Understanding Pet Respiratory Health

Changes in a pet’s breathing patterns, coughing, or wheezing can be concerning for any pet owner. While some respiratory sounds are normal, others can indicate serious underlying conditions such as infections, allergies, heart disease, or chronic airway disorders.

At Oliver Animal Hospital in Austin, Texas, we emphasize the early recognition of respiratory symptoms. Seeking prompt veterinary care can lead to faster recovery, better treatment outcomes, and improved quality of life for your pet.

Common Respiratory Symptoms in Pets

The respiratory system is vital for oxygen delivery and overall health. Some of the most common respiratory symptoms in pets include:

  • Coughing – Dry, wet, hacking, or honking sounds that may indicate infections, heart disease, or airway collapse.
  • Sneezing – Frequent sneezing could be caused by allergies, infections, or nasal irritants.
  • Reverse Sneezing – Often seen in small breed dogs, this can be harmless but sometimes signals airway irritation.
  • Wheezing – A sign of asthma, bronchitis, or even heartworm disease.
  • Snoring – Normal in some breeds but can also indicate obstructed airways or Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).

Recognizing these signs early allows for better treatment and prevention of complications.

Coughing in Pets: When to Be Concerned

Coughing can range from a mild irritation to a sign of serious disease. Understanding the type of cough can help pinpoint the underlying cause.

Types of Coughs and Their Implications

  • Dry, hacking cough – Often associated with kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection. Without treatment, it can progress into pneumonia. Learn more about Kennel Cough in Dogs – AKC.
  • Wet, productive cough – Indicates fluid or mucus in the lungs, often due to pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, or heart disease.
  • Goose-honk cough – A distinct, honking sound that is common with tracheal collapse, especially in small breeds like Yorkies, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas. Read more about Collapsed Trachea in Dogs – AKC.
  • Chronic, nighttime coughing – Can indicate congestive heart failure, particularly in older pets. Coughing occurs as fluid builds up in the lungs. Learn more at Heart Disease Diagnosis – Cummings.

Common Causes of Coughing

  • Viral or bacterial infections such as canine infectious respiratory disease complex (kennel cough). Read more from the AVMA.
  • Allergies and environmental irritants like pollen, dust, and smoke. See Allergy Tips for Small Animals – Purdue Veterinary Hospital.
  • Heart disease causing fluid buildup in the lungs.
  • Tracheal collapse in small breed dogs.

If your pet has persistent coughing for more than a few days or is struggling to breathe, seek veterinary care immediately.

Sneezing and Reverse Sneezing: Causes and Concerns

What Causes Sneezing in Pets?

  • Allergies – Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, and mold can trigger sneezing.
  • Nasal mites – A parasitic infection causing intense sneezing.
  • Foreign objects – Small debris, grass seeds, or foxtails can become lodged in the nasal passages, leading to persistent sneezing and nasal discharge.
  • Feline upper respiratory infections (URIs) – Viral infections such as feline herpesvirus cause sneezing, congestion, and eye discharge. Read more from Feline Upper Respiratory Infection – ASPCA Pro.

Reverse Sneezing vs. Regular Sneezing

Reverse sneezing involves a rapid, snorting inhalation, often seen in small breed dogs like Chihuahuas and Pugs. It is usually harmless, but if it occurs frequently, it may indicate chronic irritation, allergies, or airway disease.

For more on breathing difficulties in flat-faced breeds, see BOAS in dogs at Cornell Vet.

Wheezing and Respiratory Distress: Signs of Trouble

Wheezing is a sign of airway obstruction or inflammation.

Common Causes of Wheezing

  • Feline Asthma – A chronic condition where the airways become inflamed and constricted, leading to wheezing, coughing, and breathing difficulties. Learn more at Feline Asthma – Cornell Feline Health Center.
  • Bronchitis – Chronic inflammation of the airways leading to persistent coughing and wheezing.
  • Heartworm disease – Infected pets can develop wheezing, coughing, and exercise intolerance. Check the Canine Heartworm Prevalence Map – CAPC.

Recognizing Respiratory Distress

Signs include:

  • Rapid breathing or panting at rest
  • Open-mouthed breathing (especially in cats)
  • Blue-tinged gums (oxygen deprivation)

For more details, read Respiratory Distress in Pets – AAHA.

Snoring in Pets: When to Be Concerned

Snoring is normal in some breeds but can indicate breathing difficulties.

When Snoring Is a Concern

  • Sudden or loud snoring in pets that never snored before
  • Snoring that worsens over time
  • Snoring accompanied by coughing, gagging, or difficulty breathing

Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persians are prone to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which may require surgical correction.

How Oliver Animal Hospital Diagnoses and Treats Respiratory Issues

Diagnostic Tools

  • Physical examination
  • X-rays and imaging to assess the lungs and heart
  • Blood tests to detect infections or inflammation
  • Allergy testing for environmental triggers

Treatment Options

  • Medications – Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, bronchodilators
  • Surgery – To correct airway obstructions (especially in brachycephalic breeds)
  • Environmental modifications – Air purifiers, reducing allergens

For more information, visit our Services page.

Contact Oliver Animal Hospital

If your pet is experiencing respiratory issues, do not wait. Contact us today at Oliver Animal Hospital to schedule an exam.

By recognizing respiratory symptoms early, you can help your pet breathe easier and live a healthier, happier life.