Canine Cough
Dogs get many illnesses and conditions that can cause them to cough. Some are not serious, others are potentially fatal. So if you hear your pet suffering from a bout of coughing don’t assume it’s just another case of dog with a frog in the gob!
Kennel Cough
Kennel Cough, or Canine Cough, is a highly-contagious respiratory infection caused by a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica and often also a virus called canine parainfluensza. It results in bouts of dry, hacking coughing and whitish phlegm. Coughing is often worse at night, and can be exacerbated by exercise, excitement, or pulling on the collar. Dogs get this disease from other dogs infected with kennel cough. It is especially common in boarding facilities where multiple dogs are housed together.
It can severely irritate and inflame the tracheal and bronchial area, and in some cases, can lead to pneumonia. Uncomplicated Kennel cough will usually resolve within 1 to 3 weeks. Depending on the severity of the cough, veterinary attention may be necessary.
Internal Parasites
Parasites, like young heartworms and some gastro-intestinal worms migrate into the lungs, causing coughing and irritation as they develop and mature. Learn more about heartworm and gastro-intestinal worms
Heart disease and heart failure
Enlarged hearts compress the airway, so dogs with serious heart problems can experience bouts of coughing.
It all depends on what’s causing your dog to cough. If your dog is coughing for more than a day take them to your vet so they can do a proper examination.
Vaccinations can protect your dog against canine cough.