Dog Coughing
Dry hacking, wet cough, or gagging — causes range from kennel cough to heart disease to collapsing trachea.
Causes
7
Red flags
5
Prone breeds
7
Related
1
Depends on severity
Mild dry cough that lasts a few days after boarding = likely kennel cough (self-limiting). Wet productive cough, cough + exercise intolerance, or cough in a senior dog warrants vet evaluation.
When to call the vet now
Any of these signs means telehealth isn't enough — get in-person vet care today.
- ×coughing up blood or pink foam
- ×exercise intolerance (cough worsens with activity)
- ×blue or pale gums
- ×loss of appetite + weight loss + cough
- ×cough lasting more than 2 weeks
Common causes
- —kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis)
- —collapsing trachea (especially small breeds)
- —heart disease (especially older dogs)
- —pneumonia
- —heartworm
- —allergies / post-nasal drip
- —foreign body
Breeds most prone to coughing
Not exhaustive — any dog can have this. These breeds are just more commonly affected.
What can help
Products and services matched to this symptom.
Dutch
24/7 vet care and prescriptions delivered
- —Unlimited vet chats
- —Rx delivered to door
- —$11/month
- —Covers anxiety, allergies, derm
Vetster
Book online vet appointments with licensed professionals
- —Licensed vets online
- —24/7 appointment access
- —Video, chat, and voice
- —Prescription support where permitted
Related symptoms
Searchbreed is not a veterinary service and does not diagnose or prescribe. This is educational content to help you understand your dog's symptoms. For diagnosis and treatment, talk to a licensed vet.