Last month we discussed the coughing/sneezing cat, so it is fitting to move on to our canine companions next. While the sneezing is more often the complaint with cats, dogs tend to do both.
Dogs will “sneeze” in both directions! Not really, but the reverse sneeze is one of the most fun things to re-enact in the exam room, but it does actually hurt after a while so I have resorted to Youtube videos at times.
Typically dogs will sneeze forward (a normal sneeze) when there is an irritation in the front part of their nasal passages to get it out through the nares (nostrils). If the irritant is further back (nasopharynx), they inhale rapidly to push it backward out of the nasal passages into the throat.
Sneezing can be due to inhaled foreign material, small and large (we have pulled some pretty long blades of grass out of the nostrils), or due to allergies or secretions. Most commonly, it is self-limiting and resolves on its own. If the sneezing is chronic, then further testing might be required – sedated examination, possible radiographs.
Coughing, on the other hand, can be a bit more concerning. Where sneezing is movement of air forcibly from the nasal passages, coughing is moving air forcefully out of the larynx, trachea or lungs. I tend to categorize coughs under two big umbrellas – respiratory or cardiac.
Respiratory coughs can be infectious (kennel cough, pneumonia), inflammatory (bronchitis), due to foreign material, parasitic (lung worm) or even functional changes to the trachea or larynx. While cardiac coughs are generally due to changes to the heart size or fluid in the lungs due to the heart disease.
Differentiating between these two main categories depends heavily on the history, type of cough, when the animal coughs the most and the physical examination. Confirmation of the diagnosis will involve additional testing: radiography, blood profiles and cytology/cultures. In some cases specific testing may be required.
It would be an entire book if we went through every individual cause of coughing in dogs, so let’s talk about the most common: kennel cough.
Kennel cough is known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) in vet circles. It is highly contagious and can be caused by a few different etiologies.
It is spread in areas where dogs are present in high densities – boarding facilities, rescues, even dog parks. It is similar to the common cold in people, with symptoms usually resolving on their own, but it can linger for weeks or be complicated by secondary infections. CIRD is more severe in immunocompromised or young dogs.
There are vaccines available for two of the pathogens that can cause kennel cough, so if your dog’s lifestyle has him hanging around a lot of dogs, I would recommend speaking to your vet about getting them protected.
If you find your dog is coughing or sneezing, take a video. This can be so helpful as sometimes it is hard to get them to cough in a clinical setting and your vet can glean a lot of information from that video. Also, make sure to call ahead and let the staff know you will be bringing your dog in with possible kennel cough. As mentioned, CIRD is highly contagious and reducing potential contact between your dog and other patients is important. Veterinary clinics need to follow strict cleaning protocols if infectious disease is suspected so this helps us keep everyone safe.
Early detection and treatment gives use the best outcome for your pet. If a cough is lingering around or your dog seems to be unwell or losing weight. Contact your clinic for an exam.
Dr. Courtney Andrews is a veterinarian in Sudbury, a graduate of the Royal School of Veterinary Studies and dog mom to Argyll and Einstein. Animals & Pets is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.
