Is your dog coughing and you’re wondering why? You’re not alone—many pet parents feel anxious when their pup starts making unusual hacking or gagging sounds.
Coughing in dogs can be caused by mild issues like allergies or serious health conditions such as kennel cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, or even heart disease. But how can you tell the difference?
In this vet-reviewed guide, we’ll help you:
- Understand what your dog’s cough really means
- Discover the most common causes of dog coughing and the key symptoms every pet parent should watch out for.
- Discover safe remedies and when it’s time to see the vet
Our advice is based on professional veterinary experience, backed by clinical research, and written to give you peace of mind. Let’s dive into the possible causes behind your dog’s cough and how you can help.
Is Your Dog Coughing? Here’s What You Need to Know
This article is informed by:
- Veterinarians’ clinical practice
- Trusted animal health organizations like the AKC, VCA, and ASPCA
- First-hand knowledge from pet care experts and dog owners
You’re getting clear, compassionate, and fact-based advice to care for your furry friend confidently.
🤒 Why Is My Dog Coughing? Common Causes Explained
| Condition | Cough Type | Other Signs | Vet Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennel Cough | Dry, honking | Sneezing, runny nose, mild lethargy | Not always |
| Tracheal Collapse | Goose-honking | Worse when excited or on leash | Yes |
| Heart Disease | Wet or moist, worse at night | Fatigue, fluid buildup, weight loss | Yes (urgent) |
| Pneumonia | Wet, raspy, mucus-producing | Fever, lethargy, breathing trouble | Yes (urgent) |
| Chronic Bronchitis | Deep, dry, ongoing | Exercise intolerance, wheezing | Yes |
| Canine Influenza | Dry or wet | Fever, sneezing, nasal discharge | Possibly |
| Heartworm Disease | Mild to persistent | Weight loss, weakness, coughing after play | Yes (urgent) |
| Lung or Throat Cancer | Chronic, sometimes bloody | Appetite loss, breathing difficulty | Yes |
| Allergies | Dry, hacking | Sneezing, watery eyes, itchiness | Not always |
Other Serious But Less Common Causes
- Foreign Object Blockage: When something gets lodged in your dog’s throat or windpipe, it can trigger sudden coughing, choking, or intense gagging as the body tries to expel it.
- Foxtail/Grass Awns: May embed in nose, throat, or lungs
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD): Acid triggers cough after eating
- Rat Poison Ingestion: Can lead to internal bleeding and coughing blood
🐶 What Does Your Dog’s Cough Sound Like?
Here’s how to decode your dog’s cough based on its sound:
- Dry & Hacking – Think kennel cough, bronchitis, or allergies
- Wet & Gurgly – Indicates fluid in lungs (pneumonia, flu, or heart failure)
- Goose-Honking – Common in small breeds with collapsing trachea
- Gagging or High-Pitched – Could signal a foreign body or reverse sneezing
- Foamy White Cough – Often linked to severe infection or fluid buildup
- Bloody Mucus Cough – Emergency — call your vet immediately
🚨 When Should I Worry About My Dog’s Cough?
See a vet ASAP if your dog:
- Coughs continuously for more than 2–3 days
- Coughs up blood, mucus, or foam
- Has a fever, labored breathing, or lethargy
- Has trouble eating, sleeping, or moving
- Loses weight or shows signs of distress
🏠 Safe Home Remedies for Dog Coughing
If your vet has ruled out serious illness, you can try these vet-approved natural remedies:
🌿 1. Steam Therapy
Let your dog sit in a steamy bathroom (not hot water) to loosen phlegm.
🐕 2. Switch to a Harness
Avoid collars, especially for small dogs prone to tracheal collapse.
🛑 3. Eliminate Irritants
Remove cigarette smoke, air fresheners, or strong cleaning sprays.
🍯 4. Vet-Approved Herbal Soothers
Ask your vet about slippery elm, honey, or licorice root (safe in small doses).
⚠️ Warning: Never give human cough medicines unless your vet prescribes them. Ingredients like acetaminophen or xylitol are toxic to dogs.
📝 What to Do If Your Dog Is Coughing a Lot
- Track the duration and frequency
- Note if mucus, foam, or blood is present
- Observe for other symptoms (e.g., fatigue, vomiting)
- Limit activity and avoid dog parks (if infectious)
- Call your vet if symptoms last more than 48 hours
🟢 Visual Summary: What Dog Coughs Sound Like
🟢 Dry + Hacky → Allergies, kennel cough, bronchitis
🟡 Wet + Phlegmy → Pneumonia, flu, heart problems
🔴 Bloody + Foamy → Emergency, call your vet now
🔵 Goose-honk → Tracheal collapse (common in small dogs)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
💬 Why does my dog cough like something is stuck in his throat?
This could be a foreign object, reverse sneezing, or collapsing trachea. If coughing doesn’t stop within minutes, call your vet.
💬 Is it normal for dogs to cough occasionally?
Yes, an occasional cough isn’t always serious. But if it becomes frequent, deep, or produces mucus, get your dog checked.
💬 How can I soothe my dog’s cough naturally?
Steam therapy, clean air, switching to a harness, and certain herbal remedies (with vet approval) can help.
💬 Why does my dog cough at night?
Coughing that worsens at night can point to heart disease or fluid buildup in the lungs. It’s best to consult your vet.
🧠 Final Word: Don’t Ignore the Signs
A cough may seem minor—but it could be the first sign of a bigger health issue. Understanding what’s normal and what’s not can help you protect your dog from danger.
With the right care, attention, and timely vet visits, your pup can recover quickly and breathe easy again.
Stay alert. Stay informed. And most of all—stay loving. 🐾