Is Your Dog Coughing? Here's What You Need to Know and How Telavets Can Help!
By Telavets – Your Telemedicine Sidekick for Happy, Healthy DogsIf your dog has been coughing lately, you may be wondering, “Is this normal, or is something wrong?” Dogs, like people, can cough for all kinds of reasons, some of which are no big deal, and others that require a little more attention. Whether it’s a random “hack” or a persistent “gurgle,” you want to make sure your pup is comfortable and healthy.
While a single cough might be nothing to worry about, a chronic or recurring cough could be a sign that your dog needs some extra care. The good news? With Telavets, we can help you figure out what’s causing your dog’s cough and provide the right treatment to get them back to their tail-wagging self.
Let’s take a closer look at why your dog might be coughing and how Telavets can help them feel better fast!
What Causes Coughing in Dogs?
Coughing can happen for all sorts of reasons in dogs—some are totally harmless, while others require a bit more attention. Here's a breakdown of the most common causes of coughing in dogs:
1. Kennel Cough (Bordetella)
One of the most common causes of coughing in dogs, especially if they've been around other dogs recently, is kennel cough—a highly contagious upper respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella bacteria (or sometimes a virus). Dogs with kennel cough often have a dry, honking cough, and may seem perfectly normal otherwise. It’s kind of like the doggy version of a cold, and while it’s uncomfortable, it usually resolves on its own in a couple of weeks.
2. Canine Cough or Reverse Sneezing
Sometimes, dogs might experience a mild, temporary cough or something similar to a “reverse sneeze” (a quick, forceful exhalation that sounds like a snort). This is often caused by irritation in the throat or nasal passages, and it’s generally not something to worry about unless it happens frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms.
3. Allergies
Just like us, dogs can have allergies! Whether it’s pollen, dust, mold, or even certain foods, environmental allergens can make your dog cough, sneeze, or wheeze. Dogs with allergies may also have itchy skin, watery eyes, or a runny nose.
4. Heart Disease
Heart disease, particularly congestive heart failure, can cause coughing in dogs. This happens when the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, causing fluid to back up in the lungs. This kind of cough is usually worse at night or after exercise and may be accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or difficulty breathing.
5. Collapsing Trachea
Some small breed dogs, like Chihuahuas or Pomeranians, are prone to a condition called collapsing trachea—when the windpipe becomes weakened and partially collapses. This can cause a honking cough, and is often worse when the dog is excited or pulling on a leash. If your dog has a persistent cough, especially after excitement, it could be due to this condition.
6. Lung Disease or Pneumonia
Dogs can also develop more serious conditions like pneumonia, where an infection causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs. Coughing can be a sign of lung disease or pneumonia, and if your dog’s cough is accompanied by fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite, it’s time to get them checked out right away.
7. Parasites
Certain types of parasites, like heartworms, can affect your dog’s lungs and cause coughing. While this is more common in areas where heartworms are prevalent, it’s something to keep an eye on if your dog is coughing persistently, especially if they haven’t been on heartworm prevention.
When to Worry About Your Dog’s Cough?
While some coughing in dogs is totally normal, a persistent, frequent, or severe cough might be a sign of a more serious condition. If your dog’s cough is accompanied by any of the following, it’s time to schedule a check-up:
- Wheezing or labored breathing
- Loss of appetite or lethargy
- Fever or coughing up mucus
- Unusual nasal discharge
- Coughing after exercise or at night
- Persistent cough lasting more than a few days
Even if the coughing isn’t severe, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. After all, your dog can’t tell you exactly what’s going on, so it’s up to you to pay attention and get them the care they need.
