Does your dog have a coughing issue? Do you hear "cough! cough! cough!" at night, but it hardly coughs during the day? If you want to help your beloved pet relieve its cough or dry cough but don't know how to handle it, you're not alone. There are many reasons why dogs cough, including allergic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and psychogenic alopecia, among others. To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to rely on an experienced veterinarian.

Reasons for Your Dog's Coughing or Dry Cough

1. Heart Disease

Dogs with heart disease or heart failure may cough even when resting or lying down.

• Who is affected: Dogs aged 7-8 years and older, or those diagnosed with heart disease.
• Symptoms: Coughing easily when resting, lying down, or at night.
• Treatment: Medical treatment by a veterinarian and regular heart check-ups.

2. Tracheal Disease

Certain breeds have congenital tracheal cartilage abnormalities, leading to tracheal narrowing or obstruction. These dogs may cough during excitement, after exercise, or when their collar is pulled.

• Who is affected: Small breed dogs like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Miniature Dachshunds, Maltese, and Poodles.
• Symptoms: Frequent and repetitive coughing.
• Treatment: Medical treatment by a veterinarian and possibly surgery if necessary. These dogs often have chronic tracheal issues and may struggle with exercise and may choke while eating or drinking.

3. Upper Respiratory Infections

Infectious respiratory diseases caused by pathogens such as Bordetella, parainfluenza virus, canine herpesvirus, and canine adenovirus type 2.

• Who is affected: Younger dogs or those recently exposed to many other dogs.
• Symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, and discharge from eyes and nose.
• Treatment: Medical treatment by a veterinarian, along with nutritional support to boost immunity. Owners of multiple dogs should be especially cautious due to the contagious nature.

4. Psychological Factors

Excitement, anxiety, or fear can cause a healthy dog to cough.

• Who is affected: Any dog can be affected.
• Symptoms: Short and rapid dry cough.
• Treatment: No special treatment is needed, but if coughing persists, a veterinary diagnosis is recommended.

5. Foreign Body Obstruction

If your dog coughs vigorously, gags, or paws at its mouth after eating, pay attention!

• Who is affected: Any dog can be affected.
• Symptoms: Obvious signs of discomfort.
• Treatment: Dogs instinctively cough to expel foreign bodies. If you can see it, help remove it; if it's deeper, seek immediate veterinary care.

Can Your Dog’s Cough Be Relieved?

Does your dog cough more at night than during the day? This could indicate heart disease, respiratory infections, or tracheitis, causing symptoms to worsen at night. During the day, sympathetic nerve excitement helps constrict blood vessels and quicken the heartbeat, alleviating coughs; at night, the opposite occurs. The sympathetic nerves calm down, leading to mucus accumulation and increased coughing.

You might wonder: should you wait until your dog’s cough worsens at night before giving medication? The answer is no! A cough that is worse at night is not a reliable indicator of the severity of the illness. Pet owners should follow the veterinarian's advice about medication and not skip doses or treatments just because daytime symptoms are mild.

How to Determine if You Should See a Vet

1. Observe Your Dog's Mouth

Check if your dog's tongue and mucous membranes are pink and full. If they appear pale or bluish, this may indicate oxygen deficiency or potential heart issues.

2. Monitor Your Dog's Breathing

Keep an eye on your dog's breathing rate. You can measure it at home by counting the rise and fall of the chest; the normal rate should be under 30 breaths per minute.

If your dog shows any of the signs mentioned, it's advisable to take them to a veterinary hospital for further diagnosis!

The "Three Limits" Principle for Relieving Your Dog's Cough

1. Limit Water

Excessive drinking can temporarily reduce the volume of red blood cells in the blood, increasing heart strain. Control your dog's daily water intake by multiplying their weight by 40 ml. For example, a 6 kg dog should drink no more than 240 ml per day.

2. Limit Salt

High sodium levels can destabilize blood pressure and worsen symptoms. Dogs with heart issues should have a low-salt diet, focusing on high-quality, easily digestible, and balanced foods. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals is also recommended.

3. Limit Stimulation and Exercise

Control exercise intensity and duration. Opt for walks instead of runs, and use scent training instead of high-energy games. Always monitor your dog's breathing; a normal rate is about 30 breaths per minute.

To alleviate your dog's cough, adhere to the "three limits" principle and manage daily activities and exercise. Additionally, reduce outdoor activities during hot and low-pressure weather and maintain a stable emotional environment to avoid stress from loud noises or sudden disturbances. Pay close attention to your dog's energy levels, appetite, activity, and breathing patterns.