Like people, your pet may experience an occasional cough, but that is unlikely to be a cause for concern. Coughing is a vital reflex, serving as a defense mechanism to clear your pet’s lungs or airway of any foreign material or irritants. Coughing is also a critical mechanism to prevent aspiration of material from the oral cavity that could lead to pneumonia. However, if your pet’s coughing is keeping you both awake at night, it is likely an indication of a more serious medical problem. Chronic coughing also can decrease your pet’s overall quality of life. Numerous causes could be the culprit for coughing in pets, and our Oliver Animal Hospital team describes five common reasons, steps you can take to help your pet, and how to determine the underlying cause. 

#1: Heart disease in pets

Heart disease is a common ailment in pets, with more than 10% of dogs and 15% of cats in the United States affected. Obesity, infection, nutritional deficiencies, and genetic predilections all can cause heart disease in pets. Certain disease states, in turn, can inhibit the heart’s ability to pump blood normally, which can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs and a weakened heart muscle. This excess lung fluid, or pulmonary edema, can cause coughing, in addition to compromising pets’ ability to properly oxygenate their body, or breathe. Pulmonary edema also can be an indication of congestive heart failure (CHF), which can be life-threatening. Pets with pulmonary edema may have a wet cough that becomes worse when they exercise, lie down, or sleep.

Pets with heart disease may have an enlarged heart muscle as well, which causes them to cough from excessive pressure placed on the lungs. Bring your pet in for immediate care with our South Austin vet if they are having difficulty breathing, or have a persistent cough. An X-ray may be recommended to check for pulmonary edema, and a diuretic may be prescribed to decrease the fluid accumulation.

#2: Heartworm disease in pets

The South Texas climate is one the many reasons people enjoy living here, and pesky mosquitoes are also fans of the warm weather. Mosquitoes can carry numerous diseases, and just one bite can lead to heartworm disease in an unprotected pet. Once an infected mosquito bites your pet, the parasite larvae enter your pet’s circulatory system, where they reproduce and mature to adult worms that eventually migrate to your pet’s heart and lungs. The presence of heartworms can lead to life-threatening lung inflammation and damage that can cause your pet to cough. Pets with progressive heartworm disease will develop a persistent, dry, hacking cough. Treatment is only available for dogs with heartworm disease, but it is high-risk and costly. Year-round monthly heartworm prevention medication is the best defense against this potentially deadly disease. 

#3: Respiratory infections in pets

Respiratory infections can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, or fungi that infect your pet’s airway. Young, unvaccinated pets are most at risk. Kennel cough, which also is called tracheobronchitis or canine respiratory disease complex, is one of the most common infectious causes of coughing in dogs. Kennel cough is primarily caused through exposure to the highly contagious bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica, but it also may be a result of a variety of infectious bacteria or viruses. Pets with kennel cough often will have a forceful, dry, goose honk-like cough that also may occur after exercise or when rubbing the throat. In most cases, the viral or infectious agent(s) remains in the upper airway. However, the infection can progress to the lower respiratory tract, leading to bronchitis or pneumonia, which is life-threatening without treatment. In some cases, kennel cough may resolve without treatment; however, antibiotics, cough suppressants, and supportive care may be required. Regularly vaccinating your pet will prevent severe kennel cough infections.

#4: Tracheal collapse in pets

Tracheal collapse is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible disease of the windpipe, or trachea, which is the tube connecting your pet’s throat to their lungs. A dog’s trachea is partially supported by small cartilage rings. Tracheal collapse occurs when the cartilage rings lose the strength required to hold the windpipe open during a breath, and results in tracheal flattening. Middle-aged, overweight, and small breed dogs, including Pomeranians and Chihuahuas are most at risk. Tracheal collapse often occurs following exercise or excitement, and is characterized by a goose honk-sounding cough, which may increase at night.

Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, cough suppressants, or antibiotics. However, the coughing may never fully resolve. In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend surgical correction, but it is a complex and high-risk procedure.

#5: Asthma in pets

Like people, pets, especially cats, can develop asthma, which is a lower airway disease caused by an allergic or immune response to an environmental irritant, such as smoke or dust. This immune response can cause airway irritation, swelling, or constriction that makes breathing difficult. Pets with asthma may cough, wheeze, vomit, or have rapid breathing. Asthma signs may mimic other respiratory illnesses, including a bacterial infection or bronchitis, so our South Austin vet may recommend several diagnostic tests, including blood work, to determine the underlying cause of your pet’s cough. Pets with asthma likely will require lifelong treatment, which may include medications, such as corticosteroids, to decrease airway inflammation.  

Your pet’s cough may not be cause for immediate concern, but if they are having difficulty breathing, or persistently coughing, call our Oliver Animal Hospital office and schedule them for an appointment. We are here to help ease any discomfort your pet may be experiencing.