← Symptoms

My dog is coughing

Coughing can be caused by an infection (such as “kennel cough”), irritation, or heart and lung problems, especially in older dogs.

See a vet now if:

  • Difficulty breathing or blue/grey gums
  • Coughing up blood
  • Sudden coughing and choking, as if something is stuck in the throat
  • Very fast breathing at rest, or fainting

Book an appointment in the next few days if:

  • The cough lasts more than a few days
  • Coughing with fever, a runny nose or tiredness
  • It coughs at night or after exercise, especially if it is older
  • It recently stayed in kennels or was around many dogs
Find a vet

In the meantime

  • Use a harness instead of a collar
  • Keep it away from other dogs until a vet has seen it
  • Take a video of the cough for the vet

Other symptoms