Non-Productive Dry Cough in Dogs
Dogs may cough for a variety of reasons, from a simple case of allergies to pulmonary edema. A dry, non-productive cough is usually not serious, and can likely be caused by an allergy. A cough that persists or becomes productive can be a sign of a deeper underlying illness that only a vet could treat. To keep from spreading a virus, keep your dog away from other dogs until the cause of the cough is known for sure.
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Causes
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A dry, hacking cough happens when the airway is irritated. Airborne irritants such as smoke or pollen are likely culprits, or your dog may have picked up a case of kennel cough, which is usually a pretty mild illness in otherwise healthy adult dogs. Dogs that are severely obese may begin coughing when undue pressure is put on the bronchial airways by excess weight or an enlarged heart. To pinpoint the cause of the cough, a veterinarian mush examine your dog.
Diagnosis
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The vet will listen to your dog's chest to determine if fluid is present, and she will palpate his trachea to attempt to trigger a cough. Blood work may be necessary to determine if an infection is at work, and X-rays may be ordered if fluid or an enlarged heart are suspected.
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Treatment
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Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis, but unless fluid or an enlarged heart are to blame, most dogs receive a course of antibiotics. If the cough is frequent and severe, the vet will recommend a children's cough suppressant. If there is fluid present, the vet will drain the chest and likely keep the pet under observation overnight. If no serious problems are found, it is wise to vacuum all furniture at home, bathe and brush the dog and air out the house to remove any airborne irritants.
Prognosis
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Allergic coughs and kennel cough usually resolve within a week or so, but a cough caused by an underlying illness will persist until the cause is addressed. Obese dogs may be put on a weight-loss diet to reduce the pressure on the airway. In some cases, especially when an organ is involved, surgery to repair the primary problem may be the only option.
When To See a Vet
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If the dog has a fever, discharge from the eyes or nose or difficulty breathing, it needs to see a vet. If the cough lasts more than two days, it is probably not caused by environmental allergens, and will require medication. If the cough becomes worse or begins producing mucus, it could be a sign of a serious infection that warrants a trip to the vet.
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References
- Photo Credit dog image by Krzysztof Gebarowski from Fotolia.com
