Nighttime Coughing in Dogs

Many dogs become very sensitive when moved to new conditions or exposed to certain environments. Nighttime coughing may be a result of this or a symptom of a serious illness. If a nighttime cough is persistent, you should consider taking your dog to the veterinarian. Nighttime coughing in dogs could be sign of a few different conditions.

  1. Identification

    • Nighttime coughing is characterized by a nosey or congested release of air from the dog's mouth. The cough can be long drawn-out episodes where the dog struggles to get comfortable because of an irritation in the throat. The coughing can also occur in several short spurts where the dog seems to be choking. Nighttime coughing is significant because it greatly interferes with the dog's ability to sleep. Often, the coughing can be initiated by the position in which the dog lays down at night.

    Allergies

    • Allergies are the most common conditions that contribute to coughing in dogs. A dog's immune system is sensitive to foreign substances and will overreact when exposed. Allergens invade the respiratory system and cause the dog to cough and wheeze. The most common allergies in dogs are inhalant, flea, food and contact. Some dogs have reactions to their food or a change in diet. Inhalant and contact allergies can be a result of the dog having a reaction to their bedding, collars and to fragrances found in laundry detergents or air sprays.

    Kennel Cough

    • Dogs can develop kennel cough when they have been exposed to other dogs. This is an upper respiratory condition that produces a hacking-style cough that produces whitish salivate from the dog's mouth. This condition is known to be worse at night. Dogs who are accustomed to boarding, parks or dog shows are more susceptible to getting kennel cough.

    Heart Disease

    • Nighttime coughing in dogs could be indicative of a serious heart condition. A soft, reoccurring cough at night may be from congestive heart failure in which fluid builds up in the dog's lungs. With heart failure, the dog's breathing becomes more difficult and the coughing may include watery phlegm.

    Considerations

    • Since nighttime coughing is a symptom of heart disease, it's essential that owners take their dogs to the veterinarian upon the first signs of coughing. Nighttime coughing could be a result of a variety of disorders and conditions in dogs. Your veterinarian will need to do several tests to determine the cause.