A dry hacking cough can be caused by allergies, parasites or disease. To help determine the cause, it is important to observe your dog and to inform your veterinarian of the actions leading up to the coughing episode.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a persistent dry cough caused by non-specific inflammation of the airways. There is no cure for chronic bronchitis; treatment is aimed at alleviating the cough.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough, or tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious disease that is spread from dog to dog during close contact. This disease causes a dry cough lasting about two weeks; however, your dog will continue to be contagious for up to 14 weeks.
Heart Problems
A cough occurring mostly at night is an indication of a problem with your dog's heart. A productive cough indicates congestive heart failure; a dry cough indicates an enlarged heart.
Parasites
Heartworms, roundworms and hookworms are parasites that can cause coughing in dogs. Heartworm disease will progress to difficulty breathing, along with the cough.
Tooth/Mouth Infections
When there is an infection in the mouth or teeth, this can cause irritation to the back of the throat, producing a dry cough.
Small and Toy Breed Dogs
Small and Toy breed dogs are prone to tracheal collapse, a congenital abnormality. This causes a chronic inflammation of the trachea, resulting in a dry cough.
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