Pet Coughing and Pet Sneezing

Pets cough for many of the same reasons humans do, something is irritating the throat, lungs, or airways. In dogs and cats, the causes can range from minor to more serious.

Common reasons include:

-Kennel cough (common in dogs exposed to other pets)

-Respiratory infections

-Allergies or irritants like dust, smoke, or perfumes

-Heart disease, especially in older dogs

-Collapsing trachea (often seen in smaller breeds)

-Pneumonia

-Parasites such as heartworm or lungworm

Because coughing can point to either mild irritation or a more serious condition like heart disease or pneumonia, it’s always safest to have your pet evaluated if the cough lingers or worsens.

Sneezing is usually less concerning than coughing, but frequent or intense sneezing—especially if paired with other symptoms—shouldn’t be ignored.

Common reasons include:

-Seasonal or environmental allergies

-A foreign object stuck in the nose

-Respiratory infections (cats often get viral sneezing illnesses)

-Dental disease that extends into the nasal passages

-Nasal mites or fungal infections (less common)

If your pet sneezes occasionally, it may not be cause for alarm. But sneezing with discharge, blood, or a foul odor is a clear sign that your pet needs prompt veterinary care.

Not every cough or sneeze is an emergency—but there are red flags to watch for:

-Coughing or sneezing that lasts more than a few days

-Blood, mucus, or discharge when sneezing or coughing

-Labored or noisy breathing

-Loss of appetite or unusual lethargy

-Blue or pale gums (a sign of oxygen shortage)

-A history of heart disease, asthma, or chronic illness

If you see any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Conditions can progress quickly, and early care makes treatment easier and more effective.

Yes—many respiratory conditions spread easily in multi-pet households.

Dogs: Kennel cough, canine flu, and other infections often pass quickly in settings like boarding, grooming, or dog parks.

Cats: Upper respiratory infections (like feline herpesvirus and calicivirus) are common in multi-cat homes or shelters.

If one of your pets is coughing or sneezing, it’s wise to separate them until they’ve been evaluated.

While professional care is key if symptoms persist, you can make your pet more comfortable at home:

Keep your home smoke-free and well-ventilated

-Use a humidifier to soothe irritated airways

-Limit strong cleaning products or fragrances

-Wash bedding regularly to reduce allergens

-Encourage plenty of fresh water

These steps won’t cure infections or deeper issues, but they can ease discomfort until your pet is seen by a vet.

Your vet will look at your pet’s history, perform a physical exam, and may recommend tests to find the root cause. These can include:

-Listening to the lungs and heart

-Blood tests to check for infection or parasites

-X-rays to look at the lungs and trachea

-Nasal swabs or cultures

-Heartworm tests in dogs

-Advanced tools like endoscopy or rhinoscopy if a foreign object is suspected

A thorough evaluation helps your vet pinpoint whether symptoms are due to an infection, allergies, heart disease, or another cause—so your pet gets the right treatment.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis but usually focuses on reducing symptoms, fighting infection, and restoring comfort. Options may include:

-Antibiotics for bacterial infections

-Supportive care or antivirals for viral illness

-Allergy medications or anti-inflammatories

-Heart medications for cardiac-related coughing

-Oxygen therapy for pets struggling to breathe

-Dental treatment or surgery if foreign objects are involved

Even if your pet seems to improve on their own, a lingering cough or sneeze should be checked out. Proper treatment means faster recovery and fewer complications.

Many pets seem worse at night, whether due to position, congestion, or underlying heart conditions. If your pet struggles to rest, has changes in gum color, or seems short of breath, treat this as urgent.

Even if symptoms are milder but don’t go away, schedule a vet visit promptly. Nighttime worsening often signals a condition that needs attention sooner rather than later.