An occasional cough is usually nothing to lose sleep over, in the same way we clear our own throats now and then. The short answer is this: a one-off cough that settles quickly is rarely a worry, but a cough that keeps going, sounds harsh or honking, or comes with tiredness, a fast breathing rate or a blue tinge to the gums needs a vet. Coughing is your dog's way of clearing the airway, and the sound, timing and any other signs tell you a lot about what's behind it.
I see plenty of dogs on the grooming table, and a cough that pops up during a groom is almost always excitement or a tickly throat rather than anything sinister. Still, it's worth knowing the common causes so you can tell a harmless splutter from something that deserves a call. Here's how I think about it.
Common causes of coughing in dogs
Most coughs fall into a handful of familiar buckets:
- Kennel cough: a very common, highly contagious airway infection, classically a dry, honking cough that sounds worse than the dog feels
- A tickle or irritation: dust, grass, a bit of water going down the wrong way, or pulling on a collar
- Throat irritation: a mild sore throat, or something catching at the back of the mouth
- Heart problems: in older dogs especially, a soft, persistent cough can be linked to the heart
- Lung or airway conditions: infections, inflammation or long-term issues like bronchitis
- Something stuck: a grass seed, a bit of bone or a foreign object, which tends to cause sudden, frantic coughing or gagging
The pattern matters. A cough after a drink or a burst of excitement is very different from one that wakes your dog at night or drags on for days.
Kennel cough: the usual suspect
If your dog has a dry, hacking, almost honking cough and otherwise seems fairly bright, kennel cough is a likely candidate, especially after time around other dogs at daycare, kennels, the park or a grooming salon. It's caused by a mix of bugs, most often the bacterium Bordetella, and it spreads easily through the air and on shared bowls or toys.
Most cases are mild and clear up on their own, much like a human cold, but it can be more serious in puppies, older dogs and any dog that's already poorly. If you suspect kennel cough, keep your dog away from others and ring your vet for advice before bringing them in, so they can avoid spreading it in the waiting room.
Groomer's tip: If your dog is coughing, please let us know before their appointment and reschedule if kennel cough is on the cards. It spreads quickly between dogs, and a few days' rest is far kinder than passing it around the salon.
Heart and older-dog coughs
In middle-aged and senior dogs, a cough that's soft, keeps returning, and is worse at night or after lying down can sometimes point to the heart rather than the airways. You might notice your dog tiring more easily, being less keen on walks, or breathing faster when resting.
This isn't something to watch and wait on. If your older dog develops a new, persistent cough, book a vet check. Heart conditions are often very manageable when caught early, and a proper examination is the only way to know what's going on. The PDSA pet health hub is a good, plain-English place to read up while you wait for your appointment.
Throat irritation and things that get stuck
A quick coughing fit right after eating, drinking or a walk on the lead is often simple throat irritation. A harness rather than a collar can help dogs that pull, taking the pressure off the windpipe.
Sudden, dramatic coughing, gagging or pawing at the mouth is a different story. It can mean something is stuck, such as a grass seed or a piece of food or bone. If your dog seems to be choking, struggling to breathe, or the coughing won't stop, treat it as urgent and contact your vet straight away.
Red flags: when to see the vet
Ring your vet, or an out-of-hours emergency vet, if the cough comes with any of these:
- Blue, grey or pale gums, or any struggle to breathe (this is an emergency)
- A cough that lasts more than a few days or keeps getting worse
- Coughing up blood, froth or phlegm
- Being off food, lethargic, feverish or generally unwell
- Fast or laboured breathing, even at rest
- Sudden, frantic coughing or gagging that suggests something is stuck
You know your dog's normal better than anyone. If the cough worries you, it's always worth the call.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dog coughing but acting normal?
A dog that coughs now and then but is bright, eating well and full of energy often has a mild throat tickle or the early stages of kennel cough. Keep an eye on it, and see your vet if it lasts more than a few days or new signs appear.
What does a kennel cough sound like?
It's classically dry, harsh and honking, sometimes ending in a gag or a retch as if something is stuck. It often comes in fits, especially after excitement or exercise, following contact with other dogs.
Why does my dog cough after drinking water?
A brief cough after a drink is usually just water going down the wrong way, the same as it happens to us. If it becomes a regular pattern or is severe, mention it to your vet.
Should I worry about my old dog coughing?
A new, persistent cough in an older dog is worth a vet check, as it can be linked to the heart or airways. Caught early, these conditions are often very treatable.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. If your dog is coughing, please let us know before you visit so we can keep every dog in the salon safe and settled. Get in touch to talk through your dog's next groom.