A coughing pet can be alarming to any pet parent. Whether it’s a cat coughing up a hairball or a dog hacking with a deep, dry sound, you immediately wonder, "Is this serious?" Sometimes the cause is harmless, but other times coughing can signal a deeper health issue that needs urgent care.
Knowing the difference between a mild irritation and a medical emergency could be life-saving. In this guide, we'll explore the top causes of coughing in cats and dogs, practical home remedies for pet coughing, veterinary treatment options, and when it’s time to call your vet.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear action plan to help your furry friend recover and breathe easier.
Why Understanding Pet Coughing Matters
Coughing can be triggered by something as simple as dust or as serious as heart disease. Early detection and treatment can make a huge difference in your pet's recovery and quality of life. Recognizing the common causes, symptoms, and treatment options empowers you to act quickly and effectively.
What Causes Coughing in Cats?
Cats are meticulous groomers, which makes them prone to occasional coughing. However, not all coughing is due to hairballs. Let’s look at the most common causes:
1. Hairballs
Hairballs are a familiar culprit. As cats groom, they swallow loose hair, which can accumulate in the stomach and sometimes needs to be coughed out.
Signs it’s a hairball:
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Your cat crouches low with its neck extended
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It sounds more like gagging or retching than a dry cough
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A slimy mass of hair may eventually be expelled
💡 Tip: Regular grooming and hairball-control treats can help minimize hairball problems.
2. Feline Asthma
About 1–5% of cats are affected by asthma, making it a common cause of persistent coughing.
Symptoms of feline asthma:
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Frequent coughing and wheezing
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Open-mouth breathing
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Rapid or labored breathing
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Exercise intolerance
Common triggers: Dust, pollen, smoke, household cleaners, and stress.
Asthma needs veterinary diagnosis and is usually managed with corticosteroids and bronchodilators.
3. Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory infections are very common, especially among shelter cats or multi-cat homes.
Causes include:
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Feline herpesvirus (FHV)
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Feline calicivirus (FCV)
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Bacterial infections like Bordetella
Symptoms: Sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, and a wet cough.
4. Heart Disease
Conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, resulting in coughing.
Other signs:
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Lethargy
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Labored breathing
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Fainting or collapsing
Unexplained coughing always warrants a vet visit to rule out heart disease.
5. Allergies
Cats can be allergic to pollen, mold, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and even strong perfumes, all of which can trigger coughing fits.
What Causes Coughing in Dogs?
Dogs cough for many reasons, ranging from minor irritations to life-threatening illnesses.
1. Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis)
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria.
Symptoms:
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Dry, hacking cough (sounds like a "goose honk")
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Gagging or retching
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Mild fever
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Nasal discharge
Even vaccinated dogs can sometimes catch mild forms of kennel cough!
2. Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)
Dog flu is a viral infection that causes coughing, fever, and lethargy.
Signs:
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Persistent moist or dry cough
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Nasal and eye discharge
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Loss of appetite
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Sneezing
Severe cases can progress to pneumonia if not treated promptly.
3. Heartworm Disease
This deadly parasitic disease is spread by mosquitoes and affects the heart and lungs.
Warning signs:
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Persistent cough
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Fatigue after exercise
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Weight loss
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Swollen abdomen
Monthly heartworm preventatives are much safer (and cheaper) than treating an active infection.
4. Collapsed Trachea
Small breeds like Yorkies, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas are particularly vulnerable.
Symptoms:
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Harsh, honking cough
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Worsens with excitement, pulling on a leash, or hot weather
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Breathing difficulty
While severe cases might require surgery, many dogs are managed with medications and lifestyle adjustments.
5. Foreign Body Obstruction
A sudden, violent cough could mean something is stuck in your dog’s airway, such as food, toys, or sticks.
Seek emergency care immediately if you suspect your dog has something lodged in their throat.
When to Worry: Warning Signs of Serious Coughing
While an occasional cough isn’t usually cause for alarm, certain signs mean it's time to call the vet:
📋 Call your vet if you notice:
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Coughing lasting more than 3–5 days
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Lethargy or unusual tiredness
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Labored or rapid breathing
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Bluish gums or tongue
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Fever
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Loss of appetite
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Weight loss
Early diagnosis leads to better treatment outcomes.
How Vets Diagnose Coughing in Pets
Veterinarians use a variety of diagnostic tools to find the root cause of coughing:
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Physical Exam: Listening to the lungs and heart
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X-rays: Checking for pneumonia, heart issues, tumors, or tracheal collapse
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Blood Tests: Identifying infections, heartworm, and other diseases
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Bronchoscopy: Viewing the airways with a tiny camera
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Heart Tests: ECGs and echocardiograms if heart disease is suspected
Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment.
Home Remedies for Coughing Cats and Dogs (With Vet Approval)
If your vet rules out serious issues and suggests home care, here are safe ways to help your pet recover:
1. Steam Therapy
Create a mini sauna by running a hot shower and sitting with your pet in the steamy bathroom for 10–15 minutes. Moist air soothes irritated airways and eases coughing.
2. Honey (Dogs Only)
Honey is a natural cough suppressant and throat soother.
Dosage:
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Small dogs: ½ teaspoon twice daily
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Medium to large dogs: 1 teaspoon twice daily
🚫 Important: Never give honey to cats or puppies under 1 year old (due to botulism risk).
3. Humidifiers
Using a cool-mist humidifier in your home helps keep your pet's respiratory system moist and reduces coughing.
4. Rest and Recovery
Just like humans, pets need extra rest when they're sick. Keep playtime gentle, avoid excitement, and create a cozy recovery space.
5. Boost Their Immune System
Talk to your vet about supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, or pet-safe herbal remedies to support immune function during recovery.
Final Thoughts
A coughing cat or dog can be scary, but with the right knowledge, you can act quickly to get them the care they need. While some causes of coughing are mild and easily treated at home, others require prompt veterinary intervention. Always trust your instincts; if something feels off, it’s better to have your pet checked out sooner rather than later. With love, care, and the right treatments, most coughing pets make a full recovery and return to their happy, tail-wagging (or purring) selves in no time!
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