It’s understandable to be concerned if your dog won’t stop coughing. However, before taking your dog to a veterinary clinic, you should know the possible reasons for it. A veterinarian can only do so much if the source of the issue is at home. Below are a few of the top causes of your dog’s coughing.

Possible Explanations for Your Dog’s Constant Coughing 

1. Swallowing Items 

Since they explore the world with their mouths, dogs tend to eat objects they shouldn’t. These items include small toys or blades of grass. Usually, they’ll cough until it comes out, but take the dog to a veterinary clinic if they can’t, lest they develop pneumonia or an infection

2. Inhaling Chemicals or Objects

Alternatively, your dog may have inhaled a large volume of common household chemicals, like cleaners, air fresheners, or cigarette smoke. Mold, mites, dust, dandruff, or ash could also irritate their throat. In that case, try to minimize their exposure to these items. If it was rat poison that they swallowed, take them to an animal hospital immediately. 

If there was recently a fire in the home, the dog could be sensitive to the hydrogen cyanide created from burning silk, wool, or plastic.  A veterinarian’s help is required to repair any internal damage. 

3. Parasitic or Bacterial Infection 

Dogs can contract pneumonia, which causes wet coughing fits that may produce phlegm or sometimes vomit. Kennel cough is also a possibility, which is characterized by vomiting as well, in addition to gagging and dry hacking. Barring that, your dog may have ingested a snail, slug, or lungworm that is now feeding off their nutrients. For any of these issues, visit a veterinary clinic right away.

4. Internal Organ Damage

In dogs, coughing could be a symptom of heart disease. If your dog is obese, they’re more prone to heart disease. A pet diagnostic service can determine the problem, especially if the coughing accompanies fatigue, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing. 

However, the source could also be a chronically collapsing windpipe due or lung lobe torsion, which is a lung that has rotated and is plugging up the respiratory system. These issues, too, require professional veterinary care. 

Whether your dog is coughing because of a temporary ailment or a symptom of a severe issue that requires the skills of a pet surgeon, Buffalo Trace Veterinary Services of Versailles, KY, is happy to help. This veterinary clinic offer preventative services, including pet vaccines, spaying, neutering, and more, and they strive to ensure that your pet enjoys every visit. Schedule an appointment today by calling (859) 879-3582 or learn more about their services online.