allergies, illness, or heart disease: why your dog or cat coughs

If your dog or cat has an incessant cough, it can be a little unnerving. Is it seasonal allergies? Asthma? A respiratory infection? Or is it related to something scary like heart disease? In this blog, we’ll discuss what different types of coughs mean and when to visit your vet.  
 

Coughing and allergies  

Seasonal allergies can cause a slew of symptoms in dogs and cats, but coughing is low on the list.  
 

What coughing due to allergies looks like in dogs 

Coughing is not one of the main symptoms of allergies in dogs, but it can be a symptom.

The most common signs of seasonal allergies in dogs are skin issues such as chewing, biting, rubbing, scratching, or licking skin; inflamed skin; eye discharge; ear infections; sneezing; or hair loss.

Since coughing is not the most common symptom, especially if it’s not accompanied with other signs of an allergic reaction, it is important to contact your veterinarian to dig deeper into the cause.  
 

What coughing due to allergies looks like in cats 

Similar to dogs, coughing is an uncommon symptom of seasonal allergies in cats, particularly if that is the only symptom your cat is displaying.

However, it can be a symptom of seasonal allergies, especially if it’s accompanied with licking, biting, or itching skin; inflamed skin; eye discharge; or sneezing.

If your cat is coughing frequently, it is important to bring it up to your veterinarian.  
 
Learn more about the different types of allergy triggers here and ways to treat allergies here. 
 

Coughing and asthma 

Asthma in dogs or cats is typically caused by an allergic reaction to allergens that restrict airways.

An asthma attack — when a flare-up makes it difficult to breathe — is considered a medical emergency and you should contact or drive to your veterinarian’s office as soon as possible.    
 

What coughing due to asthma looks like in dogs 

Asthma is less common in dogs than in cats, but it’s still possible for a dog to develop asthma.

Signs include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, and symptoms can be managed with oral, inhaled, or injected medication as well as lifestyle changes such as dietary adjustments and using a HEPA air filter in your home.

Wiping off your dog’s coat and paws after a visit outside will also help to minimize allergens they may track in.  
 

What coughing due to asthma looks like in cats 

Signs of asthma in cats include coughing, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, wheezing, or hacking. Sometimes cat owners confuse these symptoms for “hacking up a hairball.”

Cats are diagnosed with asthma based on clinical signs, history, imaging, and cytology.

While asthma is typically an ongoing condition, there are several treatment options for managing the symptoms, including drugs that come in oral, inhaled (nebulizer), or injectable options.  
 

Coughing and respiratory illness 

Respiratory illness that affects a dog’s or cat’s airways can be infectious or noninfectious, and some illnesses are temporary, while others may require ongoing management. 
 

What coughing due to respiratory illness looks like in dogs 

The most common respiratory illnesses that cause coughing in dogs are canine infectious respiratory disease complex or “kennel cough,” which causes a dry honking or hacking cough as well as lethargy, decreased appetite, and fever, and canine influenza, which causes a wet cough as well as nasal discharge, sneezing, fever, lethargy, and reduced appetite.

Kennel cough is typically diagnosed based on symptoms and knowledge of exposure, while diagnosis for canine flu is based on your dog’s history and lab tests. Both diseases are contagious but typically have a good prognosis. Canine flu can be more serious, which is why we recommend the canine influenza vaccine.

Other infectious respiratory illnesses include bacterial and viral pneumonia. Noninfectious respiratory illnesses include bronchitis, tumors or cancer, inhaled foreign objects, and fungal, parasitic, or aspiration pneumonia.  
 

What coughing due to respiratory illness looks like in cats 

Feline herpesvirus, a common contagious respiratory infection in cats, causes coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. There is no cure for feline herpesvirus, but typically cats can live a normal life expectancy with flare-ups every now and then.

Cats can also contract bacterial or viral pneumonia. Noninfectious respiratory illnesses include bronchitis, tumors or cancer, inhaled foreign objects, and aspiration pneumonia.  
 

Coughing and heart disease or heart failure  

Heart disease can sometimes cause coughing, especially in advanced cases. When the heart isn’t working well, fluid starts to build up in or around the lungs.

If a dog or cat has heartworm disease, that, too, can cause coughing.  
 

What coughing due to heart disease or heart failure looks like in dogs 

Fluid buildup around the lungs due to heart disease puts pressure on your dog’s airways, which can cause labored breathing or coughing.

In advanced cases, your dog may faint or collapse. These signs happen more often after exercise or excitement or after lying down.

If your dog is showing any of these signs, it’s important to contact your vet right away.

They will perform a physical exam, X-rays, and additional testing such as an echocardiogram to help diagnose your pet.

While heart disease isn’t curable, many dogs respond well to medication and lifestyle adjustments when it’s caught early. 
 

What coughing due to heart disease or heart failure looks like in cats 

Coughing is less likely a sign of heart disease in a cat, but it can be a sign of congestive heart failure.

If your cat has heart disease, they may more likely show signs of decreased activity levels, lethargy, and labored breathing.

Cats are also notorious for being good at hiding pain and illness, so if your cat is showing any of these signs, talk to your veterinarian right away.  
 

When to call your vet  

It’s important not to try to diagnose your dog or cat at home. If they do have a serious condition such as heart failure, they need prompt veterinary care to help with diagnosis and management of symptoms.

Any cough that lasts more than a few days, worsens over time, or is accompanied with labored breathing, blue gums or tongue, and a change in energy levels and appetite should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately.  
 

The bottom line  

Coughing is a sign that something is going on with your pet, big or small.

Whether the cause is allergies, asthma, a respiratory illness, or heart disease, your veterinary team can help determine what’s going on and create a plan tailored to your pet’s needs. 
 
If your dog or cat has started coughing or you’ve noticed a change in an existing cough, scheduling a veterinary visit is the best next step toward answers. Schedule a visit with your Banfield vet today. 
 
Important Notice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this page.