Dog parents understand that there are some coughs that are quite normal in dogs; however, when they become chronic or severe, they are a cause for concern. The first thing that pops into your head is, “Why is my dog coughing?”
This guide will also guide you on the various types of coughs that dogs go through. Plus, you will discover when you should worry, when you should not, and what to do if the dog is coughing.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
➔ Types of dog coughing
➔ When to worry about your dog’s cough
➔ What to do if your dog keeps coughing
➔ The role of online vet consultation platforms
➔ FAQs about dog coughing
Types of Dog Coughs
Dog coughing can vary significantly in sound and frequency, making it crucial to distinguish between the different types. The common ones are as follows:
Dry, Hacking Cough: It often sounds like a goose honking, commonly associated with kennel cough.
Wet Cough: It could indicate fluid in the lungs or a more severe respiratory issue.
Gagging Cough: It happens when something is stuck in a dog’s throat, or there is a postnasal drip.
This information about what may be causing your dog to cough can help you know whether you ought to make an urgent visit to the veterinarian.
Reasons for Coughing in Dogs
Coughing in dogs can be triggered by various factors, including:
Kennel Cough: A highly contagious respiratory disease that affects the dogs.
Heart Disease: A chronic cough can be attributed to diseases such as congestive heart failure.
Foreign Objects: Now and then, dogs forcefully swallow small objects that trigger wheezing and coughing symptoms.
Allergies: The allergens that are present in the environment can cause severe swelling of the throat, which can cause the dog to cough.
When to Worry About Your Dog’s Cough
Signs of Serious Conditions
If you notice serious signs of a persistent cough, it is essential to consult with your vet.
Be on the lookout for:
Coughing Up White Foam: It could be due to bloating, upset tummy, or an alarming sign pointing to complications in the heart.
Coughing and Gagging: If your dog is wheezing almost all the time, then it may be that something is caught in the dog’s throat or the dog’s respiratory system is ill.
Persistent Cough: If your dog coughs continuously for many days, then it may be referred to as a more serious disease, such as heart disease or chronic bronchitis.
What to Do If Your Dog Keeps Coughing
Home Remedies and Treatments
Home remedies are a good idea because it is very painful to spend hours in your vet clinic. At home, you can soothe your dog’s coughing by doing a few following things:
Use of Honey: A spoonful of honey might soothe a dog’s throat and end coughing.
Humidifier: Moisturizers can also be used to add moisture into the air to help further relieve a dry cough.
Rest: Always make sure that your dog receives ample rest to aid the body recover from whatever is causing the cough.
Cough Medicine for Dogs: You should not administer human cough medicines to your dog. Instead, consult your veterinarian for a safe cough medicine specifically formulated for dogs.
If you’re unsure which medicine is suitable, you can use the Search Vet services to get immediate appointments and consultations.—-
The Role of Online Vet Consultation Platforms
At present, an easier way for pet owners who want to learn guidance on their pet’s health is online resources. It is also essential to know that not all sources are trustworthy, so it is always better to seek a professional’s opinion.
How to Use for Instant Help
The online Ask a Vet feature of Search a Vet allows you to consult with a licensed veterinarian without leaving your home. The most crucial service is its emergency service, you must consider it when you are uncertain and your coughing dog requires immediate attention.
● Get real-time advice on what might be causing your dog’s cough.
● Learn about appropriate treatments, including which cough medicine for dogs might be right.
● Understand when it’s critical to visit a veterinary clinic in person.
FAQs About Dog Coughing
What is the most severe condition in dog coughing?
It is unsafe and abnormal if your dog spits white foam out of its mouth. You must visit your vet as soon as possible; it may also be life-threatening for your dog.
When Should I Visit my vet to check for my dog’s cough?
There are three significant things you must consider about your dog’s cough; these include:
● Harsh Coughing or Wheezing
● Choke and bring up blood
● Choke and bring up white froth
If you observe any of the above signs before they get worse, take them seriously and visit your vet.
Can I give human medications to my coughing dog?
It is crucial to remember that it is a very bad idea to give your dog any kind of human medicine, like aspirin or benadryl, for coughing. It can harm or even be lethal to your dog.
Wrap it Up!
Dog coughing can be very common and might be a sign of any lethal disease. As a pet owner, you must know the types of coughs and learn when to seek advice from your vet; it can keep your dog from getting sicker and uncomfortable and worsening and experiencing discomfort.
