Case Study
Patient: Buddy, a 9-year-old neutered male Chihuahua
Presenting complaint: A persistent cough that worsens at night and after activity.
Possible Causes of Coughing in Dogs
Coughing can come from many different systems in the body, including the heart, lungs, and airways. Common causes of coughing in dogs include:
- Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis): Often a dry, honking cough, especially after boarding, grooming, or a visit to the dog park.
- Tracheal collapse: Common in small breeds; worsens with excitement or pulling on a leash.
- Allergies or asthma-like disease: Seasonal or environmental triggers.
- Pneumonia: Bacterial, viral, or aspiration-related.
- Heartworm disease: Can cause coughing and exercise intolerance.
- Congestive heart failure (CHF): One of the most important — and most commonly missed — causes of coughing in dogs.
Identifying the Cause: Congestive Heart Failure
In Buddy’s case, diagnostics revealed congestive heart failure. When the heart cannot pump efficiently, fluid begins to back up into the lungs. This fluid causes coughing, increased breathing rate, and labored breathing. Many owners mistake this cough for allergies or a “cold.”
Red flags that suggest heart disease include: coughing at night or while resting, exercise intolerance, rapid or labored breathing, lethargy, fainting or weakness, belly or chest fluid buildup, and decreased appetite. CHF is progressive but manageable when caught early with proper medication and monitoring.
Diagnostics Performed
- Physical exam (heart murmur, lung sounds)
- Chest x-rays
- Bloodwork (including cardiac markers if indicated)
- Blood pressure testing
- Heartworm testing
If your dog is coughing — especially if the cough is persistent, worse at night, or accompanied by any of the red flags above — please call our office at (828) 256-2151 to schedule an appointment.