Overview dog cough

• Coughing can occur in dogs for a variety of reasons
• It can be acute or chronic, moist or dry
• Early diagnosis and treatment is important to identify and treat the causes

Cough in dogs: what it is

Coughing is a common symptom in dogs and can occur for a variety of reasons. It can be a one-time bout of coughing or occur over a long period of time. Coughing in dogs can be wet or dry and is usually an indication of an existing illness.

Causes of cough in dogs

There can be many causes of coughing in dogs. These include:

• Foreign bodies in the trachea
• Infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• Allergies
• Heart or lung disease
• Smoke, dust or other irritants
• Pulling on the leash
• Excessive use of medications

Diagnosis of cough in dogs

A diagnosis of cough in a dog can only be made by a veterinarian. This may include a detailed medical history, physical examination, blood and urine tests, x-rays or bronchoscopy.

Treatment of cough in dogs

Treatment of cough in dogs depends on the cause. In some cases, it may be helpful to protect the dog from irritants, improve its environment, or give it a special diet. If an infection is the cause, the veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics. If heart or lung disease is present, medication may be necessary.

In summary, if a dog has a cough, it is important to see a veterinarian early to identify and treat the causes. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the better the chances of successful treatment.