Causes of Coughing in Cats and Dogs

A Healthy Cat - Richard

Coughing in pets doesn't always indicate a serious illness. There are other problems that can trigger coughing spasms.

There are many different causes of coughing in pets. Cats and dogs may simply drink too fast and choke on their water.
Pets may also suffer tracheal injuries due to tight collars or owners yanking on their leashes. For this reason, harnesses are a better choice than collars when taking a pet for a walk.
Additional causes of coughing in pets include inhalation of dust, pollen, or other objects; breed characteristics; lung lobe torsion; allergies; hairballs; and various illnesses.

Coughing in Cats and Dogs After Inhaling Foreign Bodies

Coughing, vomiting, or gagging when a pet has been playing outdoors in weeds or grass suggests inhalation of foreign bodies such as pollen or seeds. A pet may also accidentally inhale food particles or medicines.
Even if the choking or coughing fit is brief and the animal shows no other symptoms directly afterward, it’s still important to keep an eye on the situation. Inhalation of foreign material can trigger serious medical conditions such as aspiration pneumonia, which take some time to develop. Symptoms of aspiration pneumonia include:

• Coughing up phlegm
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Loud breathing
• Moist cough
• Rapid breathing
• Runny nose
• Weight loss

Treatment varies depending on the severity of the pneumonia. In serious cases, hospitalization is required during which a pet may be provided with intravenous fluids and oxygen. Pets that are not as sick and are eating well and sufficiently hydrated can be treated as outpatients. Treatments may include:

• Rest
• Bronchodilation
• Nebulization and coupage therapies (a combination of moist air and light chest strikes with cupped hand designed to loosen mucus and facilitate breathing)
• Antibiotics if the pneumonia is bacterial
• Steroids if the pneumonia is non-infectious
• Bronchoscopy or surgery to remove the foreign body

A variety of conditions can put animals at increased risk for inhaling food or medications and suffering aspiration pneumonia, including disorders of the mouth and throat, cleft palate, conditions affecting the larynx or esophagus, and neural dysfunction.

Coughing in Dogs and Cats Due to Elongated Soft Pallet

Flat-faced breeds such as Persian cats, Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, Shih-Tzus, Pekinese, and Pugs may suffer coughing spasms and breathing difficulties in hot weather or when excited due to their elongated soft pallets. Symptoms may not appear until a pet is full grown, and the problem can be corrected with minor surgery.

Coughing in Cats and Dogs Due to Lung Lobe Torsion

With lung lobe torsion, a lung lobe becomes twisted, causing fluid accumulation and breathing difficulties. Deep-chested dog breeds are most susceptible, but all breeds can be affected. The condition is rare in cats, though there are cases from time to time. Lung lobe torsion is treated with surgery, and assuming there are no other illnesses, prognosis is usually good.

Cat or Dog Coughing Due to Allergies

Allergic reactions or irritation caused by inhaled fumes or particles can trigger coughing fits. Allergic reaction should be suspected if the coughing problem tends to be seasonal (i.e., coughing worsens during pollen season) or triggered by exposure to common irritants such as:

• Certain fabrics
• Cleaning products
• Dust
• Feather pillows
• Flea powders
• Hairsprays
• Insecticides
• Perfumes
• Smoke

Even if allergies are suspected, consulting a veterinarian is recommended to rule out more serious illnesses. Treatment may include use of a bronchodilator, antihistamines, cough suppressants, and environmental changes to reduce the level of allergens.

Dog or Cat Coughing Due to Hairballs

Hairballs are by far the most common cause of coughing and retching in cats, particularly those with long hair. When hairballs are the problem, the cat will usually vomit up tight mats of fur. See Preventing Hairballs for more information and home remedies.
Do dogs get hairballs? This is a common question on pet forums, and anecdotal evidence suggests that some dogs do, though the problem is far more common in cats because they groom themselves more intensely.

Cat or Dog Coughing Due to Illness

There are a number of illnesses that can trigger coughing in cats and dogs, including heart disease, lung cancer, infections, asthma, parasite infestation, and tracheal collapse. For additional information about these illnesses, including characteristic symptoms, see Diseases That Cause Coughing in Cats and Dogs.
This article is not intended as a substitute for veterinary consultation. Medical concerns should be referred to a qualified veterinarian and medications should not be given to pets without a veterinarian's approval.
References:

• Degner, D.A., Dr. (2004). “Lung Lobe Torsion in Dogs.” VetSurgeryCentral.com.
• Fox, P.R., DVM, Dipl ACVIM, ECVIM-CA, ACVECC. (2007). “Approach to the Coughing and Dyspneic Dog.” Proceedings of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, Sydney, Australia. IVIS.org.
• Hines, R., DVM. (2009). “Why is My Dog or Cat Coughing?” 2ndChance.Info/Cough.
• Johnson, L.R., DVM, PhD, DACVIM; updated by Gulikers, K.P., DVM, MS, DACVIM. (20 January 2010). “Pneumonia.” American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, ACVIM.org.
• McKay, S.M., DVM. (2007). “Why is My Dog or Cat Coughing?” PetEducation.com.
• Spielman, B., Dr. (2010). “Aspiration Pneumonia in Cats” and “Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs.” PetPlace.com.
• Trout, N., Dr. (2010). “Soft Palate Disorders in Cats” and “Soft Palate Disorders in Dogs.” PetPlace.com.
• Venker-Van Haagen, A.J., DVM, PhD, DECVS. (2003). “When Coughing Becomes an Alarming Symptom.” World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings, VIN.com.
• Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2010). “The Coughing Pet.” VetMed.WSU.edu.