So, pet parents, have you ever seen your dog coughing and wondered why my dog is coughing ? Is he facing an issue or any irritation? Just like us, even dogs can cough and there can be several reasons for that, some harmless or others requiring medical attention. Now, as a pet parent, it can be difficult to ascertain whether your dog is coughing normally or there is a serious reason behind it. Sometimes it can be normal, but you never know when you need a vet.

So, if you ever noticed a dog cough and saw your dog looked grumpy, I think you might need a vet. And if that is so, then allow me to introduce you to the Supertails+ clinic. The first-ever fear-free certified clinic where you can get expert vets who can assist you if you feel that your dog may be suffering from a bad cough. They offer specialized care in the diagnosis and treatment of all kinds of problems with pet health.

So, in this guide, we will be exploring common causes, symptoms, treatments, and remedies that will help you recognize any obvious serious signs.

Have you ever thought about what can be the cause of a dog's gagging cough ? The reasons of dog cough can range from occasional irritation to a serious infection. It is better to understand what causes kennel cough before moving forward to any medication or treatment.

The most common reason for respiratory problems. It is caused by a virus named Bordetella bronchiseptica. The infection inflames the trachea and bronchi, leading to symptoms like sneezing and nasal discharge, mild fever, reduced appetite, or dry cough. It spreads through airborne droplets, direct contact, or contaminated surfaces.

While this disease is not threatening in healthy dogs, but can be fatal for puppies and senior dogs.

Treatment: While kennel cough can be cured with some medications, it still needs proper rest, hydration, and sometimes cough suppressants.

Also known as dog flu, this is a highly contagious disease in dogs. There are two main strains of canine influenza virus, H3N8 and H3N2. These are newly identified viruses, and that’s why most dog have not built up any natural immunity against them. These viruses spread easily through respiratory droplets produced when infected dogs cough, sneeze, or bark, and can also be transmitted through contaminated surfaces. Visible symptoms of canine influenza can be persistent cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and eye discharge. There is also a chance that your dog may develop serious complications such as pneumonia.

Treatment: Your dog may need supportive care which may include rest, fluids, and medications to alleviate symptoms. It's crucial to consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Know More:  A Complete Dog Vaccination Guide: Keeping Your Pet Healthy  

If you see your Dog coughing and vomiting, it can be a sign of heart problems, especially in older dogs. With congestive heart failure, a dog constantly coughing can be there due to fluid buildup in the lungs, this happens when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Symptoms that can be seen when a dog coughing weird due to heart disease:

• Coughing, especially at night or during exercise.

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing (tachypnea).

• Exercise intolerance.

• Lethargy and weakness.

• Swollen abdomen (ascites) due to fluid buildup.

• Bluish gums (cyanosis) indicate hypoxia (oxygen deficiency).

Treatment: Veterinary diagnosis involves steps as:

• Physical examination, including listening to the heart and lungs.

• Chest X-rays.

• Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart).

• Electrocardiography (ECG).

• Blood test.

Just like humans, even dogs can be allergic. They can be allergic to Dust, smoke, pollen, or household cleaners. Allergies can cause coughing along with sneezing, watery eyes, itching, etc. Allergic reactions can irritate the respiratory system and lead to coughing episodes.

Treatment: If your dog has allergies, it is better to identify those irritants and keep your dog away from them. Use an air purifier or spray if needed in your house.

Small breed dogs, especially those with delicate tracheas, may experience a condition called collapsing trachea. This occurs when the rings of cartilage that support the trachea weaken, causing the airway to collapse. This results in a characteristic cough, often described as a “goose honk” sound.

Treatment: If your dog is suffering from collapsing trachea, you can use weight management techniques,and cough suppressants to cure the problem. In very severe cases, you will need surgery.

 Also Read:   Sniffles & Snuffles: Combating Dog Coughing in Cold Weather  

Not all coughs are the same. It is important to identify the nature of the kennel cough symptoms in dogs to determine its causes.

Now pet parents, have you found out about Canine cough symptoms and have no idea about how to treat it? It is normal for pet parents to get confused about the treatment, that’s why here we are.  Supertails+  clinic offers different remedies on how to treat your dog if they have a cough.

Home Remedies for Dog Coughing

Often after finding out about the cough, it is not necessary that you will take your dog to the vet. There are some dog cough remedy that you can try at home. Those are:

1. Humidifier or Steam Therapy – Helps clear congestion and ease coughing, especially for dogs with kennel cough.

2. Rest & Hydration – Ensure your dog gets plenty of rest and drinks enough water.

3. Probiotics & Nutrition – A well-balanced diet supports immune health and speeds up recovery.

4. Avoid Irritants—Keep smoke, dust, and strong scents away from your dog’s environment.

Dog cough medicine: For Severe Cases

There are some cases when a dog cough remedy won’t work. It might be due to persistent coughing or delay in taking action. At that point, you can opt for canine cough treatment or medicine. You can also go for:

• Dog cough syrup – Helps suppress coughing for relief.

• Dog cough medicine – Antibiotics for bacterial infections.

• Dog cough tablet – For parasite-related issues.

• Canine kennel cough vaccine – Prevents kennel cough in at-risk dogs.

Ok, now that you have tried the dog coughing remedy at your home and you are seeing no result at all. It means that it is the time to consult a vet. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog experiences:

• The cough persists for more than 1-2 weeks

• Your dog is also exhibiting other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss

• The cough is accompanied by labored breathing or difficulty breathing

• The cough sounds wet or productive, suggesting an infection

It is always said that action is better than cure. If you follow a proactive approach, and take better care of your dog, there are chances that your dog will never suffer from dog snoring and coughing. Some steps can be followed to reduce the chances of your dog coughing.

• Kennel Cough Vaccine: The Canine kennel cough vaccine can help protect your dog from the most common bacteria and viruses associated with kennel cough. If your dog frequently interacts with other dogs in places like grooming salons, dog parks, or boarding facilities, consider getting them vaccinated.

• Good Hygiene: Keeping your dog’s environment clean and avoiding places with a high density of other dogs can reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

• Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular check-ups with your vet can help catch early signs of respiratory or heart issues before they lead to serious problems.

Dog coughing sound can be common to your ears, but it’s not always something to ignore. From minor irritations to serious health conditions, understanding the cause is key to helping your pup feel better. If your dog is coughing weirdly or consistently, monitoring their symptoms and getting veterinary advice can make all the difference.

Can a vaccinated dog get kennel cough?

Yes, a vaccinated dog can still get kennel cough, although the vaccine significantly reduces the risk and severity of the illness. The kennel cough vaccine protects against the most common strains of bacteria and viruses, like Bordetella bronchiseptica and Canine Parainfluenza. However, it doesn’t provide 100% immunity against all the potential causes of the infection. This means that while vaccinated dogs are less likely to develop severe symptoms, they may still experience mild forms of kennel cough if exposed to other pathogens.

What can I do if my dog is coughing?

If your dog is coughing, it's important to first determine the cause to decide the best course of action. While some causes of dog coughing are harmless, others may require veterinary attention. Try a home remedy first, but if your dog is not getting well, then go for dog coughing treatment.

Is honey good for dogs?

Yes, honey can be a safe and beneficial treat for dogs when given in moderation. It contains natural sugars, vitamins, and antioxidants that can offer health benefits. Honey is often used as a soothing remedy for minor throat irritations and coughs, and it may also help with allergies by boosting the immune system.