A little cough from your dog might sound like nothing. But here’s the kicker: that hack could be a red flag. Many serious dog illnesses sneak in with “just a cough,” from lung issues to heart problems. Here are 10 diseases that begin with a cough and why you should pay closer attention.
10. Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease that makes your dog sound like they’re choking on something. The virus gets spread quickly when dogs are around each other, in grooming salons, dog parks, and boarding facilities. Kennel cough sometimes go away on its own, but dogs with weakened immune systems might be more at risk for other health complications.
9. Pneumonia
When bacteria, fungi, or parasites infect your dog’s lung tissue, this can lead to pneumonia. This condition causes inflammation and fluid buildup that trigger coughing. At first, the cough might be dry, but it can become productive as the infection gets worse. Other symptoms that point to pneumonia include lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever.
8. Laryngeal Paralysis
In this condition, the larynx (voice box) doesn’t work properly, causing breathing difficulties and coughing. Dogs with laryngeal paralysis usually make a loud and harsh sound when they breathe in, especially when they’re excited. This condition is common in older and larger dogs and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
7. Heartworm Disease
Heartworms can be found in the heart and pulmonary arteries, causing damage and inflammation in the lungs. The cough starts because these worms literally live in your dog’s heart and lungs, irritating the tissues. The tricky part is that with heartworms, it might take months or even years before symptoms show up.
6. Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse affects a dog’s windpipe, especially small, older breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkies. The windpipe normally stays round and open but when the cartilage holding it up gets weak, the pipe starts to flatten. This leads to breathing difficulties and a dry cough that sounds like a goose.
5. Aspiration Pneumonia
We’ve talked about pneumonia, but this specific type happens when something goes down the wrong pipe and end up in the lungs (instead of the stomach) of your dog. The cough develops due to the foreign material irritating the lung tissue. This condition also often leads to a bacterial infection.
4. Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension happens when the blood pressure in the arteries, which leads to the lungs, gets too high. This will put extra strain on your dog’s heart as it pushes blood through narrow vessels. The pressure can cause fluid to leak into the lungs and your dog’s body will try to clear it by coughing. In severe cases, a dog with this condition may faint or collapse during activities.
3. Chronic Bronchitis
Another top cause of coughing is chronic bronchitis, which happens when the airways in your dog’s lungs remain irritated and inflamed for a long time. So, yes, this is like having a permanent case of bronchitis. The coughing may be caused by minor irritants, allergies, or more serious conditions.
2. Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a serious disease that often affects unvaccinated dog and puppies. It is caused by a virus that affects the stomach, nervous systems, and breathing, starting with what might seem like a simple cough. The cough is just the beginning, though, as other symptoms may arise, affecting brain and nerves. Vaccination is key to preventing this disease.
1. Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure in dogs is a condition wherein the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. When this happens, fluid can start to build up in the lungs, causing a persistent cough. It can be light at first, but over time, the cough may get more frequent. You’ll hear it when your dog is sleeping, and you might also notice difficulty in breathing and weakness.