Coughing in Dogs and Cats

A cough is a common reason pet owners call the vet, and it can mean anything from a tickle in the throat to a serious airway problem. One cough is rarely cause for alarm, but a cough returning day after day, waking you at night, or paired with fast breathing needs a closer look, especially in cats, whose coughs are easy to mistake for hairballs.

At Pawtown Veterinary Care, we see coughing dogs and cats often, and we want you to know what to watch for. This guide focuses on cats and gives a short dog summary, and the first step for either is a thorough visit like our comprehensive exams.

When a Cough Needs a Veterinarian

Not every cough is an emergency, but these signs mean it is time to call us:

• Frequent coughing: several times a day or at night.
• Retching or hacking: foamy saliva, mucus, or blood.
• Fast or hard breathing: more effort than normal.
• Open-mouth breathing: normal panting in dogs should stop once they cool off, but in cats it needs prompt attention.
• Low energy: lethargy or a lower appetite.
• Nasal signs: discharge or congestion.
• Your instincts: a cough that simply seems concerning.

Struggling to breathe, a rapidly moving chest, or collapse can signal a life-threatening emergency. During business hours, call us right away and ask about our urgent care services. Outside those hours, head to an emergency veterinary hospital.

Coughing in Cats

In cats, a cough often points to the airways, and several conditions can be behind it.

Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis

Asthma is a common cause of coughing in cats. According to International Cat Care, it is usually caused by an allergy to something in the home, such as pollen or dust, which inflames and narrows the airways, although the exact trigger is often unknown. Chronic bronchitis is similar, with extra mucus. Both are more often seen in adult cats of about 6 to 9 years, and Siamese and related breeds appear to be affected more often.

Cats often cough in short bouts while crouched low with the neck stretched out, which looks like retching and is easy to mistake for a hairball. Wheezing and fast breathing are other signs.

Because other problems cause similar signs, we start with a history and exam, then rule out causes such as heart disease and infections. Tests can include blood work, a fecal test for lungworm, and chest x-rays. Treatment often involves anti-inflammatory medication and bronchodilators, given by mouth, by injection, or with an inhaler and a spacer made for cats.

Most cats can be treated successfully, but therapy is usually lifelong, so never stop medication without talking with us. Some cats with severe disease have repeated episodes of breathing difficulty, which can be life-threatening, so regular rechecks matter. Home changes help too. If your cat is overweight, weight loss can ease breathing, and our weight loss for pets guide can help. Dusty litter, smoke, sprays, and strong scents can all irritate the airways.

Upper Respiratory Infections

Upper respiratory infections are another common cause, and they usually come with sneezing and nasal discharge. Some are viral and some are bacterial. We can vaccinate against some of the causes, feline herpesvirus and calicivirus, and we recommend cat vaccinations for every cat, especially kittens.

Other Causes in Cats

Cats can also cough because of pneumonia, lung tumors, fluid around the lungs, heart failure, parasites migrating through the lungs, or an inhaled foreign object. Because causes range from minor to severe, a persistent cough is always worth a visit.

Coughing in Dogs

In dogs, coughing is a classic sign of kennel cough, also called canine infectious respiratory disease. It spreads easily wherever dogs mingle, from the dog park to the groomer, and several bacteria and viruses can be involved. A vaccine protects against some of them, including Bordetella and parainfluenza, so talk with us about dog vaccinations if your dog socializes.

Heart disease, collapsing trachea, pneumonia, and inhaled plant material such as cheatgrass can also cause coughing in dogs. Our full guide to dog respiratory disease covers causes, symptoms, and treatment in detail.

Common Questions About Coughing in Pets

Here are quick answers to questions we hear often.

Book a Cough Checkup at Pawtown Veterinary Care

A cough is a message worth listening to, and finding the cause early makes treatment easier. Many dogs and cats with airway problems feel comfortable again with the right plan.

Pawtown Veterinary Care is locally owned by two veterinarians, and our family-like clinic gives every pet and owner personal attention. We also offer CareCredit and Scratch Pay financing options to help with care costs. To get your pet’s cough checked, contact us today.