Why Is My Pet Coughing? When to Worry and What to Do

A coughing pet can be alarming—but it doesn’t always mean something serious. Just like in people, coughing is a protective reflex to clear the airways. But persistent or severe coughing could signal an underlying condition that needs veterinary attention.

At Cottage Vet Clinic, we help you get to the bottom of your pet’s cough and guide you through the right treatment options.

What Does a Cough Mean?

Coughing in pets can come from the throat, windpipe, lungs, or even the heart. It’s important to observe:

• Is the cough dry or moist?

• Does it happen during the night or after exercise?

• Is it sudden or chronic?

• Is your pet otherwise eating and acting normally?

Common Causes of Coughing in Dogs

1. Kennel Cough (Infectious tracheobronchitis)

   • Dry, honking cough

   • Often in dogs recently boarded or exposed to other dogs

   • Contagious but usually mild

2. Heart Disease (e.g. mitral valve disease)

   • Soft, moist cough, often worse at night or after exercise

   • Often in older, small-breed dogs

   • May also see lethargy, weight loss, or breathing changes

3. Collapsing Trachea

   • Goose-honk type cough

   • Common in small breeds like Yorkies or Pomeranians

   • Triggered by excitement, pulling on leash, or pressure on the neck

4. Chronic Bronchitis

   • Persistent, dry cough

   • Common in middle-aged to older dogs

   • Can worsen with smoke, dust, or cold air

5. Lungworms or other parasites

   • Especially in young or outdoor dogs

   • May be accompanied by weight loss or poor coat condition

6. Foreign bodies

   • Sudden onset of coughing, gagging or distress

   • May happen after chewing on sticks or bones

 Common Causes of Coughing in Cats

1. Feline Asthma

   • Dry, hacking cough

   • Often triggered by stress, allergens, or smoke

   • May also show laboured breathing or wheezing

2. Hairballs

   • More of a retching than true coughing

   • Often confused with vomiting

3. Respiratory Infections

   • Especially in kittens or shelter cats

   • May have nasal discharge, sneezing, and lethargy

4. Heartworm (less common in SA, but possible)

   • Can cause coughing in both dogs and cats

   • Preventable with monthly medication

How We Investigate a Cough

At Cottage Vet, we may recommend:

• A thorough clinical exam

• Chest x-rays

• Heart ultrasound or ECG if heart disease is suspected

• Airway sampling or bronchoscopy in chronic cases

• Blood tests or faecal tests for parasites

 Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause:

• Antibiotics or antivirals for infections

• Anti-inflammatories or bronchodilators for asthma

• Heart medications for cardiac causes

• Cough suppressants or expectorants

• Deworming for lungworm infestations

• Surgery or endoscopy for foreign bodies

In many cases, we also address environmental factors like second-hand smoke, dust, or air fresheners.

Don’t Ignore a Persistent Cough

If your pet’s cough lasts more than a few days, worsens, or is accompanied by breathing difficulty or lethargy, it’s time for a vet visit. Early diagnosis often leads to better outcomes.

At Cottage Vet Clinic, we’re equipped to investigate and treat the full range of respiratory and cardiac causes of coughing. Let us help your pet breathe easier.