Dog Sneezing and Coughing - Causes | Symptoms

You may have noticed your dog sneezing and coughing if you are a dog owner. While these symptoms can be typical in some cases, they can also indicate a severe health problem that requires veterinary attention.

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Table of Contents

What`s Sneezing and Coughing?

Sneezing and coughing are common respiratory reflexes in dogs that help clear their airways of dust, mucus, irritants, or foreign objects. Sometimes, these reflexes are triggered by excitement, playfulness, or allergies and are not a cause for concern.

However, if your dog is sneezing and coughing excessively, persistently, or violently, it may indicate an infection or obstruction in its nose, throat, or lungs.

Some of the conditions that can cause dog sneezing and coughing include:

Kennel cough
Canine influenza
Upper respiratory infections
Foreign body
Nasal mites
Nasal tumors

Why Do Dogs Sneeze?

Dog sneezing and coughing are the outcomes of various reasons. But it often clears their nasal passages of dust, pollen, or other irritants. Sneezing can also be a form of communication or expression in dogs, especially during play or excitement. Some dogs may also sneeze when they are nervous or anxious.

However, if your dog sneezes frequently or violently, it may indicate an infection.

Suppose your dog is sneezing along with other signs of illness, such as nasal discharge, bleeding, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. In that case, you should take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

When the Cold or Flu is Causing Your Pets to Sneeze or Cough?

Like humans, dogs can catch colds or flu from other dogs or the environment. These viral infections can cause sneezing, coughing, and other symptoms such as fever, nasal discharge, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

The most common viral infections that affect dogs are kennel cough and canine influenza.

When Is It Kennel Cough?

Dogs of all ages and types are susceptible to the highly contagious respiratory ailment known as kennel cough. It is brought on by a bacterial and viral concoction that irritates the bronchial and tracheal mucosal membranes.

Kennel cough can spread quickly through contact with infected dogs or airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing.

The main kennel cough symptom is a dry, hacking cough with a goose-like honking sound. The cough may worsen at night or when the dog is excited or stressed. Other symptoms may include sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Most cases of kennel cough are mild and resolve independently within a few weeks. However, if left untreated, some dogs may develop complications such as pneumonia or chronic bronchitis. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has a kennel cough.

Canine Influenza

Canine influenza is another viral infection that influences dog sneezing and coughing. It is similar to the human flu virus but cannot be transmitted between species. Canine influenza can cause sneezing, coughing, fever, nasal discharge, and loss of appetite. Sometimes, canine influenza can lead to pneumonia or secondary bacterial infections.

Canine influenza is relatively new, and not all dogs have immunity. It can spread rapidly through contact with infected dogs, contaminated surfaces, or objects. There is no precise treatment for canine influenza other than supportive care such as fluids.

If you think your dog has canine influenza, contact your veterinarian immediately and keep your dog away from other dogs until the vet clears them.

When Health Conditions are Triggering the Symptoms?

Sometimes, sneezing and coughing in dogs can be caused by underlying health conditions that affect their nose, throat, or lungs. These conditions can be more severe and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Some of the health conditions that can cause sneezing and coughing in dogs include:

Foreign body
Nasal mites
Nasal tumors
Heart disease
Lung disease

Know the symptoms

If your dog has a foreign body stuck in its nose or throat, such as a blade of grass, it will sneeze and cough violently and continuously to dislodge it. They may also paw at their face, rub their nose on the ground, or gag.

A foreign body can cause severe irritation or infection in the affected area and obstruct the airway if not removed. Therefore, taking your dog to the veterinarian is essential if you suspect they have a foreign body.

Dogs’ sinuses and nasal passageways are home to microscopic parasites called nasal mites. Sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, bleeding, itching, and inflammation are all possible side effects. Nasal mites are spread by touching sick dogs or sniffing the contaminated ground.

Nasal tumors are abnormal growths that develop in the nose or sinuses of dogs. They can cause sneezing and coughing, nasal discharge, bleeding, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, and loss of smell. Nasal tumors are more common in older dogs and certain breeds such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles.

