Changes in a pet’s breathing patterns, coughing, or wheezing can be alarming. While some noises are harmless, others may indicate serious underlying health conditions such as infections, allergies, heart disease, or chronic airway disorders.

At Oriole Road Animal Hospital in Kamloops, we stress the importance of early detection and prompt veterinary care to ensure your pet’s respiratory health and overall well-being.

Understanding Coughing in Pets

Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear irritants, mucus, or foreign objects from the airways. However, persistent or severe coughing could indicate a deeper problem. Identifying the type of cough can help determine its cause.

Types of Coughs and Their Causes:

  • Dry, hacking cough – Often associated with kennel cough, a contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus. It spreads in kennels, dog parks, and grooming salons. Learn more about Kennel Cough in Dogs – AKC.
  • Wet, productive cough – Indicates mucus production in the lungs and is often seen with pneumonia, bronchitis, or heart disease. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), causing difficulty breathing and lethargy.
  • Goose-honk cough – A classic symptom of tracheal collapse, particularly in small dog breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians. The weakened cartilage in the trachea causes airway obstruction, worsening with excitement or exercise. Learn more about Collapsed Trachea in Dogs – AKC.
  • Chronic, nighttime coughing – Often linked to heart disease, particularly congestive heart failure (CHF). The heart struggles to pump efficiently, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs, triggering a persistent cough while resting. Learn about the connection between heart disease and respiratory issues at Heart Disease Diagnosis – Cummings.

When to Seek Veterinary Care:

  • Labored breathing or wheezing
  • Gagging or retching after coughing
  • Blue-tinged gums or tongue (oxygen deprivation)
  • Sudden collapse or weakness

For more details on Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (Kennel Cough), visit AVMA’s Guide.

Sneezing in Pets: When to Be Concerned

Occasional sneezing is normal, but frequent sneezing, nasal discharge, or swelling could indicate underlying medical conditions.

Potential Causes of Frequent Sneezing:

  • Allergies – Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or smoke can cause chronic sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal congestion. Read Allergy Tips for Small Animals – Purdue Veterinary Hospital.
  • Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) – Common in cats, viral infections like feline herpesvirus and calicivirus cause sneezing, nasal congestion, and eye discharge. These infections can become chronic in multi-cat households. Learn more at Feline Upper Respiratory Infection – ASPCA Pro.
  • Foreign Objects – Small debris like grass awns or seeds can become lodged in the nasal cavity, leading to repeated sneezing and nasal irritation.
  • Nasal Tumors or Fungal Infections – Persistent sneezing with blood-tinged nasal discharge or facial swelling could indicate a nasal tumor or deep-seated fungal infection and should be evaluated immediately.

When to Seek Veterinary Care:

  • Sneezing is accompanied by bloody nasal discharge
  • Your pet has difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Symptoms persist for more than 10 days

Recognizing Wheezing in Pets

Wheezing is a high-pitched sound that suggests an obstruction or inflammation of the airways. It is often a sign of chronic respiratory disease, allergic reactions, or infections.

Common Causes of Wheezing:

  • Feline Asthma – A chronic condition where a cat’s airways become inflamed and constricted, leading to wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Learn about Feline Asthma – Cornell Feline Health Center.
  • Heartworm Disease – A mosquito-borne parasite affecting dogs and cats, leading to coughing, wheezing, and reduced exercise tolerance. See the latest Canine Heartworm Prevalence Map 2024 – CAPC.
  • Severe Allergic Reactions – Allergies can trigger airway swelling, leading to wheezing or anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency.
  • Airway Obstruction – Inhaled debris, tumors, or infections can block airflow, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

When to Seek Veterinary Care:

  • Increased respiratory effort or gasping for air
  • Blue or pale gums (oxygen deprivation)
  • Severe lethargy or collapse

For more information, see Respiratory Distress in Pets – AAHA.

Brachycephalic Breeds & Respiratory Challenges

Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats have narrowed airways, making breathing more difficult.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

Common symptoms:

  • Loud snoring or snorting sounds
  • Frequent panting, even when resting
  • Collapse due to airway obstruction in extreme cases

Severe cases may require surgical intervention to widen the nostrils and improve airflow. Learn more at BOAS – Cornell Vet.

When to Contact Oriole Road Animal Hospital

If your pet is experiencing persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, or unexplained wheezing, don’t wait. Respiratory distress can escalate quickly.

Visit our Kamloops clinic for expert veterinary care.

Schedule an appointment today

Emergency Signs That Require Immediate Veterinary Care:

  • Blue or pale gums (oxygen deprivation)
  • Severe respiratory distress or open-mouth breathing
  • Unresponsiveness or collapse

At Oriole Road Animal Hospital, we are committed to providing compassionate, advanced care for all respiratory conditions. Contact us to ensure your pet breathes easier and lives a healthier life.

Recognizing and addressing respiratory symptoms early can save your pet’s life. With preventive care, early intervention, and expert veterinary support, you can help your pet breathe comfortably and thrive.

For more about our veterinary team and services, visit our Meet the Team page.