Chronic Cough in Dogs
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
ORANGE rating for shortness of breath, reduced performance, Fever, blue gums (cyanosis), cough with blood, syncope; RED for dyspnea at rest or cyanosis.
Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity
Definition
Chronic cough in dogs is a persistent or recurring cough that lasts for more than two months. This cough is not only unpleasant for the dog, but can also be an indicator of serious health problems.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
- TB Infection in Dogs (Tuberculosis)
- Collapsing Windpipe in Dogs (Tracheal Collapse)
- Congenital Disorder of Hairlike Cell Structures in Dogs (Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, PCD)
- Pneumocystis Lung Infection in Dogs (Pneumocystis canis Pneumonia)
- Fungal Pneumonia in Dogs (Mycotic Pneumonia)
- Inflamed Esophagus in Dogs (Esophagitis)
- Heartworm Disease in Dogs (Cardiopulmonary Dirofilariasis)
- Chronic Airway Inflammation and Narrowing in Dogs (Chronic Obstructive Bronchitis)
- Neck Tumor in Dogs (Carotid Body Paraganglioma, Chemodectoma)
Basics and possible causes
Chronic cough in dogs can be caused by a wide range of reasons, from simple irritation to severe diseases. One of the most common causes is chronic bronchitis, in which the dog’s airways are permanently inflamed. This inflammation can be triggered by allergens, irritants, or infections.
Another common reason for chronic cough is heart disease, especially mitral valve insufficiency, which is more common in older dogs. In this condition, faulty closure of the mitral valve leads to inadequate blood flow and can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, which leads to coughing.
Infectious causes such as kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease, can also lead to a prolonged cough. This disease is often caused by bacteria and viruses and occurs especially in environments with a high density of dogs.
Parasites such as lungworms can also cause chronic cough. These parasites infect the airways and lead to irritation and Inflammatory conditions. Tumors or foreign bodies in the airways can also be the cause of a persistent cough.
In addition, environmental factors such as smoking near the dog or staying in heavily polluted areas can irritate the dog’s airways and cause chronic cough.
Typical accompanying symptoms
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Vomiting or Gagging: Often a gagging sound accompanies the cough, as if the dog wants to cough something up, which can lead to vomiting.
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Difficulty breathing: A dog with chronic cough may also show shortness of breath or rapid breathing, especially after exertion.
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Lethargy: Due to the strain of constant cough, the dog may appear lethargic or less active than usual.
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Loss of appetite: The persistent cough can lead to the dog showing less interest in food.
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Weight loss: If the symptoms persist for a longer period of time, it can lead to unwanted weight loss, as the dog eats less or does not sufficiently utilize nutrients.
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Sneezing and nasal discharge: In some cases, the cough may be accompanied by sneezing or a clear to yellowish nasal discharge.
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Bluish tongue or gums: In the case of serious breathing problems, a lack of oxygen can lead to a bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes.
When to visit the vet?
You should see a vet if the cough lasts longer than a week or if it gets worse. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary especially if the cough is accompanied by shortness of breath, bloody discharge, or a very poor general condition.
Another warning sign is if the dog cannot find a steady breathing rhythm despite rest breaks, or if the cough is so severe that it significantly affects the dog’s daily life. In these cases, an immediate veterinary examination is essential.
Even in dogs known to suffer from heart or lung problems, the veterinarian should be consulted immediately if a new or worsened cough occurs.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
For pet owners, it is important to observe the characteristics of the dog’s cough. Make a note of when the cough occurs, what it sounds like (e.g., dry or wet), and whether it is triggered by certain activities. This information is useful for the vet to make an accurate diagnosis.
The vet will first perform a thorough clinical examination to assess the dog’s general condition. This may include listening to the lungs and heart to identify sounds that could indicate a disease.
For further clarification, chest X-rays may be taken to assess the structure of the lungs and heart. Blood tests can also be performed to detect Inflammatory conditions, infections, or other systemic problems.
In some cases, a bronchoscopy may be necessary, in which a camera is inserted into the airways to get a direct view of possible Inflammatory conditions or foreign bodies. Examining lung fluid or lung tissue can also contribute to the diagnosis.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
As a pet owner, you can take some steps to relieve your dog’s symptoms and improve their quality of life. Make sure your dog lives in a smoke-free environment and avoid irritants such as perfume or household cleaners that could worsen the cough.
Avoid excessive physical exertion, which could make the cough worse. Instead, gentle walks and calm activities are recommended. Make sure your dog drinks enough to keep the mucous membranes moist and relieve the cough.
A humidifier at home can help increase humidity and soothe your dog’s airways. A balanced diet tailored to your dog’s specific needs can also help stabilize their health status.
If prescribed by the vet, medications such as cough suppressants or anti-inflammatory drugs should be given regularly and as directed. When giving medication, it is important to follow the dosage recommendations carefully and monitor the dog for possible side effects.
In any case, close cooperation with the veterinarian is crucial to treat the cause of the cough and ensure the best possible care for your dog.
Outlook on current research
Research into chronic cough in dogs focuses on identifying biomarkers that could make early diagnosis easier. These biomarkers could be specific proteins or genetic patterns detectable in the blood or in exhaled air. In the future, such non-invasive testing methods could reduce the need for invasive diagnostic procedures and enable faster, more accurate diagnosis.
Another area of research is examining the role of environmental factors and lifestyle in the development of chronic cough. Studies show that air pollution, secondhand smoke, and even certain household cleaners can increase the risk of respiratory diseases in dogs. Researchers are working to identify specific compounds responsible for the cough in order to develop targeted prevention strategies.
When it comes to treatment options, intensive research is being conducted into new medications that combine anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. These medications could relieve symptoms more effectively without causing the side effects often associated with conventional therapies. In addition, alternative therapy approaches are being investigated, such as laser therapy and acupuncture, which are showing promising results in relieving chronic cough.
Another exciting field of research is the role of the microbiome in respiratory health. Scientists are investigating how the balance of microorganisms in the airways affects the immune response and may contribute to the development or worsening of cough. This research could lead to probiotic treatments that restore the microbiome’s balance and thereby relieve coughing.
Genetics also plays a crucial role in research on chronic cough in dogs. Scientists are trying to identify genetic predispositions that make certain breeds more susceptible to respiratory diseases. By understanding these genetic factors, breeders may be able to breed more selectively in the future to reduce the risk of chronic cough.
In summary, research on chronic cough in dogs is very dynamic and benefits from new technologies and interdisciplinary approaches. While many questions remain open, the results of these studies could lead to better diagnosis and treatment options in the near future and significantly improve dogs’ quality of life.