Dog Chronic Cough Causes, Treatments

Coughing is the common protective reflex which helps in clearing secretions or any foreign matter from a throat or the voice box or the windpipe or any airways, and thus protects one’s lungs from aspiration.



The dog chronic cough is known to affect the respiratory system since it hinders the ability of one to breathe properly.

Some of the common dog chronic cough causes include an obstruction in the dog’s windpipe, pneumonia, heartworm disease, bronchitis, lung tumors, heart failure and kennel cough. The dog chronic coughing is one that lasts for maybe more than two or even three weeks.



The canine chronic cough tends to start suddenly or can even develop slowly. An occasional and infrequent cough is considered to be normal. Remember to see the veterinarian if the dog has a cough that is chronic.



Some of the dog chronic cough symptoms include bronchitis, pneumonia, the dog will lethargic and not want to go for walks or play. It may have runny or watery eyes and have a loss of appetite. This loss of appetite may also result in the dog losing weight. The dog may even eventually show some signs of weakness.

When the dog is taken to the veterinary, some simple checks will be done to help in diagnosing the condition. Some of the diagnostic tests include taking a complete physical examination and a medical history of the dog. The veterinarian will also do some chest radiographs and may even take a CBC which is a complete blood count. Some blood tests will be done to help in the determination of the cause and to help in identifying related problems the dog might have. The vet may even do a heartworm test and some other specialized tests like an ultrasound examination or even a bronchoscopy.

Some of the dog chronic cough treatments include minimizing the exercise and the stress for the dog till the time the cause of the problem has been determined. The veterinarian will give various recommendations chief among which is giving the sick dog plenty of fresh water and allowing the animal plenty of rest time in a well ventilated room or kennel. The food given to the pet at this time should be softer and easier to digest, thus being easier for the dog to manage with a coughing problem. Over the counter medicines should not be given to dog without proper advice from the veterinarian. Aspirin, ibuprofen, Tylenol should be avoided as they are extremely toxic.