Why Is My Dog Coughing? A Vet’s Guide with Personal Insights

As both a veterinarian and a lifelong dog owner, I’ve been asked this question countless times: “Why is my dog coughing?”

Coughing in dogs can range from harmless throat irritation to signs of more serious conditions like heart disease, kennel cough, or even collapsing trachea. As a dog parent myself, I understand how unsettling it is to hear your furry friend hacking or wheezing—especially at night when the house is quiet, and every sound seems amplified.

In this blog, I’ll share not only my professional knowledge as a vet but also personal experiences with my own dogs, explaining:

• The most common causes of coughing in dogs
• What different coughs sound like and what they might mean
• When to visit the vet and what to expect
• Treatment options and home care tips
• How to prevent cough-related illnesses in the first place

So let’s dig deeper into why your dog might be coughing, and what you can do to help.

Why Do Dogs Cough?

Just like humans, dogs cough when something irritates their throat, airways, or lungs. It’s their body’s natural way of clearing out irritants like dust, mucus, or even foreign objects.

However, not all coughs are created equal. Some are harmless and temporary, while others may indicate underlying conditions that need medical attention.

When owners come to me asking, “Why is my dog coughing?”, I usually start by considering a few key questions:

• How long has the cough been happening?
• What does the cough sound like (dry, honking, wet, gagging)?
• Are there other symptoms (lethargy, fever, nasal discharge)?
• Has the dog recently been boarded or around other dogs?
• Is the dog on heartworm prevention?

These details are vital in narrowing down the cause.

Common Causes of Dog Coughing

1. Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

This is one of the most frequent answers to the question, “Why is my dog coughing?”.

Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory infection spread between dogs, especially in places like shelters, dog parks, or grooming salons. It’s often compared to the common cold in humans.

• What it sounds like: A dry, hacking cough that can sound like your dog is “honking” or trying to clear their throat.
• Other signs: Gagging, retching, but usually dogs remain bright and active.
• Personal example: When my Labrador, Daisy, stayed at a boarding kennel while we traveled, she came home with a persistent honking cough. Thankfully, she recovered with rest, cough suppressants, and time—but it taught me to always keep vaccines up to date.

2. Allergies and Environmental Irritants

Dogs, like humans, can cough due to pollen, dust, smoke, or strong scents.

• What it sounds like: Sporadic coughing fits, often when exposed to the irritant.
• Other signs: Itchy skin, watery eyes, sneezing.
• Vet tip: Try to identify triggers—like smoking indoors or seasonal pollen—and minimize exposure.

3. Heart Disease (Especially in Older Dogs)

A chronic cough may signal heart disease, particularly congestive heart failure. Enlarged hearts can press against airways or cause fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to coughing.

• What it sounds like: A soft, persistent cough that’s worse at night or after exercise.
• Other signs: Fatigue, difficulty breathing, fainting spells.
• Personal example: My neighbor’s senior Cocker Spaniel developed a chronic cough. After an exam, we diagnosed mitral valve disease. With heart medication, his quality of life improved dramatically.

4. Tracheal Collapse

This is common in small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Pomeranians. The trachea (windpipe) weakens and collapses, causing a distinctive cough.

• What it sounds like: A goose-honk cough, often triggered by excitement, exercise, or pulling on the leash.
• Other signs: Difficulty breathing, gagging.
• Vet tip: Switching from a collar to a harness can significantly reduce coughing episodes.

5. Pneumonia or Lung Infections

Bacterial or viral infections can settle in the lungs, leading to pneumonia.

• What it sounds like: A wet, phlegmy cough.
• Other signs: Fever, lethargy, difficulty breathing.
• Urgency: Always a reason to see a vet quickly.

6. Parasites (Heartworm, Lungworm, Roundworms)

Parasites can invade the lungs and cause chronic coughing.

• Heartworm disease is particularly serious and life-threatening if left untreated.
• What it sounds like: Persistent, mild cough with reduced stamina.
• Prevention: Monthly heartworm prevention is key.

