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Why Our Pets Cough

Coughing in pets can have various causes, ranging from mild irritation to serious health conditions. Hearing a dog or cat coughing might not be reason to worry. However, understanding why your pet is coughing can help you decide if you need to make a trip to the vet.

Is my pet coughing a cause for concern?

Coughing in pets, much like in humans, can happen for many reasons. While occasional coughing is usually fine, persistent or severe coughing could indicate an underlying health issue. Monitor the frequency, duration, and nature of your pet's cough to determine whether it warrants further investigation

Possible reasons your pet is coughing

Understanding the typical symptoms of common conditions can help you figure out the cause of your cat or dog’s cough and the best course of action. There are some common reasons your pet might be coughing and they have distinctive signs you can look out for.

Heart Disease

A disease of the heart valves or heart muscle stops blood from being effectively pumped around your pet’s body and can affect their lungs too. Congestive heart failure can cause coughing due to fluid buildup in the lungs. If your pet has been diagnosed with heart disease, they will probably be prescribed medication to support heart function. Make sure you have regular check-ups to keep an eye on their condition.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and can cause severe coughing in pets. Symptoms may include your dog or cat coughing up mucus, laboured breathing, fever, and lack of energy. It can be caused by all sorts of things, including bacteria or fungal infection, a lingering virus, aspiration of material or inhalation of a foreign body. Getting prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications.

Canine Cough

Canine coughis a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs. It is characterised by a dry, hacking cough that sounds like a honking noise. Canine cough often resolves on its own, but severe cases may require veterinary intervention, particularly in puppies, older dogs, or dogs with weaker immune systems.

Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a serious condition caused by parasitic worms living in the heart and lungs of pets. One of the primary symptoms is a persistent cough. Preventative measures such as monthly medications are the best way to protect your pet from this dangerous disease.

Canine Influenza

Canine influenza, or dog flu, is an infectious respiratory disease caused by specific strains of the influenza virus. Symptoms include a cough, runny nose, and fever. While most dogs recover with proper care, some may develop more severe conditions like pneumonia.

Tracheal Collapse

Tracheal collapse is a condition where the trachea, or windpipe, gets soft and collapses, causing coughing and difficulty breathing. This condition is more common in small and toy dogs and very rare in cats. Treatment options include medication or, in severe cases, surgery.

Lower Respiratory Infection

An infection in your pet’s lower respiratory tract, such as bronchitis, can causes persistent coughing. These infections can be bacterial or viral but can be treated with antibiotics or other medication.

Hairballs or foreign objects

Cats sometimes cough up hairballs from fur they have ingested while grooming, but this is not usually a cause for concern. Occasionally, your pet might start coughing because they have inhaled or swalloweda foreign object. Keeping an eye on them and making sure their environment is safe can help prevent these incidents.

When you should be concerned about a pet coughing

So, when should you start worrying about your pet's cough? Not every time you hear your pet coughing is a cause for concern, but sometimes a cat or dog cough might be a sign of sickness. Pay attention to these warning signs, and you will know when to visit the vet:

The cough lasts more than a few days.
Your pet has difficulty breathing or is breathing rapidly.
You notice a change in your pet’s appetite or energy level.
The cough produces blood or mucus.
Your pet shows signs of pain or distress.

If you notice any of these symptoms with the cough, it's time to seek professional advice.

Seeking medical attention for your pet

If you’re concerned about a dog or cat’s cough, consult your veterinarian. They will conduct a thorough examination, which may include listening to your pet's heart and lungs, taking x-rays, or running blood tests to identify the underlying cause of the cough.

Taking prompt action can make all the difference to your pet’s health. While occasional coughing can be nothing to worry about, persistent or severe coughing requires a response. By staying vigilant and informed, you can ensure your pet receives the best care possible and continues to lead a happy, healthy life. For more information about how to care for your dog, check out our blog

Why Is My Pet Coughing