Dog coughing often catches pet owners by surprise, and in winter it's even worse as the symptom manifests itself more frequently, much to the dismay of pet parents. What not everyone knows is that there is not just one, but several causes associated with coughing. When seeing a dog coughing, many may assume it's a sign of dog flu, but it can range from a simple choking to something moreso you can't be too careful!

It is essential to investigate the root of the problem to know which treatment is best. With that in mind, the Paws of the House has put together the main causes of dog cough, consequences and treatments for each situation. Take a look!

Dog cough: what are the causes?

It's quite common to find a dog coughing when the weather gets cold. The symptom is often related to canine influenza, which is one of the most common dog diseases in winter, but which is already starting to show up with the fall temperature drops. Another problem that develops around this same time and is often confused with the flu is tracheobronchitis, known as kennel cough.

However, anyone who thinks that these are the only two causes for a coughing dog is mistaken. The list is actually much more extensive. Below are the possible reasons behind coughing in dogs:

1) Dog flu - Canine influenza manifests itself mainly in the cold. The disease is caused by the Influenza A virus and affects the animal's respiratory tract. It is a contagious condition, so the dog can get the flu from contact with infected objects and animals. Even with the high rate of contagion, canine influenza does not usually put pets' lives at risk, but it needs to be treated so that it does not evolve into an infectious disease.pneumonia in dogs.

2) Canine infectious tracheobronchitis - Also known as kennel cough, it is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It affects the respiratory system and can be caused by viruses or bacteria. The most common bacterium that causes the disease is Bordetella bronchiseptica. It has very similar symptoms to canine flu, so they are diseases that are easily confused.

3) Respiratory infections - The dog's upper respiratory tract - including the nose, throat and lungs - can be infected by viruses, bacteria or fungi that result in a dog cough. Some examples of this are pharyngitis, which usually indicates a viral or bacterial infection, and canine bronchitis. The latter can be caused by both infectious conditions and inhalation of allergenic substances.

4) Allergic reactions - Dogs can be allergic to food, dust, pollen and other substances. Consequently, this can leave the dog coughing as a symptom of the allergy. In this case, the dog usually demonstrates a cough-like respiratory discomfort, as if to "expel" what triggered the problem.

5) Presence of foreign body - In these cases, it is possible that the animal has eaten too quickly or ingested an object that has become stuck in the throat. The result is a choking and coughing dog, and coughing is a natural reaction of the body to circumvent choking. But be careful: depending on what has been ingested, the dog may suffer from choking and should be taken urgently to the vet.

6) Lung problems - Lung diseases, such as pneumonia, can be largely responsible for dog coughing. If this is the case, it is possible to observe a very persistent cough. Usually, the disease is caused by an opportunistic bacterium that settles in the animal's lung and develops, but a simple flu picture can also develop into pneumonia. The guardian should also pay attention to wormspulmonary.

7) Heart problems - It is true that dog cough is usually caused by respiratory diseases, but dogs with heart problems can also have a cough. Some conditions that can usually be accompanied by the symptom are dilated cardiomyopathy, canine heartworm disease and valve insufficiencies. Therefore, it is always important to consult a veterinarian!

8) Tracheal problems - When a problem (serious or not) affects the trachea of small dogs, you are likely to come across a dog with goose cough. How to treat, in these cases, is something that will depend on what caused the obstruction of the organ. Usually this affects small dogs and requires immediate medical attention.

What to do when identifying a dog with a cough?

Coughing in dogs may be no big deal, but it can also be something that calls for increased caution. So how do you know when your dog's coughing represents a serious problem? For starters, keep in mind that if the cough is momentary, it's likely just an irritation of the nasal passages or even a choking. In these cases, it doesn't represent a serious illness, but it's important to note the appearance of the cough,frequency and especially the behavior of the pet over the days.

There are four ways in which dog cough can manifest itself, these are:

Dog with dry cough - This is the most common type in winter, and is usually linked to canine flu or kennel cough. It is a cough that does not have mucus and is usually insistent.

