Cough

What is a cough and how does it develop?

Coughing is a reflex with which the body attempts to clear the airways of mucus, foreign bodies or irritants. Air is expelled from the lungs at high speed. A cough can be dry or wet, depending on whether secretions are coughed up or not. A cough can also be acute or chronic, depending on how long it lasts.

What causes coughing in dogs?

Coughing in dogs can have many different causes. Some of the most common are

• Kennel cough: A contagious infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by viruses or bacteria. It is typically characterized by a dry, barking cough that is often accompanied by retching or vomiting. Kennel cough can be accompanied by fever, nasal discharge and loss of appetite. It is not usually dangerous, but can lead to complications such as pneumonia.
• Foreign body: If your dog has swallowed something that is stuck in his throat, he may try to get it out by coughing. This could be a piece of wood, bone or grass, for example. The coughing is usually sudden and violent and may be accompanied by choking or difficulty breathing. Foreign bodies can injure or block the airways and must be removed quickly.
• Allergies: If your dog is allergic to certain substances in his environment, he may develop a dry cough. This could be pollen, dust or smoke, for example. The cough is usually hard and scratchy and can be accompanied by sneezing, itching or a skin rash. Allergies can be treated with antihistamines or cortisone.
• Heart disease: If your dog's heart is no longer working properly, fluid can build up in the lungs. This leads to a wet cough, which often occurs at night or after exertion. The cough may be accompanied by shortness of breath, blue discoloration of the tongue or fainting. Heart disease is serious and must be treated by a vet.
• Parasites: Some parasites can infest your dog's lungs or heart and cause coughing. These can be lungworm or heartworm, for example. The cough is usually moist and productive and may be accompanied by blood admixtures. Parasites can be treated with medication.
• Tumors: In rare cases, coughing in dogs can also be caused by a tumor in the lungs or throat. The cough is usually chronic and painful and can be accompanied by weight loss, reluctance to eat or spitting up blood. Tumors are life-threatening and must be surgically removed.

How is a dog's cough diagnosed?

If your dog is coughing, you should first observe him and try to describe the cough. When does it occur? What does it sound like? How often does your dog cough? Are there any other symptoms? This information can help the vet to find the cause.

The vet will examine your dog thoroughly, paying attention to his general condition, breathing and heartbeat. He will also palpate his throat and listen to his lungs. Depending on their suspicions, they may order further tests, such as

• X-ray: with an X-ray, the vet can assess your dog's lungs and heart and look for foreign bodies, fluid or tumors.
• Blood test: With a blood test, the vet can check your dog's health and look for signs of infection or parasites.
• Endoscopy: With an endoscopy, the vet can look directly at your dog's airways and look for changes or foreign bodies. A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the windpipe through the nose or mouth.
• Bronchoscopy: With a bronchoscopy, the vet can look directly at your dog's bronchi and search for changes or parasites. A thin tube with a camera is inserted through the windpipe into the bronchi.
• Biopsy: With a biopsy, the vet can take a tissue sample from your dog's lungs or throat and examine it under a microscope. This involves inserting a needle or forceps through the skin or airways.

How is a dog cough treated?

The treatment of a dog's cough depends on the cause. In some cases, it is sufficient to relieve the coughing irritation and take it easy on the dog. In other cases, medication or surgery is necessary. Possible treatment methods are

• Coughsuppressants: Cough suppressants can suppress the urge to cough and thus provide relief for the dog. However, they should only be given after consultation with the vet, as they are not always appropriate. For example, they can hinder the excretion of secretions in the case of a wet cough or put a strain on the circulation in the case of heart disease.
• Expectorants: Expectorants can liquefy the secretions in the airways, making it easier to cough them up. They can be given as tablets, syrup or inhalation, for example. However, they should only be given after consultation with the vet, as they are not always appropriate. For example, they can increase the urge to cough in the case of a dry cough or promote the spread of parasites.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics can fight bacterial infections of the respiratory tract and thus cure the cough. However, they should only be given after consultation with the vet, as they are not always appropriate. For example, they may be ineffective against viral infections or weaken the immune system in the case of parasites.
• Deworming: Deworming can fight parasitic infections of the lungs or heart and thus cure the cough. However, it should only be carried out after consultation with the vet, as it is not always appropriate. For example, it may be ineffective in the case of tumors or put a strain on the circulation in the case of heart disease.
• Cardiac medication: Heart medication can treat heart disease and thus relieve the cough. However, they should only be given after consultation with the vet, as they are not always appropriate. For example, they may be ineffective in the case of infections or put a strain on the circulation in the case of tumors.
• Surgery: Surgery can remove foreign bodies from the airways or remove tumors from the lungs or throat and thus cure the cough. However, it should only be carried out after consultation with the vet, as it is not always appropriate. For example, it can be risky in the case of heart disease or unnecessary in the case of parasites.