Internal parasites, heartworm disease, distemper, fungus diseases, tuberculosis, allergies, and pollutants such as cigarette smoke can cause dogs to cough. High, dry coughs are typical of kennel cough or acute tracheobronchitis. A dog with kennel cough seems to feel fine otherwise. Treatment includes isolation to avoid infection of other family or kennel dogs, monitoring of temperature, rest, and if the coughing is severe, use of a children's over-the-counter cough syrup. A humidifier can help the dog breathe easier and thus reduce coughing and further throat inflammation. Bordatella vaccine protects dogs from several strains of kennel cough. Any dog that is constantly exposed to other dogs away from home should be protected against kennel cough. Many dog owners think that distemper is not a problem because puppies are vaccinated against it. However, not all puppies and dogs are vaccinated, and the disease poses a serious threat to puppies. It can be fatal, especially in young puppies or debilitated dogs. Infestation of internal parasites such as roundworms and heartworms can cause coughing. Heartworms are transmitted to dogs by mosquitoes. A heartworm infested dog becomes debilitated, unable to handle mild exercise without wheezing and coughing. Many dog owners use heartworm preventive all year, especially if they are also fighting infestations of other worms. Other causes of coughs include tuberculosis which does affect dogs and can cause upper respiratory symptoms. Dogs and humans can infect each other with tuberculosis. Cough syrup DM and Homeopet cough remedy can be used to combat the problem.
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