Whenever there's a change in your dog's health, it's important that you don't postpone getting the right care since any health issue could worsen without medical care. If your dog has suddenly started coughing more often, it's a good idea to look into visiting a vet as soon as possible. If you're wary that a visit to the vet is necessary, look into some of the following issues that can be present with a reoccurring cough and what kind of treatment they can provide.
Kennel Cough
If your dog hasn't been vaccinated in a long time and has been socializing with other dogs, there's the chance that they could have contracted kennel cough. If your dog has been exposed to other dogs that have this infection, your dog could have developed an upper respiratory infection. If this is the case, it's important for you to get your dog treated right away. Not only can it be uncomfortable for your dog if they're coughing a lot due to kennel cough, but it can also worsen over time and lead to breathing issues.
Collapsed Trachea
While especially common is smaller dogs, older dogs could also be a victim of a collapsed trachea. If you've noticed that your dog has been coughing a lot and the sound is similar to a goose honking, there's the chance that they have a collapsed trachea. What this means is that their windpipe has begun to collapse, leading to less air making it inside. This can lead to chronic coughing that needs to be seen and diagnosed by a veterinarian.
Even if there's no permanent treatment available from the vet for a collapsed trachea, you may be able to provide your dog with medication that can help soothe their throat and make it much easier on them.
Potential Allergies
If your dog is exposed to the outdoors regularly, either on walks or spending time in the yard, it's likely that they're exposed to a lot of different elements. When this is the case, you'll need to make sure that your dog will be safe against any potential allergies. Since the cough could have originated from allergies, it can make a big difference to get it diagnosed so that you can treat your dog accordingly.
Visiting the vet when your dog has developed a cough is important so that you can figure out what the cause is. With the above issues that could be the culprit of the cough, your vet will be able to find the right treatment plan for your dog.
For more information, reach out to vet hospitals like Murrells Inlet Veterinary Hospital.
