Why Is My Dog Coughing Up Mucus?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A wet, phlegmy cough that sounds moist could indicate dog flu or pneumonia. If it sounds like your dog is gargling or coughing up phlegm, this suggests

an issue in the dog’s lower airway (or lungs)

. If you hear this cough, it is best to seek medical attention for your dog right away.

Why does my dog keep coughing gagging like he’s choking?

If you observe a cough that involves a choking sound coming from your dog, then the chances are that

some sort of disease has infected your dog

. Common causes of this symptom include reverse sneezing, pneumonia, kennel cough, heart disease, collapsing trachea, or a foreign object in the throat.

How do I know if my dogs cough is serious?

You can usually tell if a dog cough is caused by heart disease

if their cough is soft and continuous

. If your dog is coughing due to heart disease, their cough will likely be worse at night or when they’re resting on their side and may be accompanied by a decrease in energy and stamina.

Why is my dog vomiting phlegm?

The cause: Some of the causes of vomiting in dogs include

digestive issues, diabetes, and kidney failure

. If your dog solely vomits foam or a yellow or clear liquid, it could indicate acute gastritis, pancreatitis, intestinal blockage, or other issues.

How do you decongest a dog?

  1. Humidifier. …
  2. Pro tip: for best results keep your pup in the same room as the humidifier for the most effective treatment.
  3. Nasal aspirator. …
  4. Steaming. …
  5. ⚠️ Never put your dog directly in the shower when steaming.
  6. Massaging.

Does kennel cough go away on its own?

Kennel cough is rarely severe, and

uncomplicated kennel cough will usually go away on its own

. However, medications are commonly given to help your dog recover quicker and prevent the condition from worsening. If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, take them to the vet for an examination.

Can dogs have phlegm?


A wet, phlegmy cough that sounds moist could indicate dog flu or pneumonia

. If it sounds like your dog is gargling or coughing up phlegm, this suggests an issue in the dog’s lower airway (or lungs).

Can you give a dog mucinex?

Guaifenesin is the main ingredient of Mucinex. This makes this medication work so well as it is the prime ingredient that loosens the mucus. Luckily,

guaifenesin is safe for dogs in moderate doses

. Your dog can consume appropriate quantities of this ingredient without harm.

Why is my dog gagging but not throwing up?

When your dog tries to vomit but nothing comes up, this is known as

dry heaving

. It will often look as though they are experiencing a whole-body spasm, beginning in the stomach and undulating out the throat. Retching and dry heaving are essentially the same thing, simply two different terms for it.

When should I take my coughing dog to the vet?

Contact your vet

if your dog has a cough that hasn’t cleared up within a few days or they seem unwell in themselves

. Keep an eye out for, and call your vet if you notice any symptoms such as difficulty breathing, sneezing, a runny nose or weepy eyes.

What does congestive heart failure look like in dogs?

Many dogs with CHF will tire out more easily, have reduced stamina, and do not engage in playing or walking as they once did.

Coughing when at rest or sleeping, excessive panting, persistent loss of appetite, a swollen belly, and pale or bluish gums

are also signs associated with heart failure.

Can I give my dog mucus relief?

There is at least one OTC veterinary cough medicine containing both guaifenesin and dextromethorphan similar to Mucinex DM. The manufacturer’s recommended dosing is

one-half tablet (50 mg/5 mg) every four hours for small dogs and cats and one tablet (100 mg/10 mg) every four hours for large dogs

.

How can you tell if your dog has a sinus infection?

  1. Sneezing.
  2. Coughing.
  3. Nasal discharge.
  4. Nasal bleeding.
  5. Difficulty breathing.
  6. Watery eyes or purulent eye discharge.
  7. Gagging due to the nasal discharge.
  8. Pain caused by pressure in the forehead and around the eyes.

Can dogs get congested from allergies?

All of these may be symptoms of a stuffy nose. Several things can cause rhinitis and sinusitis.

Dogs can get a blocked nose due to allergies

. They can be allergic to dust, mites, mold, even grass!

How does a dog get kennel cough at home?

Causes of Kennel Cough

A healthy dog can get kennel cough by

inhaling aerosolized bacteria or viruses from an infected dog

. The bacteria and/or virus can be spread from an infected dog through coughing or sneezing, and dogs can also get it from infected objects (toys, food/water bowls).

Why does my dog sound like he has a hairball?

Kennel cough is a dry, hacking, persistent cough that can sound like the dog has something stuck in its throat. This dry hack is often followed by gagging or retching that sounds like the dog is coughing up a hairball, like a cat.

Will Benadryl help my dogs congestion?

While typically veterinarians don’t recommend you administering drugs to your pooch without their permission and advice,

there’s one human medicine that you likely can use for your pup – Benadryl

! In fact, it’s one of the only over-the-counter drugs that veterinarians will allow owners to administer at home.

What can I give my dog for upper respiratory?

If an upper respiratory infection does occur, then

antibiotics are often prescribed to help fight the disease

. Doxycycline is a common drug that fights off Bordetella, for instance. Azithromycin might be used instead if doxycycline fails, as it is more powerful.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.