Dogs, Coughing and Choking: Possible Causes and Tips
In most cases coughing is not a cause for concern but in some cases it’s possible that something more serious is making your dog cough and choke.
If your dog coughs frequently, we would advise you to make an appointment with your vet.
Different types of cough in dogs
Coughing can occur in dogs in various forms and can be both wet and dry. A wet cough in dogs usually occurs together with sputum and a dry cough is often very painful.
Both types of cough can cause the dog to choke at the same time. With a wet cough, it is very often the case that the dog also vomits mucus or fluid.
Common triggers for choking and coughing in dogs
When a dog coughs or chokes, it is a normal reflex that can have many different triggers.
Among the possible causes of choking and coughing in dogs are
- Inhaled foreign bodies
- Сolds
- Kennel cough
- Feed intake too fast
- An enlarged heart muscle
Inhaled foreign bodies as a cause of coughing in dogs
If your dog coughs, this may be because he has inhaled a foreign body. He tries to get rid of it by coughing and choking, which in most cases is no problem. However, if the foreign body is somewhat larger, it may occasionally be necessary for it to be removed surgically by a vet.
Coughing cold dogs
Just like people, dogs can catch a cold. The symptoms are very similar. Among other things, your dog will most likely suffer from a cold and watery eyes, as well as coughing and perhaps choking. In most cases, a cold is harmless and will subside on its own after a few days' rest. However, if your dog's choking and coughing does not improve, you should still see a vet for safety reasons.
Kennel cough in dogs
Kennel cough is a contagious infectious disease that affects the respiratory tract of the dog. The typical symptoms of kennel cough are a noticeably dry cough, usually accompanied by choking. Dogs with kennel cough should be examined by a veterinarian and treated if necessary.
Coughing in the dog due to food that is slung down
Some dogs wolf down their meals within moments. It is not uncommon for them to choke and cough on them. Don't think of this kind of eating behaviour as a harmless whim of your dog. After all, not only is there a danger of choking, but there is also a high risk that your dog will suffer a life-threatening stomach twist.
Coughing in dogs due to an enlarged heart muscle
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a pathological dilatation of the heart muscle that particularly affects older dogs. DCM leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs and is manifested by so-called cardiac coughing. Dogs suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy must be treated by a veterinarian.
When a coughing dog has to go to the vet
If your dog chokes and coughs regularly and there is no improvement even after several days, it is high time for a visit to the vet. Since both the dog's choking and coughing are merely symptoms of a health problem, the veterinarian must first determine the exact cause of the symptoms.
Based on the results of the examination, the necessary treatment measures can then be determined. Sometimes a little care and rest is enough to get the sick dog back on its feet. If the dog suffers from fever in addition to coughing and choking, the veterinarian will administer an additional antipyretic.
Severe infections can also require the administration of antibiotics. Heart diseases such as DCM also need to be treated with medication, and dogs that cough frequently due to asthma are usually given tablets or a spray to relieve their symptoms.
Food supplements for strong defences
If your dog regularly suffers from respiratory infections, this indicates a weak immune system. In order to support your dog's defences, it may be advisable to administer suitable food supplements, such as Bellfor Immune.
Bellfor Immun, which is available both in the form of tasty dog biscuits and in powder form, is a completely natural preparation. Selected ingredients such as propolis and insect protein provide your dog with important micronutrients and amino acids that can help strengthen the immune system.
Our conclusion about choking and coughing in dogs
As you can see, your dog's choking and coughing can have both a harmless and a serious cause. If your dog coughs and chokes frequently, a visit to the vet is therefore advisable. Once the vet has found and treated the cause, the symptoms usually disappear on their own.
In addition, food supplements such as Bellfor Immune can help strengthen your dog's defences and thus prevent possible infections or at least make it easier for your dog to survive them.
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