Dog Coughing: Causes, When to Worry, and When to Seek Care 

Coughing in dogs can sound alarming and may have many different causes—ranging from mild irritation  to more serious respiratory or heart conditions. While an occasional cough may not be cause for  concern, persistent or worsening coughing should be evaluated. 

Understanding what’s behind your dog’s cough can help ensure they get the care they need. ‍

Common Causes of Coughing in Dogs 

Coughing is typically related to irritation or disease affecting the respiratory tract, but it can also be linked  to other systems in the body. 

Common causes include: 

• Kennel cough (canine infectious respiratory disease complex) 
• Tracheal irritation or collapse 
• Allergies or environmental irritants (dust, smoke, pollen) 
• Respiratory infections (bacterial or viral) 
• Pneumonia 
• Heart disease (especially in older dogs) 
• Foreign material inhalation (grass, debris) 
• Parasites such as heartworm 

The type of cough (dry, honking, wet, or productive) can sometimes help guide diagnosis. Taking a video  of your dog coughing may be helpful in determining the type of cough they are exhibiting.  

When Should You Be Concerned? 

Some coughing can be mild and temporary, but there are certain signs that indicate your dog should be  seen by a veterinarian. 

You should seek care if your dog: 

• Is coughing persistently or worsening over time 
• Has a cough lasting more than a few days 
• Is gagging or retching along with coughing
• Has difficulty breathing or rapid breathing 
• Seems lethargic or less active than normal 
• Has nasal discharge or fever 
• Is not eating or drinking 
• Has a known heart condition or is a senior dog 

If your dog is struggling to breathe, or having abnormal breathing habits, this is an emergency and should  be evaluated immediately. 

How We Diagnose Coughing in Dogs 

At L&L Animal Urgent Care, we assess coughing based on your dog’s history, symptoms, and physical  exam. 

Diagnostics may include: 

• Thorough physical exam, including listening to the heart and lungs 
• Chest X-rays to evaluate the lungs, airways, and heart size 
• Bloodwork to assess overall health 
• Infectious respiratory testing  
• Heartworm testing if not up to date 
• Additional testing depending on findings 

Our goal is to determine whether the cough is due to a mild upper respiratory issue or something more  serious. 

Treatment Options 

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the cough. 

Common treatments may include: 

• Cough suppressants (when appropriate) 
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections 
• Anti-inflammatory medications 
• Bronchodilators to help open airways 
• Supportive care for respiratory infections 
• Management of underlying heart conditions 

More severe respiratory cases may require oxygen support or hospitalization at a 24-hour hospital.

‍When in Doubt, Give Us a Call

Coughing can sometimes be mild—but it can also be an early sign of more serious disease. If you’re  unsure, it’s always best to have your dog evaluated. 

At L&L Animal Urgent Care, we provide same-day urgent care for dogs and cats—helping you get answers  and treatment when your pet needs it most.