How Telavets Can Help Your Coughing Dog
At Telavets, we specialize in providing convenient, high-quality veterinary care for dogs, all through telemedicine. That means no more stressful car rides to the clinic, and no more waiting in crowded waiting rooms. Here’s how we can help you figure out why your dog is coughing and get them feeling better again:
1. Virtual Vet Consultations – Convenient and Stress-Free
With Telavets, you can schedule a virtual consultation with one of our experienced veterinarians, right from the comfort of your home. Whether your dog’s cough is from kennel cough, allergies, or something more serious, we’ll help you determine the cause and create a plan of action. No stressful trips to the clinic—just quality care in the comfort of your own home.
2. Personalized Treatment Plans
Once we’ve determined what’s causing your dog’s cough, we’ll create a custom treatment plan. Depending on the cause, treatment might include:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections (like kennel cough or pneumonia).
- Cough suppressants or other medications to ease your dog’s discomfort.
- Allergy treatments, like antihistamines or steroids, to calm irritated airways.
- Home remedies and tips for managing mild conditions, like reverse sneezing or mild kennel cough.
3. Next-Day Medication Delivery – Fast Relief
With Telavets, you won’t have to wait around for your dog’s treatment. We offer next-day medication delivery, so if your dog needs antibiotics, cough medicine, or even heartworm prevention, we’ll get it to you fast. This means you can start helping your dog feel better right away!
4. Follow-Up Consultations
Coughing can sometimes be a symptom of a chronic condition, like heart disease or allergies. With Telavets, we offer follow-up consultations to monitor your dog’s progress, adjust their treatment plan as needed, and make sure they’re back to feeling their best.
Common Causes of Coughing in Dogs (and How Telavets Can Help)
Let’s take a deeper dive into some of the more common causes of coughing in dogs and how we can help:
1. Kennel Cough (Bordetella)
If your dog has recently been to a kennel, dog park, or grooming facility, they might have picked up kennel cough. Symptoms include a dry, honking cough that’s often accompanied by a clear nasal discharge. While kennel cough is usually self-limiting, we can help by recommending rest, medications, and tips for managing it. If your dog is at high risk, we can even discuss vaccination options to prevent future issues.
2. Heart Disease
If your dog’s cough is chronic, especially at night or after exercise, it could be a sign of heart disease. We’ll help you manage your dog’s heart health with the right medications and lifestyle changes, so they can stay happy and active.
3. Collapsing Trachea
This condition is most common in smaller dog breeds and causes a characteristic “honking” cough. If your dog has a collapsing trachea, we can recommend treatments like medications, weight management tips, and gentle harnesses to reduce coughing and make them more comfortable.
4. Allergies
If your dog’s cough seems to be triggered by seasonal changes or environmental factors like pollen or dust, they may have allergies. We can help with allergy treatments and suggest ways to reduce allergens in your dog’s environment, like air purifiers or special cleaning routines.
5. Lung Disease or Pneumonia
For more severe causes of coughing, like pneumonia, we’ll help you manage your dog’s condition with medications and home care tips. If your dog’s cough is accompanied by fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite, we can help diagnose and treat the issue to ensure a full recovery.
Why Choose Telavets for Your Coughing Dog?
We know how much you care about your dog’s health, and we’re here to provide the best possible care—conveniently and quickly. Here’s why Telavets is the best choice for managing your dog’s cough:- Convenience: No clinic visits—just virtual consultations and expert care from home.
- Expert Care: Our veterinarians specialize in dog health, including respiratory issues, allergies, and heart conditions.
- Next-Day Medication Delivery: We offer fast, next-day delivery for prescriptions to help your dog feel better quickly.
- Ongoing Support: Whether it’s kennel cough or heart disease, we’ll be with you every step of the way, offering follow-ups and adjusting treatment as needed.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Help Your Dog Breathe Easy Again
If your dog’s cough has you worried, don’t wait to get help. Telavets is here to provide the expertise, convenience, and fast medication delivery you need to get your dog back to their healthy, happy self. Whether it’s kennel cough, allergies, or something more serious, we’re just a click away.
Ready to help your dog breathe easy again? Schedule a consultation with Telavets today, and let’s tackle that cough together!
