Coughing, Sneezing & Respiratory Symptoms in Dogs
Dog Health Guides · Respiratory symptoms
Dog Coughing and Sneezing: What the Sounds Mean and When To Worry
If you are reading about dog coughing, your veterinarian is the best first step. This guide explains what owners commonly see and what to do next. It does not diagnose or prescribe.
Dog coughing and sneezing have many causes, from a bit of dust or an excited reverse sneeze to kennel cough, a collapsing windpipe, heart disease, pneumonia or heartworm. The sound, timing and other signs help your vet narrow it down.
This guide explains common dog coughing sounds, why your dog is sneezing, signs of a respiratory infection in dogs, and the breathing problems that cannot wait.
Important: Go to a vet now for labored or very fast breathing at rest, blue, gray or pale gums, coughing up blood, collapse or fainting, or a dog that cannot settle and stands with its neck stretched out. A resting or sleeping breathing rate above about 30 to 40 breaths per minute is a reason to call your vet.
More detailed guides
For a closer look at a specific problem, open one of these guides.
What Coughing and Sneezing Tell You
A Cough Comes From the Airways or Lungs
Coughing clears the throat, windpipe and lungs. It can be dry or moist, occasional or constant.
A Sneeze Comes From the Nose
Sneezing clears the nose. Reverse sneezing is a loud snorting inhale and is usually harmless.
Upper vs Lower Respiratory Infection
Upper infections affect the nose and throat (sneezing, runny nose, mild cough). Lower infections affect the lungs (fever, fast breathing, low energy) and are more serious.
Dog Coughing Sounds and Sneezing Signs
Honking Cough
A goose-like honk, often worse with excitement or pulling on the leash. Typical of kennel cough and a collapsing windpipe in small breeds. See kennel cough.
Soft or Moist Cough
A soft cough at night or at rest, especially in older small dogs, can point to heart disease or fluid in the lungs.
Gagging or Retching Cough
A cough that ends in a gag or white foam is common with kennel cough and throat irritation.
Sneezing Attacks
Repeated sneezing, nose rubbing, discharge or nosebleeds. Snorting inhales are often reverse sneezing. See reverse sneezing.
Common Causes of Coughing and Sneezing in Dogs
Kennel Cough and Other Infections
Contagious infections spread where dogs meet. Most are mild; some lead to pneumonia.
Collapsing Trachea
A weak windpipe in small breeds such as Yorkies, Pomeranians and Chihuahuas causes a honking cough.
Heart Disease
Older small dogs with heart murmurs may cough at night or after exercise and breathe faster at rest.
Heartworm
A mild, ongoing cough and tiring easily on walks. See heartworm symptoms.
Foreign Bodies and Irritants
Grass seeds and foxtails in the nose cause sudden violent sneezing, often on one side. Smoke, perfume and dust cause sneezing too.
Allergies and Dental Disease
Pollen and dust can cause sneezing and watery eyes. Tooth root infections can cause nasal discharge on one side.
Dog Respiratory Infection Treatment
Rest and a Harness
Rest, a harness instead of a collar, and steam from a hot shower or a humidifier can ease mild coughing.
Keep Away From Other Dogs
If an infection is possible, avoid parks, daycare and walks with other dogs until your vet says it is safe.
Vet Treatment
Your vet may listen to the chest, take X-rays, and prescribe cough medicine or antibiotics if a bacterial infection is likely. See antibiotics for dogs.
No Human Cough or Cold Medicines
Many contain ingredients that are dangerous to dogs.
What To Do Tonight
Mild and bright
Occasional cough or sneeze in a dog that eats, plays and breathes easily at rest: rest, a harness, and a vet visit if it lasts more than a few days.
Urgent
Labored or fast breathing at rest, blue or gray gums, coughing blood, collapse, or a cough with fever and no appetite.
Related Dog Health Guides
Back to Dog Health Guides →Coughing, Sneezing & Respiratory Symptoms in Dogs FAQ
Why is my dog coughing?
Common causes include kennel cough, a collapsing windpipe, heart disease, heartworm, pneumonia and irritants. A cough that lasts more than a few days, or comes with breathing changes, needs a vet.
Why is my dog sneezing so much out of nowhere?
Sudden sneezing fits can come from dust, pollen, a grass seed in the nose, or excitement. Sneezing with blood, discharge from one nostril, or pawing at the face needs a vet.
Why does my dog sneeze when playing?
Many dogs “play sneeze” to show they are excited and friendly. It is normal if there is no discharge or other sign of illness.
What is a good dog sneezing remedy?
Remove irritants like smoke, perfume and dusty bedding, run a humidifier, and wipe the nose gently. Ongoing sneezing or discharge needs a vet check.
How is a respiratory infection in dogs treated?
Rest, keeping away from other dogs, and sometimes cough medicine or antibiotics from your vet. Pneumonia may need X-rays and stronger treatment.
Is this coughing, sneezing & respiratory symptoms in dogs guide a substitute for a vet visit?
No. It is educational only. Your veterinarian should examine your dog and guide any diagnosis and treatment.
Can I work out a medicine dose from this page?
No. Never work out doses from product strengths, other pets’ medicines or internet pages. The right medicine and dose depend on your dog’s weight, age, breed, health and other medicines, so they must come from your veterinarian.