dog-coughing-and-gagging[/caption]Coughing: This Seemingly Harmless Symptom Could Foretell a Deadly Disease
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- In dogs, coughing can signal any number of problems, some more worrisome than others. Sometimes it can be difficult for a pet owner to determine whether a dog’s cough requires a visit to the vet, so here’s a brief guide to the different types of canine coughs and how to handle them.
- Kennel cough is usually to blame when an otherwise healthy dog suddenly starts coughing. Kennel cough can be a dry hacking cough, sneezing, snorting or gagging. There may also be coughing spasms brought on by excitement or exercise. Recovery from kennel cough can take up to three weeks in healthy dogs, and twice as long in puppies, older patients or dogs that are immunosuppressed.
- Pneumonia in dogs also causes coughing, and there are a variety of causes for the condition, including a bacterial or fungal infection, or aspiration of a foreign substance like vomit or food. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the infection. Aspiration pneumonia is a life-threatening condition, so if you suspect your pet has inhaled a foreign object or substance, you should seek immediate veterinary care.
- A cough that sounds like a goose honk can be a sign of a collapsing trachea – especially if your dog is a small breed. Tracheal collapse is a chronic, progressive disease that can be either congenital or acquired, and treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
- Other conditions that can cause coughing in your dog include reverse sneezing, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, heartworm disease, and some types of cancer. Any cough that doesn’t resolve quickly on its own should be investigated.
By Dr. Becker
Most dogs develop a cough at some point in their lives, and it’s often difficult for pet parents to determine the cause of the hacking or whether it’s a serious problem
In dogs, a cough can be an indicator of a number of different health concerns – some more serious than others.
Here’s a brief guide to some different types of canine coughs and what you should know about them.
Kennel Cough
In most cases, when an otherwise healthy dog suddenly starts coughing, it’s usually due to kennel cough or another similar viral or bacterial infection. Kennel cough can involve a deep, dry hacking cough, sneezing, snorting, gagging, or even vomiting. There may also be spasms of coughing brought on by excitement or exercise.
If your dog has recently been in a situation where she has had contact with other dogs – for example, in a boarding facility – she may have contracted a kennel cough infection. Symptoms usually appear from 2 to 14 days after exposure.
Kennel cough symptoms usually last between 10 and 20 days and can recur during periods of stress. Most cases resolve without medical intervention, so I don’t automatically recommended treatment. And certainly, antibiotics are not immediately warranted. I always prefer to let a dog’s body heal itself naturally, if she is otherwise acting fine.
Complete recovery from kennel cough can take up to three weeks in healthy dogs, and twice as long in older patients or in dogs with underlying immunosuppressive conditions. Puppies can also take a bit longer to recover.
Since a serious episode of kennel cough can result in pneumonia, if your dog doesn’t start to improve on her own, or if the cough becomes progressively worse, it’s important to make an appointment with your vet to be on the safe side.
Something Stuck in the Throat
A cough that grows suddenly intense or is more of a gagging sound, especially if the dog is also licking his lips or making swallowing motions, could be a sign of a sore throat or something stuck in the throat.
If your dog is outside or has just come in from outdoors when the coughing starts, it’s likely he has ingested or inhaled a grass seed or other foreign object and it’s stuck in his throat. If your dog can’t seem to cough up whatever it is, you’ll want to make an appointment with your veterinarian, since the situation could progress to an infection or even pneumonia.
Pneumonia
A cough that sounds wet (a “productive” cough) usually means there’s a buildup of fluid in the dog’s lungs. Fluid or phlegm in the lungs is a symptom of pneumonia, which can have a variety of causes. Bacterial pneumonia is caused by a pathogen, and there are several organisms that can result in infection. Fungal pneumonia is the result of a deep fungal lung infection, and is a more serious and hard-to-treat problem. Symptoms of pneumonia in addition to coughing include loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, lethargy and difficulty breathing.
If the pneumonia is bacterial in nature, typically your dog will require antibiotics, rest, immune support, and specific supportive therapies. Fungal pneumonia is more difficult to treat, since many dogs don’t respond to anti-fungal pneumonia drugs. The precise treatment will depend on what type of fungus has caused the infection. Ask your proactive vet about inhalation therapy, one of the most effective, direct ways to treat these types of lung infections.
Another type of pneumonia is aspiration pneumonia, also called inhalation pneumonia. This is a condition in which the lungs become inflamed and infected as the result of breathing in a foreign substance like vomit, regurgitated gastric acid, or food. Aspiration pneumonia is life threatening, and the prognosis for most dogs with the condition is poor, so the goal should always be prevention. If you suspect your dog has aspirated something, it’s important to get her to your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic right away.
Tracheal Collapse
A recurrent, episodic cough that sounds like a goose honk can be a sign of a collapsing trachea – especially if your dog is a small breed. Tracheal collapse is a chronic, progressive disease that can be either congenital or acquired. Dogs with the condition also typically show signs of exercise intolerance, respiratory distress, and gagging while eating or drinking.
