Coughs in dogs
Types of coughs in dogs
When your dog coughs and catches your ear, pay attention to what you hear. Describing your dog's cough in detail with your vet will make it much easier to diagnose and treat the problem. Plus, you can quickly determine at home if your dog's cough is just a quick cough or something that could indicate a more serious health problem.
There are several common types of cough that you may hear from your canine friend:
Cough signal. You will hear a hoarse sound similar to that of a goose.
Wet cough It sounds like a wet cough, like your dog is coughing up phlegm.
A gut-wrenching cough. A hoarse cough sounds like your dog is trying to expel something from his throat or mouth, but there is no moisture at all.
Lustful cough This is when your dog makes a gag or multiple gags during a coughing fit.
Also, be sure to take into account the persistence and duration of your dog's cough. This way, you can inform your vet if your dog is experiencing a persistent cough or a few occasional coughs here and there, if the cough appears only after exercise or occurs at any time of the day, etc.
Once the vet learns of your dog's cough symptoms and performs a physical exam of his pet, he can probably tell you what is causing your puppy's coughing spells. Let's take a look at some of the most common reasons.
Common causes of coughing in dogs
Why does my dog cough on the street?
In most cases, an accidental cough is easy - your dog coughs the same way you do, possibly to clear his throat or get rid of dust, saliva, or other irritants that tickle his windpipe.
But persistent or troublesome coughs in dogs always have some explanation. These are some of the most common causes of coughing in dogs.
Collapse of the trachea
Tracheal collapse is another common cause of a signal cough. It's exactly what it sounds like: the windpipe collapses on its own when the cartilaginous rings that surround the windpipe weaken. This phenomenon is more common in small breeds and toy breeds, but it can occur in other dogs as well. This is especially likely if your dog is pulling on the collar while walking, and is more likely to occur in obese dogs or in hot, humid climates.
Foreign bodies in the esophagus
If you have something stuck in your throat, cough. Your dog too. Foreign objects lodged in your dog's throat are sure to cause him to cough in response. A foreign body lodged in the esophagus can be a very serious problem, as it can block the flow of air.
Heart problems
Heart problems can be associated with a variety of conditions and sometimes coughing, usually on the "wetter" end of the sound spectrum. This is a serious health concern and it is important to inform your vet immediately if he has a wet cough.
Seasonal or environmental allergies.
Did you know that seasonal allergies can also be the main cause of your dog's cough? Environmental allergens like pollen, dust, grass, mold, or even something like cigarette smoke can trigger a variety of reactions in your dog's body, including coughing.
How to Respond to Your Dog's Cough
You've probably guessed the best thing to do when you hear your dog cough: tell your vet. It is always better to play it safe than to regret it.
Again, it is important to pay attention to the type of cough your dog emits and what circumstances (if any) are associated with that coughing attack. Ask yourself:
What does my dog's cough sound like? Is it a dry cough? Dry or wet cough? Goose hissing?
How long does my dog's cough last? Occasional cough or persistent, persistent cough?
When does my dog have a cough? Does it happen after strenuous exercise? Only when Fido walks in from the street? At any time, seemingly for no reason?
Are there other symptoms? Do you notice things like sneezing, runny nose, weight loss, loss of appetite, or stopping exercise in addition to coughing?
With the answers to these questions, you and your veterinarian can work together to solve your dog's cough problem.
Papy's Cough Help
The coughing puppy lies down
As you can imagine, the solution to your dog's cough problem will depend on the cause.
If the illness is caused by a bacterial infection, such as kennel cough, chronic bronchitis, or pneumonia, your vet will usually prescribe antibiotics. Viral infections usually clear up until your dog is healthy, but supportive measures, such as fluid replacement to prevent dehydration and restore electrolytes, can help him become more comfortable.
A parasitic infestation, such as heartworm disease, will require a regimen of deworming followed by preventive medications p To stop it. repetition. Tracheal collapse may require surgery to correct it in severe cases, or medications may help your dog experience the condition less often. And if your dog is coughing due to seasonal or environmental allergies, allergy medications or supplements can help reduce the symptoms that your dog friend is experiencing.
Regardless of the cause of your dog's coughing problem, you should always consult with your veterinarian. A continuous cough can indicate a serious health problem.
So why is my dog coughing?
We have verified that a wide variety of medical problems can be the cause of your dog's cough. Or it could be something as simple as clearing your dog's throat.
If your dog's cough is causing problems or persists, it's time to call your vet. Once you are concerned about your dog's behavior, contacting a veterinarian is the right step. This way, you know that your dog will be safe and happy.