Why Does My New Puppy Cough?

The causes of puppy coughing range from allergies to cigarette smoke to a collapsed trachea. Puppy coughing is a symptom of many diseases and conditions, so take your puppy's cough seriously. Knowledge of the top five causes of puppy cough may prevent life-long complications with your puppy.

  1. Allergens and Irritants

    • Cigarette smoke can trigger puppy coughing.

      Even the slightest new and foreign particles or dust can cause a puppy to start coughing. Cigarette smoke, perfume, and dust are the three most popular irritants. These allergens and irritants cause the puppy's throat and nasal passages to become inflamed and, as a result, the puppy develops a cough. Remove any irritants from the home and your puppy will stop coughing. Humidifiers help as well.

    Kennel Cough

    • Kennel cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica. It can only be contracted from contact with another infected animal. This transfer of bacteria can occur in shelters or at puppy breeding facilities. Kennel cough is rarely fatal and can be treated with a one-to-two weeks dose of antibiotics.

    Hookworm and Roundworm

    • Hookworm and roundworm are parasites that make their way to a puppy's intestines through the bloodstream. Once they get to the lungs, the puppy coughs the parasites out, only to re-swallow them. Hookworm and roundworms can be treated with antibiotics. Preventive care also can be administered through specially formulated medicines that kill parasites.

    Congestive Heart Disease

    • The No. 1 symptom of congestive heart disease is coughing. Pressure on the puppy's trachea and fluid in the lungs are the main causes of cough in these cases. Although congestive heart disease is commonly seen in older dogs, it may be present at birth.

    Heartworm

    • The battle against heartworm starts the day you bring your puppy home. Puppies receive their first heartworm medication between eight and 15 weeks and then get booster shots every year for life. Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites. Mosquitos transfer microscopic larvae that travel to the heart and stay there. If a puppy is not treated for heartworm, the heartworm remains in the puppy's heart, causing inflammation that eventually spreads to the lungs. Upon reaching the lungs, the puppy develops a cough, which is a sign that the heartworm has done damage. Heartworm medication only kills the heartworm. It does not treat or repair the damage cause by the heartworms.

    Preventive Care

    • Be diligent in your puppy's care. Take your puppy to a veterinarian upon the first sign of coughing. Do not assume that the cough will die away over time. Preventive and speedy care for your puppy may result in many added years to his life.