Coughing refers to any sudden, forceful hacking sound to release air, and clear an irritation in the throat or airway. This may be accompanied by other signs such as, fever, nasal discharge, loss of appetite among others depending on the underlying cause.
Causes
- Infection of the airway such as kennel cough, canine infectious respiratory disease complex(CIRDC), Canine infectious tracheobronchitis..etc
- Inflammation of the airway
- Irritants and foreign bodies such as dust, food particles…etc
- Pneumonia
- Lung worm
- Cancer of the throat or lungs
- Pulling on the lead
- Heart disease
- Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome(BOAS).
Diagnosis
A history of when it started, frequency and the time of the day it happens the most, plus any other symptoms observed, other tests such as blood work, chest X-ray, bronchoscopy and a tracheal wash maybe done to diagnose it possible cause
Treatment
This will depend on the underlying cause, so it important to talk to your Vet, who will figure out the most probable cause and the best course of treatment. Treatment may include cough suppressant, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory..etc
In conclusion, contact your vet in case you dog has a cough that: makes them makes him/her feel unwell and stay awake through the night, lasts for several days, cause your dog to collapse, bleed from the nostrils and/or struggle when breathing….