Why Is My Dog Coughing And Sneezing?: Causes, Symptoms & When To Worry

If you’ve heard your dog coughing and sneezing, you’re likely wondering what’s causing it and if it’s serious. Dogs cough and sneeze for a variety of reasons, ranging from mild irritations to more serious health issues. Common causes of dog coughing and sneezing include environmental irritants, allergies, infections, and even foreign objects lodged in their airway.

This detailed guide will help you decipher the signs your dog is showing, explore the various potential causes, and understand when it’s time to seek veterinary attention.

Deciphering Your Dog’s Coughs and Sneezes

It’s crucial to observe the specific characteristics of your dog’s cough and sneeze. This detailed observation can provide valuable clues for your veterinarian.

Types of Coughs

Dog hacking cough: This is often described as a dry, harsh cough, sometimes sounding like your dog is trying to dislodge something from their throat. It can be persistent and may be accompanied by gagging.
Dog barking cough: This cough sounds very much like a bark, but it’s involuntary and often repetitive. It’s a common symptom of certain respiratory conditions.
Dog coughing fits: These are episodes where your dog coughs repeatedly and uncontrollably for a period. These fits can be distressing to witness and may leave your dog temporarily breathless.

Types of Sneezes and Associated Symptoms

Dog sneezing and wheezing: When sneezing is accompanied by wheezing, it suggests a more significant narrowing of the airways, often related to allergies or inflammation. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound made when breathing.
Dog nasal discharge: The appearance of your dog’s nasal discharge can offer clues.
- Clear and watery discharge: Often associated with allergies or early-stage infections.
- Thick, yellow, or green discharge: Typically indicates a bacterial infection.
- Bloody discharge: Can be a sign of trauma, foreign objects, or more serious conditions like tumors.
Other accompanying symptoms: Pay attention to whether your dog also exhibits lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, difficulty breathing, or changes in behavior. These can indicate a more serious underlying problem.

Common Causes of Dog Coughing and Sneezing

Many factors can contribute to your dog’s respiratory symptoms.

Environmental Irritants

Your dog’s sensitive respiratory system can be easily irritated by airborne particles.

Smoke: Cigarette smoke, wood smoke from fireplaces or campfires, and even smoke from cooking can irritate a dog’s lungs and airways.
Dust and Pollen: Fine dust particles and seasonal pollens can trigger sneezing and coughing, especially in dogs prone to respiratory sensitivities.
Perfumes and Aerosols: Strong scents from air fresheners, cleaning products, candles, and hairspray can be irritating.
Mold and Mildew: Damp environments can harbor mold and mildew spores, which can cause allergic reactions and respiratory irritation in dogs.
Chemicals: Household cleaning agents, lawn chemicals, and industrial fumes can all be harmful.

Allergies

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies that affect their respiratory system.

Dog allergies sneezing: This is a hallmark symptom of allergic reactions in dogs. They might sneeze excessively, especially when exposed to allergens.
Pollen allergies: Seasonal allergies to pollens from grass, trees, and weeds are very common.
Dust mite allergies: Dogs can be allergic to the microscopic dust mites found in homes.
Food allergies: While less common for respiratory symptoms, some dogs can develop allergies to certain food ingredients, which might manifest in various ways, including respiratory signs.
Flea allergies: Although primarily causing skin issues, severe flea infestations can sometimes lead to generalized inflammation that might affect the respiratory tract.

Infections

Infections are a frequent cause of coughing and sneezing in dogs, often referred to as a canine respiratory infection.

Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) – “Kennel Cough”: This is a highly contagious syndrome caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria.
- Dog kennel cough symptoms: The most prominent symptom is a characteristic dog barking cough or a dog hacking cough, often described as sounding like a goose honk. It can be so severe that dogs retch or gag. Sneezing can also occur. While usually not life-threatening, it’s highly uncomfortable and can lead to secondary infections.
- Causes: Common culprits include Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine herpesvirus.
- Transmission: It spreads rapidly in environments where dogs congregate, such as kennels, dog parks, groomers, and boarding facilities.
Bacterial Pneumonia: This serious infection of the lungs can cause deep coughing, fever, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. It can be caused by bacteria like Streptococcus zooepidemicus or Pasteurella.
Viral Infections: Several viruses can affect a dog’s respiratory system.
- Canine Influenza (Dog Flu): Similar to human flu, it causes coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and fever. There are two main strains in the US: H3N8 and H3N2.
- Canine Distemper Virus: This serious viral disease can cause a range of symptoms, including respiratory signs like coughing and nasal discharge, as well as neurological and gastrointestinal issues.
Fungal Infections: Certain fungal infections, such as those caused by Aspergillus or Blastomyces, can affect the nasal passages and lungs, leading to chronic sneezing, nasal discharge (sometimes bloody), and coughing.

