Why Is My Dog Coughing? Recognizing Symptoms of Kennel Cough and Other Illnesses

A quick personal story: the cough I’ll never forget

When my beagle, Daisy, developed a sharp, “goose-honk” cough after a boarding weekend, my first thought was panic. She’d cough after excitement and settle down minutes later, bright-eyed and hungry. Our vet confirmed kennel cough and sent us home with rest, a humidifier, and a short course of medication. She bounced back in a week. That scare taught me two things: a Dog’s Cough can be simple—and sometimes it’s not. Learning the sounds and red flags helps you stay calm and call the vet at the right time.

What does a dog cough sound like?

Not all coughs are the same. The sound and timing offer useful clues for your vet.

• Honking, hacking cough: Often linked to kennel cough or tracheal irritation/collapse—especially in small breeds.

• Wet, gurgly cough: May suggest fluid in the lungs from pneumonia or heart failure.

• Throat-clearing cough: Can follow pulling on the leash or mild irritation.

• Cough followed by gagging/retching: Common with kennel cough but can also happen with post-nasal drip or foreign material.

Tip: Take a short phone video of your dog coughing. It helps your veterinarian hear the pattern.

When “normal” becomes “why is my dog coughing?”

Occasional coughing after running or drinking water can be normal. But if your dog is coughing excessively, waking at night to cough, or showing other symptoms (nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite), it’s time to check in with your vet.

The most common culprit: kennel cough

Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) spreads where dogs mingle—daycare, boarding, groomers, parks. Classic signs include a loud, honking cough, worse with excitement or leash pressure. Most cases are mild and improve in 1–2 weeks with rest and cough suppressants when needed. Your vet may suggest a humidifier, steam therapy from a warm shower, and switching to a harness to reduce throat pressure. Vaccines reduce risk but don’t eliminate it.

Beyond the kennel: other infectious causes

Canine influenza, pneumonia, and mixed bacterial/viral infections can also cause coughing in dogs. Fever, thick nasal discharge, fatigue, and poor appetite point toward something more than a simple kennel cough. Young puppies, senior dogs, and pets with weakened immune systems can get sicker faster and need veterinary attention sooner.

Tracheal irritation and tracheal collapse

Small breeds (Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Poodles) can develop tracheal collapse, causing a chronic, honking cough that worsens with excitement or pulling on the leash. Weight control, a no-pull harness, anti-inflammatories, cough suppressants, and sometimes an inhaled bronchodilator or steroid help many dogs feel better.

Chronic bronchitis (the long-game cough)

“Smoker’s cough” in dogs doesn’t require cigarettes. Chronic bronchitis often affects middle-aged to senior dogs. It’s a persistent, dry cough (≥2 months) unrelated to infection. Management typically includes weight control, avoiding airway irritants (dust, aerosols, smoke), and medications to reduce airway inflammation.

Heart disease and cough

An enlarged heart or fluid backing up into the lungs can cause a wet, soft cough, especially at night or after exercise. You might also notice exercise intolerance, rapid breathing, or restlessness while lying down. This is a “don’t wait” moment—call your vet. With the right diuretics, heart meds, and diet changes, many dogs breathe easier and enjoy more good days.

Heartworm disease

In heartworm regions, a persistent cough can be a sign of heartworm disease. Prevention is easier than treatment—keep your monthly prevention up to date, and ask your vet about testing if your dog has missed doses or you’ve moved to a higher-risk area.

Foreign objects and throat injuries

A sudden, violent coughing fit after a walk, chew session, or outdoor romp can mean a foreign object stuck in the throat or upper airway. This is urgent, especially if your dog is pawing at the mouth, drooling, gagging, or unable to settle. Seek care immediately.

Allergies, smoke, and air quality

Cigarette smoke, strong cleaners, fireplace ash, dust, and seasonal allergens can irritate the respiratory tract. Open windows for fresh air (when pollen counts are acceptable), run a HEPA filter, and use pet-safe cleaners to reduce triggers.

“Reverse sneezing” vs. coughing

Reverse sneezing looks dramatic—rapid snorting, head extended—but it’s usually harmless and short-lived, often triggered by nasal or throat irritation. If episodes are frequent, discuss them with your vet, but don’t confuse them with a lower-airway cough.

When is a cough an emergency?

Go now (emergency clinic if your vet is closed) if you see:

• Blue or gray gums/tongue (oxygen deprivation)

• Marked breathing difficulties (open-mouth breathing, belly heaving, nostrils flaring)

• Collapse, fainting, or coughing up blood

• Rapid breathing at rest (consistently >40 breaths/min in a calm room)

These are life-threatening signs that can’t wait.

How vets get to the root cause

Your veterinarian will combine history, exam findings, and targeted tests to pinpoint why your dog is coughing.

• History: When the cough started, sound, triggers (night, exercise, excitement), exposures (boarding, new dogs), medications, travel.

• Physical exam: Listening to the lungs and heart, checking temperature, gum color, and the throat.

• Chest X-rays: Assess lungs, heart size, and any masses or fluid.

• Lab work: Blood tests for infection, inflammation, organ function; heartworm testing when indicated.

• Advanced imaging: Ultrasound, CT, or bronchoscopy for tough cases.

• Airway sampling: In select cases, a vet may collect airway cells to check for infection or inflammation under anesthesia.
  
  

Treatment: matched to the cause

There’s no one-size-fits-all fix; treatment targets the diagnosis.

