Why is the dog coughing?
A cough is a forced and noisy exhalation. It is accompanied by contraction of the trachea and pharynx. It is a reflex that is used to forcefully evacuate air and what is in the airways.
In general, cough is a symptom of obstruction or discomfort, caused, for example, by inflammation.
The bronchi may be obstructed by swollen respiratory tissue, fluid, mucus, a foreign body, organ, or mass compressing them.
A dog coughing and spitting up should not be confused with a dog sneezing. Sneezing has the function of releasing the nasal passages (foreign body or nasal secretion)
How are wet coughs and dry coughs different?
A dog that coughs without releasing a secretion will have what is called a dry cough. When he coughs up secretions it is called a wet cough.
Wet cough is often accompanied by a bacterial infection . A dry cough can turn into a wet cough over time.
Dog coughing: main causes
Many diseases that affect dogs can cause them to cough, including:
tracheal collapse
Particularly affecting small breed dogs such as poodles or yorkshires, this condition is characterized by a dry cough.
These dogs suffer from a degenerative disease of the windpipe whose diameter will gradually decrease over time.
The cough appears when the trachea is pressed (with the collar, for example), when the dog is excited or when the dog gets old, the tracheal collapse is in an advanced stage.
Lung inflammations
Pulmonary or tracheal inflammations such as tracheitis, pneumonia and bronchitis, which can be of bacterial, viral (such as kennel cough), parasitic (such as angiostrongylosis ) or fungal (due to fungi) origin.
Inflammation caused by lung tumors can also cause a dog to cough. Unlike a bacterial cough, the cough will be dry and ragged.
Heart diseases
The heart of older dogs , due, for example, to a degenerative valve disease, can become less efficient and lead to the onset of cardiac cough and pulmonary edema (accumulation of water in the lungs).
Heartworm disease (heartworm disease) can also cause severe coughing in dogs.
cigarette effects
Dogs owned by smokers can develop an irritating cough from cigarette smoke.
Dog with cough: tests and treatments
If your dog coughs frequently over several days or occasionally over several weeks, you should take him to the vet to check his health.
To discover the source of the cough, the veterinarian will perform a clinical examination that may include:
One Auscultation – On auscultation, he can hear specific noises that can guide him in the diagnosis.
Temperature - He will also check the dog's temperature, which can rise in cases of bacterial or viral infection, such as in severe forms of kennel cough.
X-ray – He will perform additional tests such as chest X-ray if the dog’s breathing allows or defers.
A blood test – an analysis of blood cells allows you to determine whether it is an infection.
Bronchoalveolar lavage – In some cases, a bronchoalveolar lavage may be required to determine the exact cause of lung disease and choose the correct antibiotic, for example in case of bacterial infection.
A scanner or an MRI – these may be scheduled for diagnosis of lung tumor or abscess.
Cardiac ultrasound – this may be indicated in dogs with a cough of cardiac origin to assess the stage and type of heart disease.
Treatments
Depending on the results of the analyzes and the diagnosis of the dog with an established cough, he may administer antibiotics and anti-inflammatories as a treatment for bronchitis of bacterial origin.
Or inject diuretics to eliminate pulmonary edema and prescribe drugs for the heart disease that causes edema.
Some lung tumors can be excised surgically or laparoscopically (with a camera).
Tracheal collapse is usually treated with bronchodilators and cough suppressants. The veterinarian may suggest placing a device in the dog's windpipe to keep it open.
Conclusion
If you observe your dog coughing for several days, it's important to be aware. Try to identify what is causing these symptoms.
Stopping smoking indoors and stopping using candles, household fragrances and any other product that irritates the respiratory tract can be a good alternative.
Water vapor mists (inhalation or ambient with warm water) can help moisten the airways and relieve your dog's cough.