If you’ve noticed your dog coughing when excited, it’s important to know that this is a common issue that can be caused by several factors. While some causes are harmless, others can be more serious and require veterinary attention.

In this article, we’ll explore the various reasons why dogs cough when excited and provide guidance on when to seek professional help.

Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear irritants and foreign objects from the respiratory tract. However, excessive or persistent coughing can indicate underlying health issues.

Dog Coughing When Excited

While coughing is a natural reflex, excessive or persistent coughing in dogs can be a sign of underlying health issues. Here are seven important points to keep in mind:

• Kennel cough
• Heart disease
• Allergies
• Lungworms
• Tracheal collapse
• Excitement-induced vomiting
• Foreign objects

If your dog is coughing excessively or persistently, especially when excited, it’s important to seek professional veterinary help to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Kennel cough

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that commonly affects dogs, especially those in close quarters, such as kennels, shelters, or dog parks. It is caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria, including canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus type 2, and Bordetella bronchiseptica.

The infection causes inflammation of the trachea and bronchi, leading to coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. The cough associated with kennel cough is often described as a hacking, honking cough that can be triggered by excitement, exercise, or changes in temperature.

Kennel cough is typically a self-limiting disease that resolves within 1-3 weeks. However, in some cases, it can lead to more serious complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe complications.

To prevent kennel cough, it is important to vaccinate your dog against the canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus type 2. Additionally, avoid exposing your dog to other dogs that are coughing or have recently been diagnosed with kennel cough.

If your dog develops a cough, especially after being exposed to other dogs, it is important to seek veterinary attention promptly to rule out kennel cough and other potential underlying causes.

Heart disease

Heart disease is another potential cause of coughing in dogs, especially when excited. When the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, fluid can build up in the lungs, leading to coughing. This type of coughing is often worse when the dog is lying down or exercising.

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

  DCM is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened. This can lead to heart failure and coughing.

• Valvular heart disease

  Valvular heart disease occurs when the heart valves do not function properly. This can lead to regurgitation of blood into the heart chambers, which can cause coughing.

• Congenital heart defects

  Congenital heart defects are present at birth and can lead to a variety of heart problems, including coughing.

• Myocarditis

  Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. This can lead to heart failure and coughing.

If you suspect that your dog may have heart disease, it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to improve the prognosis and prevent further complications.

Allergies

Allergies are another potential cause of coughing in dogs, especially when exposed to allergens such as pollen, dust, or mold. When a dog inhales an allergen, the immune system overreacts, releasing histamines and other inflammatory mediators. These mediators can cause inflammation of the airways, leading to coughing, sneezing, and wheezing.

• Atopy

  Atopy is a common allergic skin disease in dogs that can also cause respiratory symptoms, including coughing.

• Food allergies

  Food allergies can also cause coughing in dogs. Common allergens include beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat.

• Contact allergies

  Contact allergies are caused by direct contact with an allergen, such as a plant or fabric. These allergies can cause skin irritation and coughing.

• Inhalant allergies

  Inhalant allergies are caused by inhaling allergens, such as pollen, dust, or mold. These allergies can cause coughing, sneezing, and wheezing.

If you suspect that your dog may have allergies, it is important to seek veterinary attention. Allergy testing can help to identify the specific allergens that are causing your dog’s symptoms. Once the allergens have been identified, steps can be taken to avoid exposure and reduce your dog’s symptoms.

Lungworms

Lungworms are parasitic worms that can infect the lungs of dogs. They are most commonly found in areas with warm, humid climates. Lungworms can cause a variety of respiratory symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, lungworms can lead to pneumonia and even death.

• Capillaria aerophila

  Capillaria aerophila is the most common type of lungworm in dogs. It is a small, thread-like worm that lives in the bronchi and bronchioles of the lungs.

• Angiostrongylus vasorum

  Angiostrongylus vasorum is another type of lungworm that can infect dogs. It is a larger worm that lives in the arteries of the lungs.

• Eucoleus aerophilus

  Eucoleus aerophilus is a less common type of lungworm that can infect dogs. It is a small, thread-like worm that lives in the alveoli of the lungs.

• Crenosoma vulpis

  Crenosoma vulpis is a type of lungworm that primarily infects foxes. However, it can also infect dogs, especially in areas where foxes are common.

Lungworms are typically diagnosed based on clinical signs and a physical examination. Chest X-rays and blood tests may also be used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for lungworms typically involves the use of antiparasitic medication. Prevention is key, and dogs should be regularly treated with a broad-spectrum dewormer to prevent infection.

Tracheal collapse

Tracheal collapse is a condition in which the trachea, or windpipe, becomes weakened and collapses. This can occur due to a variety of factors, including:

• Obesity

  Obesity can contribute to tracheal collapse by increasing the pressure on the trachea.

• Chronic coughing

  Chronic coughing can weaken the tracheal rings over time, leading to collapse.

