Coughing in Dogs

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Why does my dog keep coughing and gagging?

Dogs navigate the world with their noses and because of this, your dog's nose comes into contact with a variety of things like dust, germs, and dirt.

Most dogs develop a cough at some point in their life and it can be difficult to determine if your dog is responding to an environmental irritant or a serious health problem. Coughing can be a symptom of several different problems in dogs. Your dog's type of cough, breed, age, and environment can help your vet diagnose the cause of the cough.

Why do dogs cough?

Coughing is a productive reflex that is stimulated by irritation or a foreign body in the trachea or bronchi. It is a protective mechanism to keep the airways and respiratory rate away from secretions and foreign bodies.

Coughing is a sudden, violent exhalation of air. Your description of the type of cough (wet, dry, itchy, etc.), when the cough occurs (during rest, activity, night, day, etc.), and if something is causing the cough is an important information note, as this can help your vet make a more informed decision about caring for your dog.

Types of coughs in dogs:

• A wet cough, also known as a productive cough, helps the animal clear mucus and other materials from the lower respiratory tract. A wet cough produces phlegm, mucus, or foam.
• Dry cough, also known as a non-productive cough, is a cough without fluid and more involved in irritation or narrowing of the airways.
• A deep, dry cough that resembles a goose's horn is commonly seen in dogs with kennel cough and sometimes in dogs with trachea problems.
• A sneeze is similar to a cough, but the irritation comes from the nasal passages. A reverse sneeze is often mistaken for a cough and is often seen in small dogs and brachycephalic dogs. In a reverse sneeze, air is forcefully coming in through the nose instead of out, and it sounds like a cold.
• Acute cough: occurs suddenly and for a short time.
• Chronic cough: repeats over and over over a long period of time.

Causes of cough

There are many reasons why a dog will cough, but there will always be an underlying cause. All dogs have a cough at times, but only a vet can help you rule out some of these causes to identify the reasons why your dog is coughing and provide you with a treatment plan. These are some of the most common reasons why dogs cough.

Kennel cough

Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a contagious respiratory disease among dogs. Your dog can become infected if he has spent time in a kennel, at the groomer, or anywhere there are multiple dogs. A common symptom is a deep, dry cough that sounds like a goose's horn and worsens with activity.

Pneumonia

A fatty cough can be a symptom of pneumonia, along with a high fever, shortness of breath, weight loss, and a runny nose. Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites.

Strange object

A sharp, gag-like cough, especially when accompanied by lip-licking or trying to swallow, could be a sign that your dog has a sore throat or something stuck in his throat. Things can be inhaled and dogs can have small pieces of sticks or toys stuck in their windpipe. If the cough does not expel the foreign body after a few coughs, you should take your dog directly to the vet for an examination and removal of the foreign body as soon as possible. Foreign objects can lead to possible infection and pneumonia in some cases.

Heart disease

Les chiens souffrant de problèmes cardiaques, and comprised a hypertrophy du cœur, a cardiac souffle and a congestive cardiac insufficiency, peuvent tous avoir des accès de toux. at rest. Coughing can also indicate an enlarged heart. When the heart grows, pressure is put on the lungs and coughing occurs.

Tracheal collapse

Collapsed trachea is more common in overweight dogs and miniature dog breeds, but can sometimes occur in large breed dogs as well. Dogs with this condition will often have a chronic, dry, honking cough, and the cough worsens when the dog is excited, pulling on a leash, or being lifted. Prevention includes maintaining the health of the dog. your dog, by using a harness instead of a collar, teach your dog not to pull on the leash and, if possible, avoid situations that cause him to cough.

Other conditions that can cause a cough in your dog include chronic bronchitis, canine flu, heartworm, and certain types of cancer.

Treatment

If your dog's cough doesn't resolve on its own quickly or if your dog coughs violently, take him to the vet. Most cough-related problems are treatable or manageable, especially if caught early.

Enjoy The Video Tutorial about Dog Coughing Sounds: Kennel Cough, Heart Disease, Bronchitis, Tracheal Collapse

Source: Veterinary Secrets