Cough in dogs: why does a dog cough?

Wheezing or howling in dogs can also be caused by infectious diseases (such as kennel cough, sinusitis, rhinitis, or other respiratory tract infections), gastrointestinal infections, heartworm disease, cardiovascular disease, or tracheal collapse.

If your pet is choking, contact your vet immediately.

Why does the dog growl?

A dog growls or howls when receptors in the larynx, trachea, or bronchi are stimulated or irritated. These receptors are usually irritated by a foreign body stuck in the airway.

Foreign bodies in the respiratory tract can range from toys and bones to branches that get stuck in the throat or esophagus.

Owners often confuse whether the dog barks or howls, so it is very important when looking for an answer to the question «why does the dog bark?», in any case seek help from a veterinarian who will examine the animal, carry out the necessary tests and prescribe the most suitable treatment.

Why does the dog cough?

Most often, the dog coughs due to hypersensitivity of the upper respiratory tract caused by kennel cough or other respiratory tract infections.

Less often, a dog coughs due to heart disease and increased stomach acid.

Kennel cough. What is this?

Kennel cough is a term used to describe a complex of viral and bacterial infections. Kennel cough causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is a contagious and rapidly spreading disease that is transmitted through direct contact between animals.

Don’t be fooled by the name of this virus, it is not just a disease of animals living in shelters. Any animal that comes into contact with other dogs (during training, long walks, shows, kennels, dog hotels and yards, guests, etc.) can contract this disease.

What causes cough in dogs?

The primary or sole pathogen causing this disease mabe:

• Canine parainfluenza virus
• Canine adenovirus 2 (CAV-2)

Gram-negative bacteria (e.g Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli AND Klebsiella pneumonia) can be a primary pathogen, especially in younger puppies, but can also cause secondary infections: tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia.

An interesting fact is that cats are carriers of the causative agent of «kennel cough» and help the causative agents to survive in the environment without any changes in health.

Symptoms of Cough in Dogs

All clinical symptoms are related to damage to the respiratory tract and depend on the course of the disease and the age of the affected dog. Dry coughing attacks and the feeling that something is stuck in the dog’s throat are the main symptoms by which kennel cough can be suspected. In most cases, the dog will appear healthy, except for persistent coughing even at rest.

If the disease is not advanced, appetite and activity level are usually not reduced.

As the condition or disease progresses, dogs often cough up white, frothy mucus. Coughing can cause vomiting. In advanced cases of kennel cough, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, visible whitish, yellowish, greenish discharge from the eyes and nasal cavity may occur.

It should be noted that the dog’s cough can intensify due to an improper collar, changes in temperature and humidity, excitement, constant activity.

If you notice your dog coughing or starting to cough even when lying down, consult a veterinarian immediately, as dog coughing can turn into a severe form of pneumonia within a few days.

Which dogs are prone to kennel cough?

Young, older, chronically ill and unvaccinated dogs are more likely to contract kennel cough. Most often, the severe course of the disease occurs in puppies aged 6 weeks to 6 months.

How to protect your dog from kennel cough?

The most effective prevention method is the vaccine. If you and your pet like to participate in various competitions, parades, attend training courses, attend rallies, playgrounds, spend free time with other animals, we recommend vaccinating your dogs against kennel cough. It should be remembered that already sick dogs are not vaccinated and do not acquire permanent immunity.

The veterinary clinic in Vilnius Begemot is always ready to help sick four-legged friends. The experience of veterinarians and modern equipment help to quickly and effectively diagnose the disease and its causes and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. If you have questions or concerns about your dog’s health, the Begemoto veterinary clinic is open every day from early morning until evening. Contact us if your pet needs help.