• Kennel cough: Rest, cough suppressants, sometimes antibiotics if secondary bacterial infection is suspected.

• Pneumonia/influenza: Antibiotics (bacterial), anti-inflammatories, oxygen therapy if severe, nebulization/steam therapy.

• Chronic bronchitis: Weight control, inhaled steroid/bronchodilator plans, environmental changes.

• Tracheal collapse: Harness only (no collar), weight management, cough suppressants, airway meds; in advanced cases, interventional procedures.

• Heart disease: Diuretics, cardiac medications, sodium-controlled diet, careful exercise restarts.

• Heartworm: Staged treatment under veterinary guidance and strict rest.

• Foreign objects: Removal under sedation/anesthesia, plus aftercare.

Home care that truly helps

• Humidity helps: Run a cool-mist humidifier near your dog’s bed or try brief bathroom steam sessions.

• Harness, not collar: Protect the trachea and reduce hacking.

• Quiet rest: Short, calm walks; avoid fetch or long runs until cleared by your vet.

• Clean air: No smoke, aerosols, incense, or strong cleaners near your dog.

• Hydration: Fresh water encourages thin mucus and easier airway clearance.

• Medication timing: Give cough suppressants or inhaled meds on schedule for steady relief.
  
  

Why is my dog coughing at night?

Nighttime coughing often points to airway irritation, postural fluid shifts in heart disease, or household triggers (dry heat, dust). Elevating the head slightly, using a humidifier, and controlling room temperature may reduce episodes. Because night coughing can signal heart or lung disease, update your vet if it persists.

Why is my dog coughing after exercise?

Exercise coughs can follow kennel cough, tracheal collapse, chronic bronchitis, or cardiac issues. If your dog coughs after even light exercise, slows down, or pants longer than usual, schedule an exam.

Why is my dog coughing and gagging?

Cough plus gagging or retching is common with kennel cough. It can also appear with foreign bodies, tonsillitis, or post-nasal drip. If gagging is frequent, forceful, or paired with poor appetite, get checked.

Senior dogs and persistent coughs

Older dogs are more likely to face chronic bronchitis, heart disease, or masses in the chest. If your senior pup develops a new persistent cough, don’t wait it out—early diagnosis means more options and better comfort.

Can cancer cause a Dog’s Cough?

Yes. Lung tumors or cancers that spread to the lungs can cause coughing, exercise intolerance, weight loss, or labored breathing. If you notice a chronic, unexplained cough—especially with fatigue or decreased appetite—ask your vet about imaging. For broader cancer awareness, you might also like:

• Signs of cancer to watch for: “Possible Signs My Dog May Have Cancer”
  
  

• Understanding treatment paths: “Chemo for Dogs: What to Expect and How to Care for Your Pet”
  
  

Proactive lung and whole-body health

• Weight management: Lean dogs breathe easier and live longer.

• Vaccines: Keep kennel cough (Bordetella/parainfluenza) and canine influenza up to date if your dog socializes.

• Year-round heartworm prevention: Essential in endemic areas.

• Air quality: Ventilate, vacuum with a HEPA filter, and avoid smoke.

Regular checkups: Annual or biannual visits catch subtle changes.

Screening: catching trouble earlier

No single test finds every problem, but layered prevention helps. Alongside routine exams and imaging when needed, consider proactive cancer risk screening to inform you and your vet sooner. See the Oncotect Cancer Screening Test Kit (non-invasive risk screen, not a diagnosis):  https://www.oncotect.co/products/cancer-screening-test-kit

When to call the vet vs. head to the ER

Call your vet within 24 hours if:

• A cough lasts more than 3–5 days, returns after improving, or gets worse.

• Your dog has a mild fever, thick nasal discharge, or reduced appetite.
  You notice exercise intolerance or nighttime coughing.
  
  

Go to emergency care now if:

• Your dog has blue/gray gums, labored/rapid breathing, collapses, or coughs up blood.

• There’s suspected choking or a foreign object.

• A puppy, senior, or dog with heart/lung disease can’t catch their breath.

How to prepare for the vet visit

Bring a cough video and jot down:

• When the cough began and how it sounds

• Triggers (excitement, leash pressure, night)

• Exposures (boarding, new dogs)

• Meds, vaccines, preventives, and any recent travel
  This context speeds diagnosis and gets relief started faster.
  
  

Living with a chronic cough: setting your dog up for good days

Some conditions are long-term. That doesn’t mean your dog can’t enjoy life. Build a simple care routine: medication reminders, two short humidifier sessions daily, exercise in mild weather, and enrichment that doesn’t push their breathing—sniff walks, puzzle feeders, gentle training games.

Related Oncotect resources to explore

• Chemo for Dogs (comfort-focused care)
  

• Oral Tumors in Dogs (recognizing early signs)
  

• Why Is My Dog Panting So Much? (breathing clues)
  

• Canine Pain Control for Dogs with Cancer
  

• Superfoods for Dogs (supportive nutrition):
  
  

Bottom line

If you’re wondering “why is my dog coughing,” pay attention to the sound, timing, and severity, then loop in your veterinarian early—especially if the cough lingers or your dog has trouble breathing. Most causes are treatable, and many dogs return to normal quickly with targeted care. Pair regular vet visits with proactive screening to stay one step ahead: https://www.oncotect.co/products/cancer-screening-test-kit