As a dedicated dog mom and an expert in all things puppy, I know how it feels when something is off with our fur buddies. When you suddenly notice that your dog is coughing, it can give you a mini heart attack. Just breathe and remember that it’s important not to panic but instead understand what’s happening. Dog coughing is a common symptom for a number of conditions – from respiratory infections, allergies, a collapsing trachea to the topic we will dive into today – coughing due to excitement.
So, why does your dog get excited to the point of coughing? Understanding Excitement Cough When your dog gets excited, their throat narrows and sometimes this causes your dog to cough. While it’s typically harmless, frequent and harsh coughing due to excitement could be a red flag.
After all, we are all about keeping our dogs comfortable, right? But why does the excitement make them cough? It all comes down to how their respiratory system reacts. It’s sort of like when you get a tickle in your throat if you laugh or talk too much. Yep, our dogs are so human sometimes!
Do you want to know more about dogs’ excitement cough? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
Here's what we'll cover:
Symptoms to Look Out for Aside from the Coughing
Some dogs may sneeze, gag, or even have what’s known as reverse sneezing. And sure, reverse sneezing sounds something straight out of a superhero comic, but it’s a real thing. It’s characterized by rapid and repeated inhalations through the nose, accompanied by snorting or gagging noises.
Trust me, once you’ve heard it, it’s hard to forget. A collapsing trachea is a medical condition often seen in small breeds and it can be triggered or worsened by excitement. The coughing that it produces is distinctive – often described as a ‘goose honk’ cough. If your dog seems to exhibit this type of coughing, especially when excited, my advice would be to consult with your vet – you always want to ensure your pet’s health is top-notch!
How to Help?
There’s no fun in seeing our beloved pet choke or cough in between their joyous barks, especially when they get excited.
So what can we do? Simply put, we can aim to keep things calmer – this could mean de-escalating play when it gets over the top, or, using calming techniques when the doorbell rings and they go into automatic squirrel-mode. Sometimes, the cause behind your dog’s coughing fits could be an irritant like dust or smoke.
Your dog may have an allergy, and when they get excited, their increased breathing makes them inhale more of whatever substance they’re allergic to. Therefore, something to keep in mind is to maintain a clean, smoke-free environment for your doggy pal. But let’s dive deeper into the subject.
What are the Common Causes of Coughing in Dogs?
Well, my dear doggy devotees, let me tell you this: coughing in dogs can be as simple as a tickle in the trachea or as serious as a sign of respiratory infection. Yes, it can be a whole spectrum. The common causes include kennel cough, which sounds like a dry cough, a cold picked up from the dog park, or even a runny nose. Allergens could also creep up into their cute little snouts, causing irritation of the respiratory system and subsequent coughing fits. The cough may be accompanied by a fever if it’s a nasty infection at play. Thus, pet owners, if your dog may start coughing, it’s essential you keep a close watch for any accompanying symptoms. Alternatively, your puppy’s coughing could be a sign of tracheal collapse. When you think your dog may have a tracheal collapse, it’s definitely a cause for concern as it affects the lining of the throat. In such a case, you absolutely need to take your pet to the vet, pronto! Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution. If you’re unsure if the coughing is nothing to worry about or if it may be a sign of something more serious, it’s always best to schedule an appointment with your vet. They may also recommend a mild respiratory relief to soothe your dog’s throat.
Why is My Dog Coughing When Excited?
On a lighter note, there are those charismatic canines who cough when they’re excited. Now, hang on! Before you start dialing your veterinarian’s number, allow me to assure you that this is generally no cause for concern. Dogs, much like us, get jolly when they’re excited. Think about it – when your friend surprises you at a party, don’t you squeal with excitement?
Similarly, when your adorable furball sees you returning from work or about to take him for a walk, it could cause him to cough due to the overwhelming excitement! However, if your dog appears to have chronic coughing fits when excited, it might be worth mentioning to your vet.
A chronic cough, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose or fever, could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Again, it might all be a false alarm, but our babies’ health is worth the time, right? After all, knowing that you’ve investigated the cause of the coughing will give you peace of mind.
Our pups deserve parents who don’t mess around! In summary, a spot of coughing here and there shouldn’t raise your alarm too much. However persistent coughing, coughing accompanied by other symptoms, or in cases where the coughing seems to distress your dog, a vet’s appointment should be at the top of our to-do list. Let’s keep those tails wagging, shall we?
When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet for Excited Coughing?
Good question! Allow me to unleash the answer with some clarity. Dogs, much like us, cough for a variety of reasons. This could range from a simple tickle in the throat to an attempt to dislodge something from their respiratory tract. Excited coughing happens commonly in many dogs, particularly when they’re playing, or running around at feverishly high speeds, adorably chasing their tails or your house slippers. However, a sudden or persistent cough can sometimes be a sign of something more serious.
You should take your dog to the vet if the cough doesn’t go away, becomes chronic, or is accompanied by other symptoms. Keep your radar on for other signs of potential distress such as runny eyes or a nasal discharge, decreased appetite, or listlessness. Remember, sometimes a cough may sound pretty awful without it being a cause for alarm. But, when in doubt, a vet visit is always a smart move. The health of your furry child should always come first!
How Can I Help Alleviate My Dog’s Cough?
Pawsitively love the initiative behind this question! Many of us forget, our dogs can sometimes fall ill too! There are a few tricks of the trade that can help alleviate your pup’s cough. First and foremost, it’s important to ensure that their respiratory system remains in check. You could try running a humidifier, as the moist air can soothe their irritated respiratory tract.
A soft harness that avoids putting pressure on their throat could prevent their cough from worsening when they exhibit excited behavior. If your dog is a particular breed known for having a sensitive respiratory system, try to keep them away from environmental irritants like secondhand smoke or excess dust. Also, remember, any toys or small objects within their reach should be size-appropriate to avoid the risk of these getting lodge into their throat.
Pay attention to their head and neck movements, because dogs will often indicate distress in this area when they have a problem lodged in their throat. I have a disclaimer, though. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution as to why a dog might be persistently coughing. It could be a bacterial infection common in boarding facilities, a lodged foreign object, or even a worm infestation.
So, observing your fur baby and noting any changes in behavior is key. If the cough doesn’t subside, it’s definitely time for a visit to the vet. So, when you may notice your dog coughing or wheezing, hope these tips help you spring into action! Remember, there’s no better cure than prevention, but when that cough persists, your vet is always the best help there is!
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