Other Causes of Sneezing and Coughing

Foreign Body Obstruction: A blade of grass, a small toy piece, or food particles can get lodged in a dog’s nasal passage or throat, causing sudden, violent sneezing and gagging or coughing.
Dental Issues: Severe dental disease and abscesses can sometimes cause inflammation that affects the nasal passages, leading to sneezing and discharge.
Nasal Mites: These tiny parasites live in a dog’s nasal passages and sinuses, causing intense itching, sneezing, and sometimes a characteristic reverse sneeze.
Tracheal Collapse: More common in small breeds, this condition involves the weakening of the cartilage rings that support the trachea (windpipe). It often results in a dry, honking cough, especially when excited or exercising.
Heart Disease: In some cases, especially in older dogs or certain breeds, heart disease can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can manifest as a moist cough, especially after exertion or when lying down.
Cancer: Tumors in the nasal passages, throat, or lungs can cause persistent sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of Dog Cold Symptoms

While dogs don’t get “colds” in the same way humans do, they can develop dog cold symptoms due to various viral or bacterial infections. These often mimic human cold symptoms.

Sneezing: Frequent sneezing spells.
Nasal Discharge: Can be clear, cloudy, or colored depending on the cause.
Coughing: May be dry and hacking or wet and productive.
Lethargy: The dog may seem less energetic than usual.
Loss of Appetite: Reduced interest in food.
Mild Fever: Your dog might feel warmer than usual.
Watery Eyes: Similar to human colds.

It’s important to remember that these symptoms can overlap with more serious conditions, so a veterinary diagnosis is crucial.

When to Worry: Seeking Veterinary Care

While some instances of coughing and sneezing are minor irritations, several signs warrant immediate veterinary attention.

Red Flags Indicating Serious Issues

Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of Breath: If your dog is panting heavily when not exercising, struggling to inhale, or showing blue-tinged gums, this is a medical emergency.
Severe or Persistent Coughing Fits: If your dog is coughing so hard that they are gagging, retching, or can’t catch their breath.
High Fever: A temperature above 103.5°F (39.7°C) can indicate a significant infection.
Thick, Colored Nasal Discharge (Yellow, Green, or Bloody): This often points to a bacterial infection or more serious nasal issue.
Lethargy and Weakness: If your dog is extremely tired, unwilling to move, or showing a significant decline in energy.
Loss of Appetite and Dehydration: If your dog refuses to eat or drink for more than 24 hours.
Wheezing or Abnormal Breathing Sounds: Such as crackles or rales in the lungs.
Coughing up Blood or Frothy Substance: This is a serious sign that requires immediate veterinary care.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlarged nodes under the jaw or elsewhere can indicate infection or inflammation.
Vomiting or Diarrhea: While not directly related to the cough, these can indicate a systemic illness.

What Your Vet Will Do

When you visit the vet, they will likely perform a thorough examination.

Diagnostic Steps

History Taking: The vet will ask detailed questions about the onset, duration, and characteristics of the cough and sneeze, as well as your dog’s overall health, environment, and vaccination status.
Physical Examination: This includes listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope, checking for fever, examining the throat and nasal passages, and assessing overall body condition.
Lab Tests:
- Blood Work (CBC and Chemistry Panel): To check for signs of infection, inflammation, and organ function.
- Fecal Exam: To rule out parasitic infections, which can sometimes contribute to respiratory issues.
- Viral Titer Tests or PCR Tests: To identify specific viruses or bacteria causing the infection.
Imaging:
- X-rays (Radiographs): Chest X-rays are crucial for evaluating the lungs, heart, and airways for signs of pneumonia, fluid buildup, masses, or tracheal collapse.
- Rhinospirometry or CT Scan: May be used to investigate chronic nasal discharge or suspected foreign bodies in the nasal passages.
Cultures: Swabs from the nasal passages or throat can be sent for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing to identify the specific bacteria and determine the most effective antibiotics.
Allergy Testing: If allergies are suspected, skin tests or blood tests can help identify specific allergens.

