Coughing in Dogs
A cough in dogs can be caused by a wide range of issues — from mild and self-limiting to serious and contagious. At Pittwater Animal Hospital, we frequently see both acute and chronic coughing cases. It’s important to assess your dog’s overall health, the nature of the cough, and how long it has been going on.
Types of Canine Cough
Acute Coughs
Sudden coughing episodes may be due to:
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Infectious respiratory disease (such as canine cough)
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Foreign body in the throat or airway
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Pneumonia
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Allergic irritation or exposure to smoke, dust, or chemicals
Some dogs with an upper respiratory infection appear bright, active, and are still eating well — but may have a soft or honking cough. Others, such as those with pneumonia, may be quiet, off their food, feverish, and breathing faster. These cases require urgent veterinary attention.
Chronic Coughs
Chronic coughing is often due to long-term conditions such as:
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Collapsing trachea
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Chronic bronchitis
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Mycoplasma infections
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Environmental irritation or allergies
These conditions are often managed over time rather than cured. Dogs may have intermittent flare-ups that need supportive care or targeted medication.
Contagious Coughs on the Northern Beaches
Many coughing illnesses are contagious. In addition to Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) and parainfluenza — both vaccinated against at PAH — we are increasingly diagnosing mycoplasma, an infectious bacterial organism. Mycoplasma causes persistent or recurrent coughing in otherwise well dogs. It is diagnosed with a respiratory PCR panel and treated with specific antibiotics.
Due to the number of contagious respiratory cases locally, if your dog has new or active coughing symptoms, we ask that you wait outside the clinic and call on arrival. This helps protect other patients.
Tick Paralysis and Coughing
On the Northern Beaches, tick paralysis is a critical cause of coughing or retching — especially during tick season (spring to autumn). In tick paralysis, early signs may include:
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Raspy or weak-sounding cough
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Vomiting or retching foam
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Change in voice or difficulty swallowing
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Weakness or wobbliness
Signs usually progress over 12–48 hours, and early detection is vital. Tick paralysis is diagnosed based on clinical signs, progression, and the presence of a tick — not by a blood test. Dogs that are not on adequate tick prevention, such as Quantum or Bravecto, are particularly at risk.
If you notice any sudden change in your dog’s breathing or throat sounds during tick season, seek urgent veterinary care.
Heartworm Disease and Coughing
Heartworm is a parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes. The worms lodge in the heart and blood vessels of the lungs, causing inflammation and impaired lung function. One of the early signs of heartworm infection is a persistent, soft cough that may worsen with exercise.
Heartworm disease is completely preventable with regular monthly tablets or an annual injection. At PAH, we check for heartworm with a simple blood test — especially if your dog hasn’t been on consistent prevention.
✅ If you’re switching your dog to the yearly heartworm injection, we offer this blood test at no extra charge. Early detection and prevention are key to keeping your dog safe.
Dogs with heartworm may also show signs like lethargy, poor exercise tolerance, or weight loss. Left untreated, the disease can be fatal, so testing is important if your dog is coughing and not protected.
Diagnostics and Workup
If your dog’s cough persists or worsens, a full veterinary assessment may include:
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Respiratory PCR test to identify infections like mycoplasma or Bordetella
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Chest and neck X-rays to assess the lungs and trachea
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Sedation and throat examination to rule out foreign objects or throat abnormalities
These tests help us pinpoint the cause and tailor the right treatment plan.
What You Can Do
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Take a short video of your dog coughing to show your vet.
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Keep track of duration, triggers, and frequency of coughing episodes.
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Ensure your dog is up to date with vaccinations, tick, and heartworm prevention.
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Concerned About Your Dog’s Cough?
If your dog has been coughing for more than a few days, is coughing frequently, seems unwell, or you’re just worried — don’t wait. We’re here to help.
📞 Call us on 9913 7979
📧 Or email reception@pittvets.au
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Make an Appointment with the Vet →
