Why Is My Dog Coughing? Causes and When to Call the Vet

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

A cough is a reflex that clears the airways, but the cause can range from trivial to serious.

Describe the cough

Details matter. Note whether the cough is dry or moist, honking or hacking, constant or only with excitement or exercise, worse at night or after drinking, and whether it comes with retching, sneezing or nasal discharge. A short video helps greatly.

Common causes

• Kennel cough and other infections. See kennel cough in dogs and canine influenza
• Collapsing trachea. See collapsing trachea in dogs
• Heart disease, where an enlarged heart or fluid in the lungs causes cough. See heart murmur in dogs and congestive heart failure in dogs
• Heartworm disease. See heartworm disease in dogs
• Pneumonia. See pneumonia in dogs
• Allergies or chronic bronchitis
• Foreign objects or irritants, including smoke and grass seeds
• Laryngeal problems, such as paralysis in older large breeds
• Lung tumors or other lung disease

Patterns and what they might suggest

• Honking cough triggered by excitement or leash pressure: tracheal problems.
• Soft, moist cough with fatigue: possible heart or lung disease.
• Cough at night or when lying down: consider heart disease and tell your vet.
• Cough after exposure to other dogs: infectious causes.
• Gagging after drinking: laryngeal or esophageal disorders.

These are clues, not diagnoses.

Urgent signs

Go to a vet immediately if your dog has:

• Difficulty breathing or breathing with an open mouth at rest
• Blue, gray or pale gums
• Fainting or collapse
• Coughing up blood
• Persistent cough with lethargy or fever
• A cough after choking. See dog choking first aid

What your vet may do

Your vet will listen to the heart and lungs and may recommend X-rays, bloodwork, heartworm testing, heart ultrasound, tracheal wash or endoscopy. Treatment depends on cause.

What not to do

Do not give human cough or cold medicine, and do not wait weeks. Some products contain ingredients unsafe for dogs. See why human painkillers are dangerous for dogs.

Helping at home

1. Use a harness instead of a collar.
2. Reduce smoke and fragrance exposure.
3. Keep your dog calm and cool.
4. Keep notes and film episodes.
5. Count resting breaths. See dog normal vital signs.

Prevention

• Keep up vaccines and heartworm prevention. See dog flea, tick and heartworm medications
• Avoid contact with sick dogs
• Maintain healthy weight
• Schedule regular checkups

Common mistakes

• Assuming every cough is kennel cough
• Ignoring night coughing
• Using a neck collar
• Delaying testing

Troubleshooting

• Cough lasts more than two weeks: book an exam.
• Cough worsens with exercise: discuss heart and airway checks.
• My dog coughs after eating grass: film it and mention it.

A simple plan

1. Describe and film the cough.
2. Check for urgent signs.
3. Call your vet.
4. Follow testing and treatment.

Real-life examples

A small terrier with a honking cough improves with weight loss and a harness. An older spaniel with night coughing has a heart condition treated with medication. A young retriever coughs after boarding and recovers with rest. Cause decides care.

Watching for change

Track frequency and triggers. Changes help your vet decide when to retest.

Cough versus gag versus reverse sneeze

Owners often mix up these sounds. A cough is an exhale of air from the lungs, a gag is a retch from the throat and a reverse sneeze is a noisy inhalation through the nose. A video lets your vet identify which one you are describing, which saves time and avoids unnecessary tests. See reverse sneezing in dogs.

Cough in puppies and seniors

Puppies who cough after daycare or shelter exposure may have infectious causes and can deteriorate quickly. Older dogs with a new cough should have their heart and airway checked, as degenerative conditions are more common with age. Never assume a cough is just age.

The takeaway

A cough is a symptom with many causes. Describe it, film it and see your vet when it is persistent or comes with other signs.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.