• Congenital defects

  Some dogs are born with tracheal defects that make them more susceptible to collapse.

• Trauma

  Trauma to the trachea, such as from a car accident or a bite wound, can also lead to collapse.

Tracheal collapse can cause a variety of symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance. In severe cases, tracheal collapse can be life-threatening.

Excitement-induced vomiting

Excitement-induced vomiting is a condition in which dogs vomit after becoming excited. This can be due to a variety of factors, including:

• Eating too quickly or too much

  When dogs eat too quickly or too much, they may regurgitate or vomit undigested food.

• Motion sickness

  Some dogs experience motion sickness when riding in cars or other vehicles. This can lead to vomiting, drooling, and other symptoms.

• Stress or anxiety

  Stress or anxiety can also trigger vomiting in dogs. This may occur during thunderstorms, fireworks, or other stressful events.

• Underlying medical conditions

  In some cases, excitement-induced vomiting may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease.

If your dog is vomiting after becoming excited, it is important to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once any medical causes have been ruled out, you can work on managing your dog’s excitement levels and preventing vomiting.

Foreign objects

Foreign objects can also cause coughing in dogs, especially if they become lodged in the airway or esophagus. Dogs may ingest foreign objects while playing, chewing on toys, or eating food. Some common foreign objects that can cause coughing in dogs include:

• Bones

  Bones are a common foreign object that can cause coughing in dogs. They can become lodged in the airway or esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.

• Toys

  Toys, especially small toys, can also become lodged in the airway or esophagus. This can be especially dangerous if the toy is made of a material that can expand, such as foam or rubber.

• Food

  Food, especially large pieces of food, can also become lodged in the airway or esophagus. This can be especially dangerous if the food is sticky or chewy.

• Other objects

  Other objects, such as sticks, stones, and coins, can also become lodged in the airway or esophagus. These objects can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to coughing.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested a foreign object, it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately. Foreign objects can cause serious health problems, including airway obstruction and esophageal perforation.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about dog coughing when excited:

Question 1: Why does my dog cough when excited?
Answer: There are many reasons why dogs cough when excited. Some common causes include kennel cough, heart disease, allergies, lungworms, tracheal collapse, excitement-induced vomiting, and foreign objects.

Question 2: When should I be concerned about my dog’s cough?
Answer: You should be concerned about your dog’s cough if it is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, lethargy, or loss of appetite.

Question 3: How can I prevent my dog from coughing when excited?
Answer: There are a few things you can do to prevent your dog from coughing when excited. These include avoiding situations that trigger your dog’s excitement, keeping your dog on a leash when in public places, and providing your dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Question 4: What is the treatment for dog coughing when excited?
Answer: The treatment for dog coughing when excited will depend on the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will recommend the best course of treatment based on your dog’s individual needs.

Question 5: Can dog coughing when excited be fatal?
Answer: In some cases, dog coughing when excited can be fatal. This is especially true if the underlying cause is a serious medical condition, such as heart disease or tracheal collapse.

Question 6: What are some home remedies for dog coughing when excited?
Answer: There are a few home remedies that may help to relieve your dog’s cough. These include giving your dog honey, using a humidifier, and providing your dog with plenty of rest.

Question 7: When should I take my dog to the vet for coughing?
Answer: You should take your dog to the vet if the cough is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, lethargy, or loss of appetite.

If you have any other questions about dog coughing when excited, please consult with your veterinarian.

In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for preventing and treating dog coughing when excited:

Tips

Here are some tips for preventing and treating dog coughing when excited:

Tip 1: Avoid situations that trigger your dog’s excitement. If you know that certain situations trigger your dog’s excitement and coughing, try to avoid those situations as much as possible.

Tip 2: Keep your dog on a leash when in public places. This will help to prevent your dog from getting into situations that could trigger their excitement and coughing.

Tip 3: Provide your dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A tired dog is less likely to be excited and cough. Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of opportunities to exercise and play.

Tip 4: If your dog does cough when excited, try to remain calm and reassure them. Getting excited or anxious will only make your dog’s coughing worse.

If you have tried these tips and your dog is still coughing when excited, it is important to consult with your veterinarian. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing your dog’s cough.

Coughing is a common problem in dogs, but it can be especially concerning when it occurs when the dog is excited. By following these tips, you can help to prevent and treat your dog’s coughing and keep them healthy and happy.

Conclusion

Dog coughing when excited is a common problem, but it can be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition. If your dog is coughing when excited, it is important to take them to the vet for a checkup to rule out any underlying health issues.

In most cases, dog coughing when excited is caused by a minor issue, such as kennel cough or allergies. However, it is important to be aware of the more serious potential causes, such as heart disease and tracheal collapse.

By understanding the causes of dog coughing when excited, you can help to prevent and treat your dog’s cough and keep them healthy and happy.