. However, there are also a number of home treatments that can help to relieve your dog’s coughing.
Steam
One possible home treatment for a dog cough is steam. This can be done by putting the dog in the bathroom and turning on the hot water in the shower. Let the room fill with steam, then turn off the water and let the dog stay in the bathroom for a few minutes. This will help to loosen any mucus in the lungs and make coughing easier.
Honey
Honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective home remedy for dogs with a cough. The honey will coat your dog’s throat, soothing irritation and helping to reduce inflammation.
It is important to use raw, unpasteurized honey for this remedy. Give your dog 1 teaspoon of honey for small dogs, 1 tablespoon for medium dogs or 2 tablespoons for large dogs. You can add the honey to your dog’s food or give it to him directly.
Rest
Many dog owners are concerned when their dog starts coughing, and with good reason. Coughing is usually a sign that something is wrong, and it can be a symptom of a number of different health problems. However, in some cases, coughing is simply a sign that your dog needs to rest.
If your dog has been playing hard or has been working hard, he may start to cough as a way of clearing his throat and lungs. This type of coughing is more likely to happen after your dog has been running or playing fetch for a long period of time.
If you notice your dog coughing after exercise, it’s important to let him rest for a little while until the coughing subsides.
In some cases, dogs may start to cough because they are stressed or anxious. If you’ve recently moved to a new home or introduced a new pet into the family, your dog may start to cough as a way of dealing with the stress.
If you think this may be the case, try to provide your dog with a calm and quiet environment where he can relax.