7. Foreign Objects

Sometimes, dogs inhale small objects like grass seeds or food particles that get lodged in their throat.

• What it sounds like: Sudden, intense coughing or gagging.
• Personal example: My terrier, Max, once inhaled a piece of kibble and went into a coughing fit that had me rushing to the clinic. Luckily, it passed naturally, but it was a good reminder to supervise mealtimes.

8. Cancer or Tumors

While less common, especially in younger dogs, tumors in the chest or airways can cause chronic coughing.

• What it sounds like: Persistent, unexplained coughing that doesn’t improve.
• Other signs: Weight loss, weakness.

What Does Your Dog’s Cough Sound Like?

One of the most helpful things you can do for your vet is to record your dog’s cough on your phone. Different coughs can point toward different conditions:

• Dry, honking cough → Kennel cough or tracheal collapse
• Wet, phlegmy cough → Pneumonia or infection
• Cough worse at night → Heart disease
• Sudden coughing/gagging → Foreign object

As a vet, I often tell owners that the cough’s “personality” helps us make the diagnosis.

When to Worry About a Dog’s Cough

Not every cough is an emergency, but some are red flags:

• Coughing with difficulty breathing or blue gums
• Persistent coughing lasting more than a week
• Cough accompanied by fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite
• A sudden, violent coughing fit that doesn’t stop
• Coughing in an older dog with a history of heart disease

If you’re wondering “Why is my dog coughing?” and the symptoms seem severe, don’t wait—call your vet.

Diagnosis at the Vet

When you bring your dog in for a cough, here’s what usually happens:

1. History taking – I’ll ask about duration, sound, and other symptoms.
2. Physical exam – Listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
3. Tests (if needed):
   • Chest X-rays (to check lungs and heart size)
   • Heartworm testing
   • Blood work
   • Tracheal wash (in rare cases)

As both a vet and a dog owner, I know how anxious it can feel waiting for results. I always try to reassure owners by explaining each step clearly.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends entirely on the cause:

• Kennel cough: Rest, cough suppressants, sometimes antibiotics.
• Allergies: Antihistamines, avoiding triggers.
• Heart disease: Heart medications, diuretics, lifestyle adjustments.
• Tracheal collapse: Cough suppressants, weight management, harness instead of collar.
• Pneumonia: Antibiotics, fluids, supportive care.
• Parasites: Deworming medications, heartworm treatment.
• Foreign objects: Sometimes endoscopy or surgery.

Home Care Tips for a Coughing Dog

As a dog owner, I know it’s tough to see your pet uncomfortable. Here are some vet-approved tips for helping at home:

• Humidifier therapy: Adding moisture to the air can soothe irritated airways.
• Minimize excitement: Keep activity calm to prevent coughing fits.
• Switch to a harness: Especially for small breeds with tracheal issues.
• Keep vaccinations updated: To prevent kennel cough and other diseases.
• Regular parasite prevention: Heartworm and lungworm prevention are non-negotiable.

Prevention Is Always Better

To avoid asking yourself “Why is my dog coughing?” in the first place, focus on prevention:

• Annual vet checkups for early detection of heart and lung disease.
• Vaccines for kennel cough, distemper, and parainfluenza.
• Monthly parasite prevention.
• Keeping your dog away from smoky, dusty, or polluted environments.
• Maintaining a healthy weight and exercise routine.

Final Thoughts

As both a vet and a dog lover, I know how unsettling it is to hear your pup coughing. Sometimes it’s something simple, like kennel cough or allergies. Other times, it’s a warning sign of something more serious.

The most important thing to remember is: never ignore a persistent cough.

If you’ve been wondering “Why is my dog coughing?”, take note of the sound, frequency, and any accompanying symptoms, and share that with your vet. With the right care, most causes of coughing in dogs are treatable, and your furry friend can get back to wagging their tail in no time.