Diseases That Cause Coughing in Cats and Dogs

There are Many Causes of Coughing in Cats and Dogs - Semeer.s

The symptoms that accompany a cough can help veterinarians and pet owners determine whether or not it indicates a serious medical problem.

 

 

 

Coughing in Cats and Dogs Caused by Infection

Coughing isn’t always caused by disease. Hairballs, drinking too fast, and allergies can also cause coughing. Taking note of a pet’s additional symptoms, elements in his environment, and the nature of the cough for your veterinarian can help in making a diagnosis.
The following symptoms suggest that a pet's cough may be triggered by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection:

• Coughing up pus or phlegm
• Depression/lethargy
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing (may indicate pneumonia or asthma)
• Dry, hacking cough (possibly a respiratory tract infection such as kennel cough)
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Rapid, shallow breathing (associated with pneumonia)
• Runny nose/sneezing (often symptoms of viral infection)
• Swallowing frequently, gagging, licking lips, and in some cases, foaming at the mouth (possibly a sore throat or tonsillitis)
• Watering or otherwise irritated eyes
• Weight loss

Infectious disease should be suspected if a pet has spent time at a cattery, boarding kennel, grooming salon, dog park, animal shelter, or anywhere else he might have come into contact with other animals recently. Fungal infections are also common in animals that spend time in mouldy environments such as dank basements or places where there are bird droppings.

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Treatment varies depending on the type of infection. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics and fungal infections with antifungals. In the case of viral infections, veterniarians usually treat the symptoms until the illness has run its course.

Dog or Cat Coughing Due to Heart Disease

Elderly pets and certain breeds are susceptible to heart disease. The following symptoms indicate that a pet’s cough may be caused by heart disease, though many of these symptoms are also associated with infections:

• Cough worse at night or when the animal is lying down
• Fatigue
• Inactivity
• Lack of appetite
• Moist, phlegmy cough
• Noisy, open-mouthed breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss

Treatments may include medications, dietary changes, or surgery, depending on the illness. Prognosis varies depending on the type of heart condition and how advanced it is.

Dog or Cat Coughing Due to Cancer

The following symptoms are associated with lung or tracheal cancer in pets, though many of these symptoms can indicate other diseases as well:

• Breathing difficulties
• Coughing up blood
• Lameness
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Persistent cough
• Weight loss

Treatments may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or just making the pet as comfortable as possible if he has reached an age where it would be cruel to put him through treatment for a brief extension of life.

Cat or Dog Coughing Due to Asthma

The following symptoms suggest that a pet might be suffering from asthma:

• Abnormal posture (sitting with head extended)
• Breathing difficulties/wheezing
• Cough that gets worse when the pet is active
• Fatigue
• Inactivity
• Noisy breathing
• Rapid breathing

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 Parasites

Parasites such as heartworms, lungworms, and intestinal worms are a common cause of coughing in cats and dogs, particularly those that roam outdoors. Symptoms of parasite infestation may include some or all of the following:

• Depression
• Listlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Severe coughing spasms
• Weight loss

Parasites can be treated with deworming medications. If the infection is not left for too long, most pets make a full recovery.

Cat or Dog Coughing Due to Tracheal Collapse

Tracheal collapse, which is far less common in cats than dogs, can produce the following symptoms:

• “Goose honk” cough
• Cough triggered by drinking water or eating
• Cough worsening when the pet lies down

Small dog breeds are particularly susceptible to tracheal collapse, especially if they are overweight. Treatment may include medications, switching from a collar to a harness, dietary changes, eliminating environmental pollutants such as second-hand smoke, and stress reduction. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.

Cough in Pets Caused by Laryngeal Paralysis

Laryngeal paralysis is a relatively rare condition that usually afflicts larger dog breeds, but sometimes smaller dogs and cats as well. Symptoms include:

• Tiring easily
• Roaring sounds when inhaling
• Inability to meow or bark
• Fainting spells

Treatment of may include reducing exercise and heat exposure, administering cough medicines and/or corticosteroids, and surgery in severe cases.

Cat or Dog Coughing Due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPDs are diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic asthma that obstruct airways. Among humans, COPDs are usually caused by cigarette smoke, and this can trigger lung problems in pets as well, though other environmental pollutants may also cause COPD. Tending to afflict middle-aged and older animals, COPD is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Harsh, dry, hacking cough, possibly accompanied by gagging or retching of foam
• Cough worse at night or when exercising

Treatment may involve the use of corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and cough medicines. In some cases, it may be necessary to rent a small oxygen tank for acute episodes.

Other Causes of Coughing in Cats and Dogs

See Coughing in Cats and Dogs for information about non-illness-related coughing triggers such as allergies, hairballs, tracheal collapse, and more.
If your pet is coughing, consult a veterinarian to rule out serious illness and don't administer medications without a veteriniarian's approval.
References:

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• Connell, J., RVT, CVT. (20 September 2008). “COPD in Chihuahuas.”
• De Papp, E., Dr. (2010). “Primary Lung Tumors in Dogs (Lung Cancer, Pulmonary Neoplasia)” and “Primary Lung Tumors in Cats (Lung Cancer, Pulmonary Neoplasia).” PetPlace.com.
• Drs. Foster & Smith. (2010). “Feline Asthma: A Cause of Coughing in Cats.” PetEducation.com
• Foster, R., DVM. (2010). “Pneumonitis & Pneumonia (Lung Infections/Inflammation) in Cats.” PetEducation.com.
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• Schiffman, G., MD, & Shiel, W.C., Jr., MD. (2010). “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, COLD).” MedicineNet.com.
• Van Lienden, R., DVM. (9 March 2004). “Coughing Cats.” Pets.ca.
• Venker-Van Haagen, A.J., DVM. (2003). “When Coughing Becomes an Alarming Symptom.” World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings. VIN.com.
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• WebMD.com. (2007). “Coughing in Dogs: Causes and Treatments.”