Symptoms of Dog Coughing
Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Dog Coughing - General Canine Observations
When you are worried about your pet dogs or puppies it is wise to make general observations and a note of your dog's general well-being before considering a health issue and problem such as Dog Coughing. Overall physical condition? Mental attitude? Appetite? Condition of bowels and urinary apparatus? The nose of healthy dogs or puppies is moist and cool but in sick dogs it is usually hot and dry. Hair loss? Dry skin? Discharges? These general observations are useful to consider whilst checking out the symptoms of Dog Coughing. Coughs are triggered by irritants in the air passages and can be characterized as dry and hacking; moist and bubbly; gagging; wheezy; harsh; or weak. They can be chronic, frequent or intermittent. Coughing can be a symptom of one of the following conditions: Tuberculosis : Tuberculosis is a rare bacterial infection which can cause upper respiratory symptoms. The cough is moist and may produce blood stained mucus. Laboured breathing is also a symptom of Tuberculosis. It is important to note that Dogs and humans can infect each other with tuberculosis. An x-ray is important to confirm diagnosis. Parasites: Internal Parasites that affect the intestinal tract, roundworms and heartworms for example, can trigger dry hacking coughs. Heartworms can be fatal if left untreated as heartworm parasites are transferred to the dog’s circulatory system by an infected mosquito. The parasites move into the lungs and coughing and irritation occurs as they grow.
Kennel Cough: This is a very contagious respiratory infection. It is associated with severe irritation and inflammation of the tracheal and bronchial area. Pneumonia can result from mucus secretions so it is essential the cough is treated as soon as symptoms appear. Dogs who attend dog shows or board at kennels are particularly vulnerable to Kennel Cough and it is essential that your dog is vaccinated against this contagious disease.
Heart Disease: A dry hacking cough can also be a sign of heart failure. As the heart becomes enlarged heart it compresses the airways and this results in irritation and coughing fits.
Distemper: Although this is a disease most dogs are immunised against as puppies, it can still occur and can prove fatal in puppies and elderly dogs who have a weakened immune system. Apart from a dry hacking cough, other symptoms to look for include fever and discharge from the nose and eyes.
Allergies: Pollen and other inhaled irritants can trigger a reaction in the mucus membranes lining the respiratory tract. This can lead to a “wet” sounding cough that waxes and wanes depending on the dog’s exposure to allergens. Coughing can also be associated with a more generalized allergic reaction, like that that occurs following an bite from an insect that the dog happens to trigger an allergic response.
Tracheal Collapse: An overweight, elderly or a dog with a neck injury can suffer from collapse of the trachea. This leads to inflammation and a "honking" cough which may need to be treated with surgery.
Diseases of the Immune System: If a dog is suffering from a disease of the immune system, it can cause the immune system to attack the dogs own body tissue. This can result in the production of too much mucus in the respiratory tract as the body responds in the same way as if it were affected by an irritant such as pollen.
Coccidiosis: This micro-organism affects the dog’s respiratory tract and lungs and can cause a dry hacking cough. With Coccidiosis it is essential that the dogs bedding and environment is kept disinfected and as clean as possible,
Fungal Infections: Dogs can develop coughs due to fungal infections. Animals who live on farms or near areas where there is a lot of bird droppings, are more prone to developing coughs that result from inhaling fungus spores. Basements or other 'damp' areas are also areas where mould spores develop.
Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Symptoms of Dog Coughing
Dog Coughing symptoms may include the following: - Dog Coughing symptoms - Wheezing
- Dog Coughing symptoms - Retching
- Dog Coughing symptoms - Coughing
- Dog Coughing symptoms - Production of mucus, possibly blood stained
Treatment and Remedies - Canine Treatment of Dog Coughing
The remedies and treatment of Dog Coughing may include the treatment of dogs as follows: - Canine Coughing treatment - The treatment for dog coughing depends on the illness which is diagnosed by your Vet or Canine health care professional.
- Canine Coughing treatment - It is vital that the cause of the cough is diagnosed as soon as possible as the symptoms can be a sign of a serious medical condition and the cause must be established.
- Canine Coughing treatment - Treatments can involve medication, antibiotics and in some cases surgery.
Dog Symptoms and Canine Health - Canine Insurance / Pet Health Insurance for Dog Coughing
Pet Insurance for Dog Coughing. Remember canine insurance / pet dogs health insurance for treatment of health and medical problems such as Dog Coughing. Unexpected visits to the vet and veterinary treatments for your dogs and puppies due to illnesses such as Dog Coughing can quickly add up so get quotes for canine health / pet insurance coverage for treatment due to accidents, treatment of illnesses, prescriptions, surgeries and possible hospitalization treatment for your dogs or puppy. Get the best deals for pet insurance from pet insurance comparison websites - make sure you get the best rates for canine health insurance to cover visits to the Vet for the diagnosis and treatment of unexpected ailments such as Dog Coughing. Disclaimer - Dog Coughing Section of Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health Website
The sole purpose of the Dog Coughing section on the Dog Symptoms and Canine Health website is to act as a reference guide to provide useful information to the owners of dogs and puppies. This article on Dog Coughing is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health, or problems associated with Dog Coughing, please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately for professional treatment. Your vet will diagnose whether Dog Coughing is the problem and prescribe appropriate medication and treatment. Treatment and Symptoms of Dog Coughing
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