A dog with a cough is easy to brush off as a passing cold, but dogs do not catch colds the way we do. A persistent cough often points to something that needs attention, and respiratory bugs spread more easily when dogs gather indoors, at daycare, boarding or the dog park.

Common causes of a cough:

• Kennel cough, a highly contagious infection that spreads where dogs mix
• Other respiratory infections that can take hold any time of the year
• Heart or airway conditions, more common in older dogs or small breeds
• Irritation from cold, dry air or an inhaled foreign object

When to see a vet:

• The cough lasts more than a few days or keeps getting worse
• Your dog is off their food, lethargic, or vomiting
• You notice laboured breathing, gagging, or bringing up phlegm
• Your dog is very young, elderly, or has an existing health condition

How to protect your dog:

• Keep vaccinations up to date, including the kennel cough vaccine
• Avoid contact with coughing dogs, and rest your dog if they are unwell
• Make sure your dog has a warm, dry place to sleep

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Most coughs clear up well with the right care, but a quick check rules out anything more serious and stops it spreading to other dogs.

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If your dog has been coughing, Caring Paws can examine them and advise on the best course of treatment.