Treatment and Management

Treatment will depend entirely on the underlying cause of your dog’s coughing and sneezing.

Medications

Antibiotics: Prescribed for bacterial infections. It’s vital to complete the full course of antibiotics as directed by your veterinarian.
Antivirals: In some cases of viral infections like canine influenza, antiviral medications may be used to help manage symptoms.
Corticosteroids or Antihistamines: Used to manage inflammation and allergic reactions.
Cough Suppressants: May be prescribed to help alleviate severe or persistent coughing, especially if it’s interfering with rest.
Bronchodilators: Medications that help open up the airways, useful for conditions like asthma or tracheal collapse.

Supportive Care

Rest: Ensure your dog gets plenty of rest. Avoid strenuous activity.
Hydration: Encourage your dog to drink plenty of fluids. If they are not drinking, subcutaneous or intravenous fluids may be administered by your vet.
Humidifier or Steam: Running a humidifier in the room or bringing your dog into a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes can help loosen mucus and ease breathing.
Diet: Offer highly palatable and easily digestible food. Warming food slightly can enhance its aroma and encourage appetite.
Isolation: If a contagious condition like kennel cough is suspected, keep your dog isolated from other dogs to prevent spread.

Preventative Measures

Vaccinations: Ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations, especially for common respiratory pathogens like canine influenza and Bordetella.
Avoid High-Risk Environments: Limit exposure to areas where many dogs congregate, especially if your dog is young, old, or has a compromised immune system.
Good Hygiene: Wash your hands after handling other dogs, and keep your dog’s living environment clean.
Minimize Exposure to Irritants: Avoid smoke, strong perfumes, and harsh cleaning chemicals in your home.
Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Annual check-ups can help catch potential health problems early.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can my dog catch a cold from me?
A1: No, dogs cannot catch the common cold viruses that humans get. However, they can contract their own set of respiratory viruses and bacteria, some of which are highly contagious among dogs.

Q2: How long does kennel cough last?
A2: Most dogs with kennel cough recover within 1-3 weeks. However, the cough can sometimes linger for several weeks, especially in dogs that are stressed or not given adequate rest.

Q3: Can my dog have allergies sneezing without other symptoms?
A3: Yes, while allergies can manifest in many ways (skin issues, digestive upset), dog allergies sneezing can sometimes be the primary or even only noticeable symptom, especially in response to environmental allergens.

Q4: Is it normal for my dog to sneeze after drinking water?
A4: Occasional sneezing after drinking can happen if a small amount of water goes up the nose. However, persistent sneezing after drinking could indicate a more significant nasal passage issue or an infection and should be checked by a vet.

Q5: What are the dog cold symptoms I should watch for?
A5: Key dog cold symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge (clear to colored), coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and sometimes a mild fever.

Q6: My dog has a hacking cough, should I be worried?
A6: A dog hacking cough can be a symptom of various conditions, from mild irritation to serious infections like kennel cough or even heart issues. It’s best to consult your veterinarian to determine the cause.

Q7: What causes dog sneezing and wheezing together?
A7: Dog sneezing and wheezing often indicates narrowed or inflamed airways. This can be due to severe allergies, asthma, pneumonia, or other respiratory diseases that cause bronchoconstriction or fluid in the lungs.

Q8: My dog has a bloody nasal discharge. What does this mean?
A8: Bloody dog nasal discharge is never normal and requires immediate veterinary attention. It can be caused by trauma, foreign bodies, fungal infections, dental disease, or even tumors.

Q9: Can my dog have dog coughing fits that look like gagging?
A9: Yes, severe coughing fits can often make dogs gag or retch as they try to expel irritants or mucus. This is a common symptom of conditions like kennel cough or tracheal collapse.

Q10: Are there any home remedies for a dog’s cough?
A10: While some home remedies like honey (in moderation, for cough suppression) or a humidifier might offer mild relief for very minor irritations, it’s crucial to avoid self-diagnosing and treating. Always consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment, as many causes of coughing require medical intervention.

Conclusion

Observing your dog’s coughs and sneezes is key to identifying potential health issues. By paying close attention to the type of cough, the nature of any nasal discharge, and accompanying symptoms, you can provide your veterinarian with crucial information. While many causes are treatable, recognizing when to seek professional help is vital for your dog’s well-being. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent minor irritations from becoming serious health problems, ensuring your canine companion remains happy and healthy.