Hearing your dog cough is scary, Kennel cough might automatically come to your mind. We must admit, it is a scary thought to have your dog fall sick, especially to such a serious illness. However, just because your dog is coughing, it doesn’t mean he or she is severely sick. There are different coughs among dogs. This is why it’s important to answer what does a dog’s cough sound like.
We understand that when you hear your dog cough you wonder if they are sick or choking. But the fact is, dog cough can have many causes. Some of which can be severe.
In this article, we’re going to explain what the types of dog cough are and when it’s time to worry.
Before we start, you can read more about Kennel Cough and other canine lung diseases:
- Kennel Cough In Golden Retrievers: Treat And Prevent Pesky Infection
- Why Is My Dog Breathing Heavy?
- Is It Normal For Puppies To Breathe Fast?
- Why Is My Dog Wheezing?
- Dog Won’t Stop Sneezing: Why And How To Help
What does a dog cough sound like – Types of coughs
First of all, I want to say that dog cough is absolutely normal. Your dog might want to clear its throat, for example. Maybe there is dust or grass inside that’s irritating it, and so on.
Some of the causes of coughing in dogs:
- Foreign Bodies in the Throat
- Kennel Cough
- Tracheal Collapse
- Pneumonia
- Heart Disease
- Lung Cancer
- Chronic Bronchitis
A cough here and there is not a problem. It is an issue when the cough becomes persistent and your dog keeps coughing. Then it’s a sign to worry. There is definitely something going on and you probably should set up a vet appointment.
Now, let’s see which types of coughs in dogs exist.
Types of coughs in dogs
When your notice that your dog’s cough is very persistent, pay attention to how the cough sounds like.
The first reason why you should do that is that it helps you determine what is actually causing the coughing. From that, you can determine if it’s an emergency or not.
Secondly, it will be useful when you get to your veterinarian’s office. You can explain to him or her how the cough sounded like, so it will be easier for them to determine what is going on with your dog.
Some of the coughs you might hear from your dog are:
- Gagging cough – This is when your dog makes kind of a high-pitched sound when they cough.
- Honking cough – The honking cough sound something like a goose honk.
- Wet cough – As the name suggest, your dog’s cough will sound quite moist or also phlem-filled
- Hacking cough – This is maybe the most common cough among dogs. It’s when your dog make a very dry hacking sound, almost like they are trying to get something out of their throat.
Veterinarian’s diagnosis
Even if you in detail explain to your veterinarian how your dog’s cough sounds like, he or she might not immediately know what is going on. It’s very likely that your veterinarian will have to do a number of tests in order to be sure why your dog is coughing.
Some of the tests your veterinarian will have to do:
- A physical exam is always a must and first step.
- Your veterinarian will have to do x-rays too
- A blood chemistry panel
- Blood pressure measurement
- Electrocardiogram or ECG is crucial as well
- Fecal exam should be performed too
- As well as an urinalysis
- Your vet will have to take fluid samples from the lungs or airways
When your veterinarian performs all of these tests, it’s only then that they will be able to say what is going on with your canine. Of course, they will also need to know your dog’s medical history if they haven’t been seeing your dog since puppyhood.
Treating dog cough
There isn’t a one-cure-fits-all when it comes to dog cough. The treatment will depend on what is causing the cough. This is why it’s important to visit your veterinarian and let them see what is going on with your dog.
For example, if the cough is caused by an infection your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics. If your dog is experiencing tracheal collapse, then the only treatment is surgery.