What Is Coupage in Dogs?

When a dog develops pneumonia, a procedure known as coupage may help loosen up some of the trapped secretions. This procedure helps dogs feel better because once the secretions are successfully expelled, the airways are clear, allowing the dog to breathe better. Because of the rhythmic sound produced by thumping on the dog's chest, coupage is often also known as "percussion therapy." It is a good idea to learn how to perform coupage correctly to help affected dogs feel better from the comfort of their home.

  1. Objective

    • The main objective of coupage is to help dislodge secretions and fluids that have built up in the dog's lungs. Once the fluids have loosened up, they will move from the smaller airways to the larger airways until the dog can cough them up and successfully expel them.

    Benefit

    • Once the lungs have been cleared from secretions, they are capable of retaining more air. This ultimately helps the dog breath better. To maximize the benefits of coupage, perform it after nebulization, a process that emits vapor containing products prescribed to open up the air passages to the lungs. Performing coupage when a dog is actively coughing may help the dog successfully clear its airways.

    Procedure

    • Perform coupage by keeping your palms open against the dog's chest. A pocket of air should form between the cavity of the palm and the dog's body. Give several taps firmly enough to loosen up the fluids but gentle enough so not to hurt the dog. The sound derived from performing this procedure is similar to the noise of a galloping horse. Tap both sides of the dog's thorax.

    Size

    • While larger dogs require the procedure to be performed with two hands, in the case of puppies and small dogs, the use of three middle fingers is preferable than a cupped palm, explains veterinarian Curtis W. Dewey in the book "A Practical Guide to Canine and Feline Neurology."

    Frequency

    • Coupage should be performed about three to four times a day for sessions lasting from five to 10 minutes, veterinarians Wayne E. Wingfield and Marc R. Raffe write in "The Veterinary ICU Handbook." The procedure should be continued as long as the veterinarian deems it necessary.

    Warnings

    • It is important to avoid feeding a dog just before nebulization and coupage to prevent food being accidentally aspirated into the lungs, Dewey writes. Take care in checking the dog's mucous membranes for paleness and observe his respiratory patterns so to assess any problematic increase in respiratory effort. In such cases, coupage may need to be performed in stages. Owners must always check with a veterinarian before performing coupage.