Heart disease is a condition that affects the function of the heart and its ability to pump blood throughout the body. It can cause sneezing and coughing in dogs due to fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or pressure on the trachea (windpipe).

Other symptoms of heart disease in dogs include fatigue, weakness, exercise intolerance, fainting, rapid breathing, bluish gums, and abdominal swelling.

Lung disease is a condition that affects the function of the lungs and their ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. It can cause sneezing and coughing in dogs due to inflammation, infection, or damage to the lung tissue.

Also Read: Signs of a Dog Ear Infection? Types, Causes & Treatment

Treating Your Pets for Coughing and Sneezing

The underlying cause and seriousness of the problem will determine the best treatment for your dog’s coughing and sneezing. Your veterinarian will do a comprehensive examination and diagnostic testing to decide what is best for your dog.

Some of the possible treatments include:

Antibiotics: These are used to treat bacterial infections that cause sneezing and coughing in dogs.
Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation and pain that cause sneezing and coughing in dogs.
Cough suppressants relieve coughing in dogs that are not productive (do not bring up mucus) or are causing distress.
Antihistamines: These treat allergies that cause sneezing and coughing in dogs.
Decongestants: These reduce nasal congestion that causes sneezing and coughing in dogs.
Bronchodilators open the airways and improve breathing in dogs with lung disease that causes sneezing and coughing.
Diuretics: These are used to remove excess fluid from the lungs in dogs with heart disease that causes sneezing and coughing.
Anti-parasitic drugs treat nasal mites that cause sneezing and coughing in dogs.
Surgery: This removes foreign bodies or tumors that cause sneezing and coughing in dogs.

How to Protect Your Dog from Sneezing and Coughing?

While some causes of dog sneezing and coughing are unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect your dog from these symptoms.

Keep your dog updated on their vaccinations, especially for kennel cough and canine influenza.
Avoid exposing your dog to other dogs that are sick or have respiratory symptoms and keep your dog`s mouth clean.
Protect your dog from irritants like smoke, dust, pollen, or chemicals that can trigger sneezing and coughing.
Keep your dog’s nose and mouth clean and check for any signs of foreign objects or discharge.
Provide your dog with fresh water and a balanced diet to boost their immune system and prevent dehydration.
Maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity level in your home to prevent dryness or irritation of the nasal passages and lungs.
Monitor your dog’s breathing patterns and sounds and report any changes or concerns to your veterinarian.

Also Read: Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it Normal for Dogs to Cough and Sneeze?

An occasional cough or sneeze may be expected for dogs, especially if they are excited, playful, or exposed to mild irritants. However, if your dog is coughing or sneezing excessively, persistently, or violently, it may indicate a more severe problem.

Should I be Worried if my Dog is Sneezing?

Sneezing can be a normal behavior in dogs, but it can also be a sign of an infection, inflammation, or obstruction in their nose or sinuses. Suppose your dog is sneezing along with other signs of illness, such as nasal discharge, bleeding, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. In that case, you should take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Why is my Dog Sneezing, Coughing, and Gagging?

If your dog is sneezing, coughing, and gagging, it may indicate that they have a foreign body stuck in their nose or throat, causing irritation and obstruction. It can be a severe situation that requires immediate veterinary intervention. You should keep your dog calm and prevent them from further swallowing or inhaling the foreign object.

What Can I Give my Dog for Sneezing?

The best thing you can give your dog for sneezing is a visit to the veterinarian to determine the cause and the appropriate treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, decongestants, or cough suppressants to help your dog recover.

You should not give your dog any human medications without consulting your veterinarian, as they may be harmful or ineffective for dogs.

Conclusion

Sneezing and coughing are common symptoms in dogs that can have various causes and implications. While some cases are mild and self-limiting, others can be serious and life-threatening.

Therefore, it is essential to monitor your dog’s breathing patterns and sounds and seek veterinary advice if you notice any changes or concerns. Doing so can help your dog breathe easier and live longer.