Coughing in dogs is a condition that almost every dog owner has encountered. However, not everyone knows the underlying causes and how to treat this condition. If you're curious, read this article now!
1. What is Coughing in Dogs?
Coughing is a common symptom in dogs. It indicates that your dog might be suffering from lung-related diseases such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, emphysema, bacterial infections, pneumonia, or simply choking on a bone or other foreign objects.
2. Distinguishing Between Kennel Cough and Coughing
Coughing and kennel cough in dogs are very similar, making it difficult to differentiate between the two. You can distinguish them based on the following basic symptoms:
- Coughing: The dog has green, thick nasal discharge, high fever, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, coma. Some dogs with mild coughing might not have phlegm or only a little phlegm.
- Kennel Cough: The dog coughs continuously and frequently, sometimes with blood or white foam.
Additionally, some external factors like choking on bones can also cause a dog to cough up white foam or blood.
For more information: How to Handle Kennel Cough in Dogs
3. Causes of Coughing in Dogs
As defined above, the cause of your dog's coughing is due to lung-related diseases, specifically as follows:
- Bronchitis: The main cause of this disease is prolonged coughing in your dog. This condition is often seen in older dogs and can be identified by symptoms such as coughing, fever, excessive nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing.
- Tonsillitis: This condition is marked by irregular fever causing the dog to feel fatigued. Some dogs may cough to the point of vomiting, and the lymph nodes in the neck might swell. This results in prolonged coughing, causing throat soreness, making it difficult for the dog to eat or drink.
- Emphysema: Although rare, if your dog has continuous coughing, it might have emphysema. Symptoms include prolonged coughing and difficulty breathing. To be certain, you should take your dog to the vet for an accurate diagnosis.
- Bacterial Infections: This is a fairly common disease in dogs and is very dangerous, leading to exhaustion and fatigue. Other signs include frequent tear and nasal discharge and mild fever.
- Pneumonia: Symptoms of pneumonia include fever, difficulty breathing, continuous coughing, vomiting, and pus-like discharge from the eyes and nose.
4. What to Do When Your Dog is Coughing?
When you notice your dog coughing, you should immediately take it to the vet to determine the cause. Only then can you find the appropriate treatment. Additionally, you can treat your dog at home with certain medications, but only if you have expertise and experience in dog care.
Some medications you might consider include:
Injectable Medications:
- Bromhexine: This cough suppressant reduces coughing fits, limits mucus secretion, and expands the bronchial tubes. It is suitable for dogs with asthma or weather allergies. Use 1 ml per 10 kg of the dog's weight, injected into the muscle, continuously for 3-5 days.
- Dexamethasone: Used alongside antibiotics. It should not be used for pregnant or nursing dogs unless approved by a vet. Dosage is the same as Bromhexine, 1 ml per 10 kg of the dog's weight.
Oral Medications:
- Doxycycline: An antibiotic, with a dosage of 5 pills per intake.
- Ambron: Effective in treating prolonged coughing, including cases of sinusitis or laryngitis, with a dosage of 5 pills per intake.
- Theophylline: Treats symptoms of difficulty breathing, with a dosage of 2.5 pills per intake.
If your dog's condition is severe, it's best to seek direct care from a vet to ensure proper treatment and medication administration.
5. Post-Treatment Care for Coughing Dogs
After timely treatment and stabilization of your dog's condition, you can be more at ease but must still pay special attention to their care.
- Nutrition: Feed your dog a scientifically balanced diet by dividing meals into smaller portions throughout the day, about 4-5 times, to optimize nutrient absorption. Also, supplement with plenty of vitamin C.
- Hygiene: Always use warm water when cleaning your dog and avoid getting water into their nose.
- Living Environment: Keep your dog's living space clean by regularly disinfecting the area to limit bacterial growth. Ensure the living temperature is moderate, as cold environments can increase the risk of recurrence.
- Toys: If your dog is coughing due to choking on objects like bones or toys, it's best to change the size of these items to be 3-4 cm larger than the dog's mouth.
The above are all the shared tips on dealing with coughing in dogs. Hopefully, with this information, you can identify the cause of your dog's cough and take appropriate action. Always take good care of your furry friend!