How to Determine the Cause of Your Dog's Cough
- 1). Dogs, like humans, can be allergic to certain substances. Pay special attention to the times your dog coughs. Dust mites, pollen, insect bites and even certain types of food can trigger an allergic coughing reaction in your dog. Keep a record of the circumstances just before a coughing spell and contact your veterinarian if your dog suffers frequent coughing attacks.
- 2). Caused by the bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica, kennel cough strikes dogs that are exposed to other dogs, usually in a confined space. According to PetEducation.com, your dog may also lose his appetite and run a fever. Kennel cough may produce small amounts of expelled sputum but most dogs recover quickly without treatment. If your dog has a severe kennel cough reaction, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics.
- 3). Contracting a virus can cause symptoms of coughing in your pooch. If your dog is not vaccinated against adenovirus or parainfluenza, he is at an increased risk of contracting one of the viruses, especially if you live in an area where the viruses are predominant. Your dog may cough repeatedly until he gags. Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of a secondary infection.
- 4). Heartworms enter the dog's body through an infected mosquito bite and within months, they grow in the dog's heart muscle, restricting blood flow. Frequent non-productive coughing is often the first sign that something is wrong. The recommended treatment for heartworms is a preventative medication taken monthly. Although a dog may undergo treatment for existing heartworms, the risk of heart failure increases if the dead worm debris blocks an artery.
- 5). Weak coughing, occurring usually at bedtime may signify congestive heart failure. Your veterinarian may order blood tests and x-rays to confirm the diagnosis and he may recommend surgery to correct a heart valve abnormality.
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