Dog Coughing: Common Causes and When to Worry

Call your vet now if

• Your dog is struggling to breathe, breathing very fast, or breathing with obvious effort
• The gums or tongue look blue, grey or very pale
• Your dog collapses, faints or becomes very weak
• Your dog coughs up blood or blood-tinged froth
• Your dog has a known heart condition and starts coughing, or the cough gets worse
• You think something may be stuck in the throat, such as a stick, toy or bone, and your dog is gagging, pawing at the mouth or distressed
• Your dog is retching repeatedly without bringing anything up, and the belly looks swollen
• Your dog is a puppy, or very old, and seems unwell with the cough

If you are not sure, phone your vet or an out-of-hours service and describe what you are seeing. A short video of the cough on your phone can be very helpful.

What a cough is telling you

Coughing is a reflex that helps clear the airways of irritation, mucus or foreign material. An occasional cough after drinking or pulling on the lead is often nothing to worry about. A cough that keeps coming back, lasts for days, or comes with other signs of being unwell is a sign that something needs attention.

Different coughs can sound quite different. Some dogs make a dry, honking sound, others a softer, wet cough, and some cough and then gag as if trying to bring something up. It is worth noting what the cough sounds like, when it happens and what seems to set it off, as this helps your vet. It is not something to try to diagnose yourself, as quite different problems can sound similar.

Kennel cough: a common possibility

If your dog has recently mixed with other dogs, for example at kennels, daycare, training classes, the park or a grooming salon, a contagious airway infection often called kennel cough is one common possibility. It can be caused by several different viruses and bacteria.

Dogs with this kind of infection often have a dry, hacking or honking cough, sometimes followed by a gag or retch that owners mistake for choking. Many are otherwise bright and eating normally. Some dogs, however, become more unwell, particularly puppies, older dogs and those with other health problems.

Even if you suspect kennel cough, it is sensible to ring your vet for advice. They can tell you whether your dog needs to be seen, how to keep them comfortable, and what to watch for. Tell the practice about the cough when you call, as they may ask you to wait outside or in the car to avoid spreading infection to other patients.

Something stuck

Dogs explore with their mouths, so it is not unusual for something to get caught. Grass seeds, small pieces of stick, bits of toy or bone can lodge in the throat or airways. Signs that this might be happening include:

• Sudden coughing or gagging that starts during play, eating or chewing
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Drooling, repeated swallowing or retching
• Distress or restlessness

Do not put your fingers deep into your dog's mouth, as you may push the object further in or be bitten. If your dog is struggling to breathe, contact your vet or an emergency service immediately.

Other possible causes

There are many other reasons a dog might cough, and they range from mild to serious. These can include other infections, allergies or irritation from smoke and dust, problems with the windpipe (especially in small breeds), lung conditions, parasites, and heart disease. Coughing linked to the heart may be more noticeable at night, when resting or after exercise, and can come with tiredness or faster breathing.

Because the list is long and the causes need different care, a persistent cough always needs a vet check. Your vet will usually listen to the chest, examine the throat and may suggest further tests depending on what they find. If your dog is also panting or breathing heavily, see why is my dog panting so much.

Caring for a coughing dog at home

While you are waiting to see your vet, or once your vet has advised home care, these steps can help.

Use a harness rather than a collar. A collar presses on the windpipe when your dog pulls, which can set off more coughing. A well-fitted harness takes the pressure off the neck.

Keep away from other dogs. If there is any chance the cough is infectious, avoid parks, classes, daycare, kennels and dog-friendly cafés until your vet has checked your dog and given the all-clear. Let anyone whose dog has been in contact with yours know, so they can watch for signs too.

Keep things calm. Short, gentle walks are usually better than long runs or rough play, which can bring on coughing fits.

Avoid irritants. Keep your dog away from smoke, strong scents, aerosol sprays and dusty areas.

Keep water available. Make sure fresh water is always within reach.

Watch and record. Note how often your dog coughs, what the cough sounds like, whether they are eating and drinking normally, and their energy levels. A phone video of a coughing episode is useful for your vet. You can keep these notes in Petopedia so you can show your vet how things have changed over the days.

Do not give any human cough remedies or medicines unless your vet has specifically told you to, as some can be harmful to dogs. Our toxic foods page also lists common household items that can be dangerous.

When to book a vet appointment

As a general guide:

• Call straight away if your dog shows any of the signs listed at the top of this page.
• Call the same day if the cough is getting worse, your dog is off their food, or seems unusually tired or quiet.
• Book an appointment if your dog has had a cough for more than a few days, even if they seem otherwise well.

Our guide to signs your pet needs a vet can help you judge how quickly to act. Most coughing dogs recover well with the right care, and getting advice early gives yours the best chance of feeling better soon.