What's wrong with a dog coughing all the time

When we are accompanied by dogs and enjoy the endless joy they bring, the continuous coughing sounds are like a heavy hammer, hitting our hearts hard. Dogs are our most cherished companions in life, and every discomfort they experience is like a thorn, deeply piercing into our soft hearts. Watching the dog tremble with coughing, with a look of discomfort and helplessness in its eyes, we are anxious and eager to know: what's going on with the dog coughing all the time?

From a physiological perspective, coughing in dogs is a protective reflex action. When the respiratory tract is stimulated, such as the presence of foreign objects, inflammation, secretions, etc., the body will automatically activate the cough reflex, attempting to expel these irritants from the body through rapid exhalation to protect the patency of the respiratory tract. However, persistent coughing often indicates that the dog's body is experiencing problems and requires our utmost attention.

Respiratory infections are one of the common causes of coughing in dogs. Viral infections are more common in puppies, such as canine distemper virus, canine parainfluenza virus, etc. After infection with canine distemper virus, dogs may initially exhibit symptoms similar to a cold, with coughing being one of them. As the condition progresses, symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and mental fatigue may also occur. In severe cases, it can even affect the nervous system and endanger life. Canine parainfluenza virus infection can also cause coughing in dogs, which is usually severe and presents as a dry cough. Bacterial infections can also cause respiratory inflammation, such as infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, etc., which can cause a large amount of secretion in the dog's respiratory tract, stimulate the respiratory mucosa, and trigger coughing. At this time, the coughing sound of the dog may be dull, accompanied by coughing up phlegm. The color of the phlegm may be white, yellow, or even green, depending on the severity of the infection and the type of pathogen.

In addition to infection, allergies may also cause dogs to cough frequently. Dogs may be allergic to various substances in their living environment, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and certain foods. When dogs come into contact with allergens, their immune system recognizes them as foreign "enemies", initiates an immune response, and releases chemicals such as histamine. These substances can cause swelling of the respiratory mucosa and increased secretion, leading to coughing. Coughs caused by allergies are usually more frequent and may be accompanied by symptoms such as red eyes, itching, and skin rashes. For example, during the pollen season, some dogs that are allergic to pollen will frequently cough and scratch their eyes and nose in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort caused by allergies.

Heart problems cannot be ignored either. Heart failure is one of the important heart diseases that cause coughing in dogs. When a dog suffers from heart failure, the pumping function of the heart is weakened, and blood accumulates in the lungs, causing pulmonary edema. Edema of lung tissue can stimulate respiratory receptors and trigger coughing. This type of coughing sound is often dull and deep, similar to the deep "clang" sound emitted from the depths of the human throat. Moreover, while coughing, dogs may also experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and exercise intolerance. After a little activity, they may become breathless and their mental state may gradually deteriorate.

Parasitic infections may also be the main culprit for coughing in dogs. For example, heartworms parasitize in the blood vessels of dogs' hearts and lungs, which can affect their normal function and cause coughing. In the early stages of heartworm infection, symptoms may not be obvious, but as the number of parasites increases and the condition progresses, coughing will gradually worsen, and may also be accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing and anemia. In addition, parasites such as lung flukes and roundworms can also irritate the respiratory tract and cause coughing when they move to the lungs.

When we find that the dog keeps coughing, our hearts are filled with worry and fear. But we can't panic, we need to take the dog to the veterinarian in a timely manner. Veterinarians will conduct detailed consultations to understand the frequency, duration, and accompanying symptoms of coughing in dogs, as well as conduct comprehensive physical examinations, including auscultation of the heart and lungs, measurement of body temperature, etc. For accurate diagnosis, veterinarians may also arrange some laboratory tests, such as blood tests, sputum tests, chest X-rays, or echocardiography. These tests can help veterinarians determine the cause of a dog's cough and develop personalized treatment plans.

During the treatment of dogs, we should give them more care and companionship. Provide a quiet, warm, and comfortable resting environment for dogs, avoiding excessive exercise and fright. In terms of diet, it is important to follow veterinary advice and provide nutritionally balanced and easily digestible foods to enhance its resistance. Every time we accompany our dog to the veterinarian, every time we give it medicine according to the doctor's advice, every time we prepare warm food and comfortable beds for it, it is a manifestation of our deep love for it. We look forward to the dog gradually reducing its cough symptoms and recovering its health with treatment and our careful care.