01 Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection — the most common cause of coughing in dogs that have had recent contact with other dogs. It's caused by a combination of bacterial and viral agents, including Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus. The characteristic cough is a loud, harsh, honking sound that often ends with a retch or gag. Despite the name, it isn't only caught in kennels — it can spread anywhere dogs meet.

In otherwise healthy adult dogs, kennel cough is often self-limiting and resolves within two to three weeks. However, puppies, elderly dogs, and those with other health conditions are at higher risk of complications including pneumonia. A vaccine is available — typically as an intranasal or oral preparation — and is often required by boarding kennels.

Keep any dog with suspected kennel cough away from other dogs while it's unwell. Contact your vet for advice, particularly if the dog is very young, elderly, or not improving.

02 Collapsing Trachea

The trachea (windpipe) is normally held open by rings of cartilage. In some dogs — particularly small breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Shih Tzus — these rings weaken and the trachea partially collapses during breathing. This produces a distinctive honking cough, often triggered by excitement, pulling on a collar, or drinking water. It's a chronic condition that can be managed but not cured. A harness rather than a neck collar is often recommended to reduce pressure on the airway.

03 Heart Disease

Coughing is a recognised sign of heart disease in dogs — particularly congestive heart failure, where fluid builds up in or around the lungs. The cough tends to be soft and persistent rather than the harsh honk of kennel cough. It's often worse at night, after exercise, or when the dog has been lying down for a while. Other signs of heart disease include reduced exercise tolerance, rapid breathing at rest, a swollen abdomen, and weight loss.

Heart disease is more common in older dogs and certain breeds, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dobermans, and Boxers. It's diagnosed through examination, chest X-rays, and echocardiography. Management options exist that can significantly improve quality of life, and early diagnosis helps.

04 Lungworm

Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a parasite increasingly common across the UK that can cause coughing, breathing difficulties, and in serious cases, abnormal bleeding and neurological signs. It's picked up from slugs, snails, and frogs — or their mucus trails. Standard over-the-counter wormers don't treat it; it requires a specific prescription product.

05 Pneumonia

Bacterial or aspiration pneumonia causes a productive cough, laboured breathing, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. It's more serious than kennel cough and typically needs antibiotic treatment confirmed by chest X-ray. Dogs that don't respond to initial kennel cough treatment, or that seem significantly unwell, should be assessed for pneumonia. Puppies and immunocompromised dogs are at higher risk.

06 Foreign Body in the Airway

A dog that suddenly starts coughing, gagging, or retching violently — especially while eating or playing with a toy — may have inhaled or swallowed something that's now lodged in or near the airway.

07 Laryngeal Paralysis

The larynx controls the opening and closing of the airway during breathing and swallowing. In laryngeal paralysis, the muscles that open the airway during inhalation don't work properly, causing noisy, laboured breathing and a changed-sounding bark or cough. It's most common in older large breeds — particularly Labrador Retrievers — and tends to worsen gradually. Exercise and heat make symptoms worse. Veterinary assessment is needed; surgical treatment is available in appropriate cases.

08 Chronic Bronchitis

Canine chronic bronchitis involves ongoing inflammation of the airways, causing a persistent, often productive-sounding cough that lasts for more than two months. It can be triggered by repeated infections, allergens, or environmental irritants such as cigarette smoke, dust, or cleaning products. It's managed rather than cured, and requires veterinary diagnosis to distinguish it from other causes of chronic cough.