Dog Coughing and Allergies

Allergies in a dog can trigger coughing.

Just like humans, dogs can experience allergic reactions. Your dog could have some of the same symptoms you do: itchy, watering eyes and sneezing. Some dogs with allergies also experience coughing. It is important to address your dog's allergies to avoid more serious complications in the future.

Dog Allergies

Allergens are harmless substances found outside and inside your home. They exist in natural and man-made products. Most dogs will not react to allergens in their environment, but if your dog has allergies, then its immune system will treat allergens like they are dangerous foreign substances. Its immune system will try to get the allergen out of your dog's body, and this triggers an allergic reaction.

Symptoms

Dog allergies can cause a reaction in its respiratory system. If this happens, your dog could sneeze frequently. You might hear it snoring at night because its throat is inflamed. If a dog inhales an allergen, it could also experience an attack of coughing. This coughing will sound wet and deep. The coughing fit will last for a while, and your dog could have trouble exhaling during the fit, according to "What Your Dog Is Trying to Tell You,"

Causes

Allergic reactions that cause coughing are often triggered by something your dog has inhaled. Common sources include pollen, cigarette smoke and dust. Chemicals in cleaning products and perfumes can also cause trouble with a dog's allergies. If your dog inhales larger particles of material with the allergen, like sand or thick dust, its coughing could be worse as it tries to clear the substances from its lungs.

Treatment

The first step in treating a dog's allergies and preventing coughing fits is to remove allergens from your dog's environment. Dusting and vacuuming your home often can help. Avoid using cleaning products that cause an allergic reaction, and do not expose your dog to cigarette smoke. Allergy injections can help your dog cope with airborne allergens. Antihistamines also help ease the symptoms of allergic reactions in dogs, but their helpfulness is limited.

Considerations

Left untreated, allergies can be more than an inconvenience or uncomfortable for your dog. According to the ASPCA, they can cause your dog to develop bronchitis. If this happens, then your dog's respiratory system will be inflamed. It will produce mucus and will experience wet coughing as it tries to clear its airways. If this case, your dog will need more treatment, including antibiotics and drugs to combat inflammation.

References

• ASPCA: Dog Allergies
• "What Your Dog Is Trying to Tell You"; John M. Simon and Stephanie Pedersen; 1999.
• MedlinePlus: Allergens