Dog with wet cough - This is a cough that is accompanied by secretions in the airways (mucus or phlegm), which is why it is called wet. It tends to be shorter than a dry cough.

Puppy with choking cough - It is a cough that usually does not last long, as the body tries to expel what has made the dog choke and soon the "choking" is over. It is common in dogs that eat too fast.

Dog with goose cough - This type of cough is one that is almost soundless as the animal struggles to breathe. It indicates that something has obstructed the animal's windpipe - such as toys - and affects small dogs more.

Puppy cough can be accompanied by other symptoms

A coughing dog, when accompanied by an illness, usually presents a series of other symptoms. Therefore, observing changes in the animal's behavior is essential to know if the dog is sick or not. Some signs that can be noticed and that should call the alert are:

• Apathy;
• Lack of appetite;
• Sneezing;
• Runny nose;
• Dog panting;
• Difficulty breathing;
• Eyes watering;
• Fever in a dog.

In more serious cases, especially heart disease, it is also worth paying attention to symptoms such as: weakness, fainting, abdominal swelling and hypertension. It is worth remembering that the animal will not always present all the symptoms at once, but any minimal change needs to be identified as soon as possible to seek the help of a professional. Only the veterinarian will be able to diagnose andprescribe the most appropriate treatment for the animal.

Coughing dog: consequences of a prolonged cough

Even if it seems harmless, dog cough - especially the most persistent one - needs to be treated correctly, according to the guidelines of a specialist. Otherwise, the chances are high that the problem will evolve and leave the puppy even more debilitated. It is also good to remember that there are cases that are considered really serious, such as when the flu turns into pneumonia or the symptom is an infection.So it's not worth the risk, right?!

If left untreated, dog cough can lead to a number of complications, such as shortness of breath, damage to internal organs and even cause secondary infections. As the dog's immune system is weakened, it ends up being exposed to a number of problems. Depending on the severity of the problem, it can even be fatal for the pet.

Possible treatments for a dog with a cough

The treatment of dog cough depends on the underlying cause. This is something that should be investigated and guided by a trusted veterinarian. Even if self-medication seems like a good solution at first, it is something that can further aggravate the animal's condition and should therefore be avoided.

Some common treatment options include the use of specific medications - such as dog antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antipyretics (in case of fever) and expectorants - and plenty of rest. Dog cough medicine needs to be prescribed by a professional, who will indicate the correct time of use and dosages.

Even so, there are some small actions that can speed up the recovery of a dog with the flu. It is good to invest in a good diet - such as premium or super premium food -, make plenty of water available for the dog and, if the veterinarian allows, you can bet on supplements to boost immunity. If necessary, check the possibility of nebulizing the dog.It is also important to clean all the objects of the pet very well: feeder, drinker and toys. This helps to avoid reinfections.

5 tips to prevent dog cough

Of course, you can't always avoid a coughing dog, but if the symptom is due to dog flu, there are some precautions that can - and should - be taken. See some of them below:

1) Flu vaccine is a great way to prevent the problem. Although it's not a mandatory vaccine, it's one of the best ways to prevent your dog from getting the flu.

2) Eat a good quality diet. A nutritious and balanced dog food makes all the difference to keep dogs healthy. The tip is to always pay attention to the product label to make sure it has all the essential nutrients.

3) Physical and mental stimuli help to maintain the pet's immunity. Walking and playing with your dog helps strengthen the immune system and prevents sedentary lifestyles, so always set aside some time to devote to your friend.

4) Prevent the dog from having contact with other infected dogs. Because it is a very contagious disease, the best way to prevent the animal from developing the disease is to prevent it from having contact with sick pets.

5) Protect your puppy from the cold. Knowing how to keep your dog warm in the winter is key to protecting them from the flu. It is worth using and abusing blankets, comforters and even some clothes (as long as your dog is comfortable with it).