Treatment options for a collapsing trachea include medical management, which works for about 70 percent of dogs with a mild form of the condition. More serious cases often require highly specialized surgery. Cartilage building supplements are also given to maintain the integrity of tracheal cartilage.
Reverse Sneezing
Another condition common in small breed dogs and also brachycephalic breeds is the tendency to reverse sneeze. While it is indeed a sneeze rather than a cough, the sound a dog makes while it’s happening can be mistaken for coughing or choking.
Reverse sneezing is caused by a spasm of the throat and soft palate that is triggered by an irritant, which can include simple excitement, exercise, a collar that’s too tight, pollen, or even a sudden change in temperature. In a regular sneeze, air is pushed out through the nose. In a reverse sneeze, air is instead pulled rapidly and noisily in through the nose. The sound of a reverse sneeze can be startling, and many dog parents wonder if their pet is choking or having an asthma attack. Most dogs that reverse sneeze also assume a telltale stance -- elbows spread apart, head extended or back, and eyes bulging.
Most cases of reverse sneezing require no treatment. However, it’s a good idea to try to keep track of when the episodes occur so you can determine what the probable triggers are and try to avoid them. If the sneezing becomes chronic or episodes become more frequent or longer in duration, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out other potential health problems.
Heart Disease
Coughing can also be a sign of heart disease in dogs. Other signs of a heart problem include a bluish tinge to the tongue, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, decreased exercise endurance, a too-fast or too-slow heartbeat, and increased respiratory effort. If your dog has been diagnosed with a heart condition and coughs mainly while she’s resting, lying down, or at night, it could be a sign the disease is progressing.
Treatment of heart disease in dogs depends on a variety of factors including the severity of the problem, the age and health of your pet, cost of treatment, and other considerations. A visit to a board-certified veterinary cardiologist can provide more information about the severity of your pet's heart condition.
There are a variety of natural modalities that can support a weakened cardiovascular system, so consult your holistic vet for the best options for your pet’s specific diagnosis.
Any Persistent Cough Should Be Investigated
Other conditions that can cause coughing in your dog include chronic bronchitis, heartworm disease, and some types of cancer.
A dog’s cough that doesn’t resolve quickly on its own should be investigated, and the sooner you make an appointment with your veterinarian, the better your pet’s chances for either a full recovery or a well-managed condition.
When Your Dog Can’t Stop Coughing
Dogs are social creatures that naturally sniff and slurp. This is why bacteria and viruses – including a canine form of the flu -- quickly spread from dog to dog. Germs also can land on floors, furniture, food bowls, toys, and other surfaces where the next dog to come along picks them up.
A dog may be coughing because of:
- Kennel cough. Kennel cough is the common name for a deep, honking canine cough. Is your dog having bouts of hacking, followed by gagging? Think back a week or so. Was he at the groomer, dog park, obedience class, shelter, or playground? Chances are, he was around another sick dog. Kennel cough is highly contagious, but it's not a serious problem on its own. As long as your dog is eating well and acting like himself, he'll probably feel better in a week or so. Your vet should make sure that he doesn’t need antibiotics or cough suppressants.
- Fungal infections. Yeast and other fungi can be picked up in dirt or through the air. There are prescription medications that can help.
- Heartworms. Mosquitos spread this disease. Monthly medication or an injection that lasts 6 months can prevent it. Treatment is hard on your pet, and expensive.
- Distemper. This virus spreads through the air. It's serious but can be prevented with a vaccine.
- Heart disease. Leaky valves and other problems can weaken and thicken the heart muscle. This puts pressure on the lungs and airways. Medication along with the right diet and exercise can bring relief.
- Congestive heart failure. Fluid in the lungs can cause coughing.
Lung problems Sometimes dogs get bronchitis or pneumonia. They also may suck in dirt, grass seeds, or food, which can lead to an infection of the airways. Antibiotics can help. In rare cases, lung cancer is the diagnosis. Your vet will help you decide if medication or surgery is the best course. - Does your dog have trouble breathing between coughing fits?
- When does he do it? (At night? After eating? After drinking water? After exercise? When he’s excited?)
- What does it sound like? (A goose? A seal?)
- Is the cough dry or moist?
- Does it sound like he's about to vomit?
- Where has your dog been lately? (In a place with other dogs? With you on a family vacation? Around a smoker?)
- Have there been any changes to his daily routine?
- Is he up-to-date on his shots, and heartworm prevention?
- When did he last take his medication?
Your vet will examine your dog and run tests to find out if the problem is due to a virus, an infection, an allergy, or a different problem. The treatment will depend on the cause.
Puppy Love
Just like any other sick member of the family, your dog deserves a little TLC until his cough clears. Make sure he has plenty of water, healthy dog food, and rest. Steer clear if he wants to be alone. Tell kids to let sleeping dogs lie, and keep him away from other dogs until he's well.
The best way to keep your dog healthy is to prevent problems before they start. Make sure your dog gets his shots every year and gets heartworm prevention as directed. Don't let him play with other dogs who are coughing or sick.
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