My Dog Won't Stop Coughing: What's Causing It?

Coughing is a common symptom in dogs and can range from a mild, self-limiting condition to a sign of serious heart or lung disease. A single cough is rarely cause for concern, but a persistent cough, one that is worsening, or one that is accompanied by other symptoms should always be investigated.

Is This an Emergency?

Go to a vet or emergency clinic immediately if your dog:

• Is coughing up blood or pink-tinged fluid
• Is struggling to breathe alongside coughing
• Has a distended neck or has recently been around an area where they could have inhaled a foreign object
• Has blue or pale gums

Call your vet the same day if:

• Coughing has lasted more than 48 hours
• Coughing is accompanied by lethargy, appetite loss, or weight loss
• Your dog is coughing after being in contact with other dogs (possible kennel cough)
• You have a flat-faced breed with worsening respiratory noise

Wait and monitor for up to 48 hours if:

• Your dog coughed once or twice but is otherwise completely well
• The cough sounds like a throat clear and resolves immediately

What Causes Coughing in Dogs?

Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis)

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection causing a harsh, honking cough, often described as if something is stuck in the throat. Caused by a combination of bacteria (particularly Bordetella bronchiseptica) and viruses, it spreads rapidly between dogs in close contact. Most healthy adult dogs recover without treatment, but puppies, elderly dogs, and immunocompromised dogs may develop complications including pneumonia.

Tracheal collapse

More common in small and toy breeds, tracheal collapse causes a characteristic goose-honk cough, often triggered by excitement, exercise, or pulling on a lead. It is a chronic condition managed rather than cured.

Heart disease

A persistent soft cough, particularly at night or after exercise, can be an early sign of heart disease and fluid accumulation in the lungs. This is especially relevant in older dogs and certain predisposed breeds.

Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia causes a productive, wet cough alongside fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. It requires prompt antibiotic treatment and sometimes hospitalisation.

Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum)

Lungworm, spread through slugs and snails, can cause coughing, breathing problems, lethargy, and in some cases abnormal bleeding. It is preventable with appropriate monthly prescription treatment.

Inhaled foreign object

A piece of grass, food, or a small object lodged in the airway causes sudden-onset coughing, often very distressing. This is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Which Breeds Are More Prone to Coughing?

• Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Chihuahua: High incidence of tracheal collapse
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Boxer, Dachshund: Greater predisposition to mitral valve disease and heart failure, causing cough
• French Bulldog, Pug, Bulldog: BOAS causes chronic upper airway noise and cough; also at higher risk of pneumonia

What Will the Vet Do?

Your vet will listen to the chest, assess breathing, and take a full history. They may recommend:

• Chest X-rays to assess the heart, lungs, and airways
• A bronchoscopy if a foreign body is suspected
• Blood tests including a heartworm screen if appropriate
• A faecal sample to check for lungworm larvae
• A swab or culture if bacterial infection is suspected

How to Help Your Dog at Home

• Use a harness rather than a neck collar if your dog has a persistent cough, as neck pressure worsens tracheal collapse
• Keep your dog away from other dogs if kennel cough is suspected, to prevent spread
• Ensure your dog is on an appropriate monthly lungworm prevention treatment (prescription required; ask your vet)
• Keep the environment humid if possible; dry air can worsen airway irritation
• Do not give human cough medicines; many contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs