Dog coughing at night

dog coughing at night

Introduction

Changes in breathing can be concerning for pet owners, especially when a dog coughing at night is noticed. Respiratory symptoms like coughing may affect both dogs and cats, and they can indicate a variety of health issues. Understanding these signs is important for your pet’s comfort and overall well-being.

Breathing difficulties or unusual sounds might suggest that something is affecting your pet’s airways or lungs. In some cases, these symptoms could be mild and temporary, while in others they might signal a more serious condition that requires veterinary attention.

This information is intended to help you recognize potential respiratory symptoms and understand why they matter. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet shows signs of coughing, especially at night, it is important to consult a licensed veterinarian who can provide a thorough evaluation and personalized guidance.

Reviewed by the SASI Vet Respiratory Symptoms Editorial Board.

How this respiratory symptom typically appears

When a dog is coughing at night, owners often notice a variety of signs that may indicate respiratory discomfort. These signs can include coughing fits that seem more frequent or intense during the evening or nighttime hours. Some dogs might also sneeze occasionally or have noisy breathing that sounds different from their usual pattern.

Common signs to watch for

• Coughing that is dry, hacking, or sometimes moist
• Noisy or laboured breathing, including wheezing or raspy sounds
• Faster breathing or open-mouth breathing, especially when resting
• Nasal discharge that may be clear, cloudy, or coloured
• Episodes of reverse sneezing, which can look like sudden, rapid inhalations
• General effortful breathing or signs of discomfort while breathing

It’s important to remember that each dog may show these signs differently, and some symptoms might be subtle. If you notice your dog coughing at night or any other unusual breathing patterns, it could be helpful to keep a record of what you observe. Always consider reaching out to a licensed veterinarian to discuss your pet’s specific situation and get tailored advice.

Common possible causes

If you notice your dog coughing at night, it may be due to a variety of underlying causes. Coughing is a common respiratory symptom that can arise from different triggers, so understanding some common categories can help you better observe your pet’s condition.

Mild infections and irritants

Respiratory infections, such as mild viral or bacterial infections, might cause coughing that worsens at night. Environmental irritants like dust, smoke, or strong odors could also trigger coughing episodes, especially when your dog is resting in one place for a long time.

Allergies and upper airway issues

Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, or household substances may lead to coughing. In some cases, structural issues in the upper airway, such as inflammation or narrowing, might cause nighttime coughing as well.

Stress and other factors

Stress or excitement can sometimes provoke coughing in dogs. Additionally, conditions affecting the heart or lungs might present with coughing that is more noticeable during the night or when lying down.

Because many different factors could cause your dog coughing at night, it is important to consult a licensed veterinarian. They can help determine the specific cause and recommend appropriate care tailored to your pet’s needs.

Less common but important causes

While many cases of a dog coughing at night are due to mild or temporary issues, in some cases, less common but more serious conditions might be involved. These causes often require careful evaluation by a veterinarian to determine the best approach.

Potential underlying conditions

Less commonly, pneumonia may cause coughing that worsens at night. This condition involves inflammation or infection in the lungs and can lead to increased coughing and difficulty breathing.

Heart disease is another important consideration. In some dogs, heart problems can cause fluid to build up around the lungs, which might trigger coughing, especially when lying down or resting.

Other possible causes

• Airway collapse, where the windpipe partially closes, can cause persistent coughing that may be more noticeable at night.
• Fluid accumulation around the lungs (pleural effusion) might also lead to coughing and breathing changes.
• Rarely, tumours in the chest area could contribute to coughing, though this is less common.

If your dog is coughing at night and the symptom persists or worsens, it is important to consult a licensed veterinarian. They can perform a thorough examination and recommend appropriate tests to identify any serious underlying issues.

When it may be an emergency

If your dog coughing at night is accompanied by certain serious signs, it could indicate an emergency situation requiring immediate veterinary attention. Recognizing these red flags can help you act quickly to protect your pet’s health.

Urgent signs to watch for

Some symptoms suggest your pet might be struggling to breathe properly or experiencing a critical health issue. These include:

• Open-mouth breathing in cats, which is unusual and may signal distress
• Blue or pale gums, indicating possible low oxygen levels
• Rapid or laboured breathing that seems difficult or exhausting
• Collapse or extreme weakness, where your pet cannot stand or move normally
• Struggling to catch their breath or gasping for air

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to contact a veterinarian promptly. While coughing at night alone might not always be an emergency, these additional symptoms could mean your pet needs urgent care. Always seek professional advice to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being.

How veterinarians evaluate respiratory symptoms

When a dog is coughing at night or showing other breathing difficulties, veterinarians begin by gathering a detailed medical history. This helps them understand the duration, frequency, and any triggers related to the coughing or breathing issues.

A thorough physical examination follows, during which the veterinarian listens carefully to the heart and lungs using a stethoscope. This can provide important clues about the underlying cause of the respiratory symptom.

Diagnostic tests

To further investigate, veterinarians may recommend several diagnostic tests. Common tests include:

• X-rays to view the lungs, heart, and airways
• Blood tests to check for infections or other systemic problems
• Measuring oxygen levels to assess how well the pet is breathing

In some cases, ultrasound or advanced imaging techniques might be suggested to get a clearer picture of the respiratory system or heart.

