Coughing in dogs may be due to a variety of reasons, from minor issues such as particles of food getting stuck in the throat to serious disorders affecting vital organs. For this reason, when you notice your dog making incessant coughing noises, schedule a prompt veterinarian appointment. Your vet can assess the dog's overall condition, come to a correct diagnosis, and initiate the most appropriate treatment based on his findings.
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Bordetella
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Bordetella, also known as tracheobronchitis or ''kennel cough,'' is a respiratory disorder caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica. The name ''kennel cough'' derives from the fact that dogs tend to develop this condition when they are with large groups of dogs, e.g., in kennels, dog shows or dog grooming parlors. Typically, affected dogs cough as if something's stuck in the throat, and they often tend to retch right after they cough. In some cases, pneumonia may develop as a complication, according to Dr. Mike Richards, a veterinarian providing answers for pet owners on the website Vetinfo.
Collapsing Trachea
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Another common condition known to cause a dog to make coughing sounds is a collapsed trachea. This condition typically affects middle-aged and elderly small dogs when the structures responsible for supporting the trachea tend to weaken. The main symptom is a honking cough often triggered by rapid breathing from exercise or excitement, or from pressure on the windpipe caused by the collar when pulling on a leash, explains Dr. Eric Barchas, a veterinarian who lives and works in San Francisco.
Heartworm Disease
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Heartworm disease, a condition affecting dogs and spread by mosquitoes, is responsible for causing serious and potentially fatal complications in dogs. After a mosquito bites a dog, infective larvae enter the bloodstream and mature into adult worms within approximately six months. Such parasitic worms tend to settle in the arteries of the dog's lungs and sometimes in the heart. In the late stages of heartworm disease, dogs may develop a cough, fatigue after moderate exercise, reduced appetite, and weight loss, according to the American Heartworm Society, a global resource for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heartworm disease.
Congestive Heart Failure
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Congestive heart failure is one of the most troubling and common causes of coughing in dogs. Coughing sounds are most likely witnessed at night because when the dog lies prone, fluids tend to accumulate in the gravity-dependent areas of the dog's lungs. This condition typically causes a soft, nocturnal cough which can become productive as the condition progresses. The phlegm produced is typically pink and foamy in nature. This cardiac cough tends to worsen with exercise and may ultimately lead to serious respiratory distress, according to veterinarian Celeste Clements in an article published on the Working Dogs website.
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