Dog Cough & Heart Congestion
Heart congestion is one cause for a dog to cough. According to Vetinfo.com, 60 percent of older dogs have heart disease. All breeds and genders are at risk of heart disease, which is the main cause of canine death.
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Activity
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Dogs with heart disease may cough more at night or early in the morning and after exercise or being excited, according to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine (WSU).
Age
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Older small breeds with coughs, such as poodles, are more likely to have heart disease than younger dogs or large breed dogs, according to WSU.
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Heartworms
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Heart congestion due to heartworms may also cause coughing, according to Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, Veterinary Partner Educational Director.
Congestion
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An enlarged heart, due to disease or heartworms, may cause coughing due to pressure on the airways. Heart disease, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (which thickens the heart walls) decreases the heart function and may cause edema (fluid) in the lungs and result in coughing, according to WSU.
Symptoms
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Additional heart disease symptoms may include fatigue, rapid or labored breathing and gray or bluish colored gums. Congestive heart failure on the right side may cause a swollen stomach and legs, while the left side produces more coughing at night or early in the morning, according to Vetinfo.com.
Diagnosis and Causes
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Heart disease can be diagnosed using a chest x-ray, electrocardiogram or heart ultrasound. Heart disease causes can include genetics, disease, heartworms, injury and infection.
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References
Resources
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