Each step helps the veterinarian gather information to better understand the cause of symptoms like coughing at night. If your pet is experiencing respiratory issues, it is important to consult a licensed veterinarian for a thorough evaluation and personalized advice.

What pet owners can monitor at home

When your dog is coughing at night, there are several details you can observe to help your veterinarian better understand the situation. Monitoring your pet’s breathing rate while at rest can provide useful information about their respiratory health. You might notice if your dog is breathing faster than usual or showing signs of increased effort, such as flaring nostrils or using abdominal muscles to breathe.

Observing symptoms

Pay attention to the presence and characteristics of any cough or sneeze. Note if the cough is dry, moist, frequent, or occurs only during certain activities. Also, watch for nasal discharge, including its colour and consistency, as this can sometimes indicate underlying issues.

Changes in behaviour and triggers

Changes in your dog’s activity level or appetite may accompany respiratory symptoms and could be important to report. Additionally, try to identify any known triggers that seem to worsen the coughing, such as exercise, excitement, exposure to cold air, or dusty environments.

Keeping a simple log of these observations might help your veterinarian provide the best advice. Remember, if your dog’s coughing at night persists or worsens, it’s important to consult a licensed veterinarian for a thorough evaluation and personalized guidance.

General home care guidance

If your dog is coughing at night, there are several steps you might take at home to help keep them comfortable. It is important to create a calm and quiet environment, as stress or excitement could worsen coughing episodes.

Avoid exposing your pet to smoke, strong fumes, or other airborne irritants that may trigger coughing or breathing difficulties. Ensuring good air quality in your home can be beneficial.

Activity and rest

Preventing over-exertion during the day might reduce coughing at night. Gentle play and short walks are usually better than vigorous exercise when respiratory symptoms are present. Providing a comfortable resting area where your pet can relax undisturbed may also help.

Follow veterinary advice

Always follow the instructions given by your veterinarian regarding your pet’s care. If your dog’s coughing at night persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other signs such as difficulty breathing or lethargy, it is important to seek veterinary attention promptly. Your veterinarian can provide tailored guidance based on your dog’s specific condition.

Supporting long-term respiratory health

Maintaining your pet’s respiratory health over time may help reduce episodes of dog coughing at night and other breathing difficulties. Regular veterinary checkups are important to monitor your pet’s overall health and catch any potential respiratory issues early.

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight might also support easier breathing, as excess weight can put additional strain on the respiratory system. Avoiding exposure to smoke, harsh aerosols, and other airborne irritants could help minimize respiratory irritation.

Additional strategies to consider

• Using a harness instead of a tight collar may reduce pressure on the neck and airway, especially for dogs prone to coughing or breathing problems.
• Staying current on vaccinations recommended by your veterinarian might protect against infections that affect the respiratory tract.

Each pet’s needs are unique, so it is best to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice on supporting your dog’s respiratory health. If you notice persistent coughing or changes in breathing, a veterinary evaluation is recommended to determine the underlying cause and appropriate care.

FAQs

Why might my dog be coughing at night?

Dogs may cough at night due to various reasons such as allergies, respiratory infections, or heart conditions. Environmental factors like dust or smoke could also trigger coughing. It’s important to observe any other symptoms and consult a veterinarian for a thorough evaluation.

When should I be concerned about my dog’s nighttime cough?

If the cough is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by difficulty breathing, lethargy, or loss of appetite, it could indicate a more serious issue. In such cases, seeking veterinary advice promptly is recommended to ensure your dog’s health and comfort.

Could my dog’s coughing at night be related to kennel cough?

Kennel cough is a common cause of coughing in dogs and may worsen at night. It is contagious and often occurs after exposure to other dogs. A veterinarian can help determine if kennel cough or another condition is responsible.

Are there environmental changes that might help reduce nighttime coughing?

Reducing exposure to irritants like smoke, dust, or strong fragrances may help lessen coughing episodes. Maintaining good air quality and a comfortable sleeping area can be beneficial. However, any persistent coughing should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Can coughing at night be a sign of heart disease in dogs?

In some cases, coughing at night may be linked to heart problems, especially in older dogs or certain breeds. A veterinary examination including diagnostic tests can help identify if heart disease is a factor.

Summary

Noticing your dog coughing at night can be concerning, as respiratory symptoms may indicate a variety of underlying health issues. These symptoms could range from mild irritations to more serious conditions affecting the airways, lungs, or heart.

Possible causes of nighttime coughing in dogs might include:

• Allergies or environmental irritants
• Respiratory infections or inflammation
• Heart-related problems
• Chronic conditions such as bronchitis or collapsing trachea

Because the causes can vary widely, it is important to observe your pet carefully and share detailed information with your veterinarian. A thorough examination and appropriate diagnostic tests may be needed to determine the exact cause and guide the best approach to care.

Remember, while coughing at night can be unsettling, many dogs respond well to treatment once the underlying issue is identified. If your dog is coughing at night or showing other signs of respiratory distress, contacting a licensed veterinarian for personalized advice is the safest and most effective step to support your pet’s health and comfort.

• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association
• Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
• Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about respiratory symptoms in pets and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s specific condition.