Unveiling the Causes of Reverse Cough in Dogs
Feb 10,2025 | puaintapets
A reverse cough, also known as a backward cough or honking cough, is a common symptom in dogs, particularly in certain breeds. This type of cough sounds similar to a “honking” noise and is often associated with conditions like kennel cough, collapsing trachea, or respiratory infections. If your dog has a reverse cough, it’s important to understand the potential causes and what steps you can take to address the issue.
In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of reverse coughing in dogs, the symptoms to watch out for, and how to treat and manage this condition effectively.
What Is a Reverse Cough in Dogs?
A reverse cough is characterized by a harsh, honking sound that seems to come from the back of the throat. It can sound very different from a typical dry or productive cough. Reverse coughing is often seen in small breed dogs, but it can affect dogs of all sizes.
Dogs may produce this coughing sound when they are having difficulty breathing or when pressure is placed on their trachea (windpipe). The sound itself can vary in intensity and frequency, and it may be accompanied by other symptoms such as gagging, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
What Causes Reverse Coughing in Dogs?
There are several main causes of reverse dog coughing, or reverse sneezing.
I. Physiological factors
- Spasm caused by irritants
Reverse sneezing is usually caused by irritants that cause spasms in the throat and soft palate. Common irritants include excitement, exercise, a leash or clothing collar that is too tight, pollen, dust, smoke, cold air, irritating gases, etc. Even sudden changes in temperature can trigger it.
- Dietary problems
Giving your dog irritating foods such as spicy foods, foods that are too hot or too cold may cause throat irritation, which in turn triggers reverse sneezing. In addition, eating sharp foods such as bones and fish spines may get stuck in the throat or pierce the gums, and the dog will try to expel the foreign object by coughing or reverse sneezing.
II. Pathologic factors
- Infectious Diseases
Kennel cough is a common infectious disease caused by Bordetella or other viral or bacterial infections, which can lead to a deep, dry cough, sneezing, snoring, and sometimes vomiting in dogs, and reverse sneezing may be one of its symptoms. In addition, respiratory infectious diseases such as canine infectious bronchitis and chronic bronchitis may also cause reverse sneezing in dogs.
- Tracheal collapse
Tracheal collapse is a chronic condition that is common in small dog breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshires, and Pomeranians. Tracheal collapse can lead to tracheal irritation and chronic coughing, sometimes with symptoms similar to reverse sneezing.
- Heart Disease
Certain heart diseases, such as mitral valve endocardiosis and dilated cardiomyopathy, may cause your dog to exhibit symptoms such as coughing and reverse sneezing, along with loss of appetite, weakness, abnormal heartbeat, and difficulty breathing.
- Other diseases
Such as pneumonia, lung tumors, heartworm disease, etc., may also lead to symptoms of coughing or reverse sneezing in dogs.
Also Read: Bronchitis/ Pneumonia in Dogs
III. Other Factors
Dogs may be allergic to certain substances, such as pollen, dust mites, pet hair, etc. Allergic reactions may lead to inflammation of the throat and respiratory tract, which in turn triggers reverse sneezing.
- Environmental factors
Prolonged exposure to harmful environments, such as excessive formaldehyde and air pollution, may irritate your dog's respiratory tract and lead to reverse sneezing.
If your dog's episodes of reverse sneezing are frequent or last too long, or are accompanied by other abnormal symptoms such as loss of appetite, depression, and difficulty breathing, it is recommended that you take your dog to the veterinarian in a timely manner to rule out other potential health problems.
How to Treat Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?
There are several main treatments for reverse sneezing in dogs:
1. General treatment
- Stay calm
Owners should stay calm to avoid making the dog more upset due to nervousness.
- Provide a comfortable environment
Move the dog to a quiet and comfortable place, avoid noise, bright light and other stimuli to make the dog feel safe and relaxed.
- Massage the throat and neck
Gently massaging your dog's throat and neck will help relieve spasms in the throat and soft palate and alleviate symptoms of reverse sneezing.
- Helping to Breathe
You can gently block your dog's nostrils with two fingers and allow your dog to breathe through his mouth temporarily.
- Giving comfort
Gently comfort the dog and tell it not to be afraid, so that the dog can feel the owner's concern and support.
2.Medication
- Anti-allergy medication
If the reverse sneezing is related to allergy, you can consider using anti-allergy medication.
- Cough and asthma medication
For reverse sneezing caused by bronchitis, etc., cough suppressants and asthma medications can be used.
- Antibiotics
If there are signs of bacterial infection, antibiotics can be used for treatment.
3. Other Treatments
- Avoidance of irritant sources
Try to avoid your dog's exposure to irritant sources that may cause reverse sneezing, such as dust, pollen, perfume, etc.
- Nasal rinsing
Saline can be used to rinse your dog's nasal passages to remove secretions and irritants from the nasal passages.
- Surgical treatment
If the reverse sneezing is caused by nasal polyps, nasopharyngeal tumors, etc., surgical treatment may be required.
It should be noted that if your dog has frequent episodes of reverse sneezing that last for a long period of time or are accompanied by other unusual symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, vomiting, etc., you should take your dog to the veterinarian in a timely manner in order to determine the specific cause of the disease and treat it accordingly.
How to Take Care of Your Dog When Reverse Coughing?
1. General Care
- Observe the symptoms
Carefully observe the information about the frequency, duration and severity of your dog's reverse coughing episodes, as well as the environment and behavior during the episodes, so that you can accurately describe the condition to your veterinarian and help him to make a diagnosis when you seek medical attention.
- Avoid irritants
Try to avoid exposing your dog to known irritants such as pollen, dust, smoke, perfumes, and harsh chemicals. Reduce the amount of time your dog spends outdoors during pollen season or on days with poor air quality; keep indoor environments clean and use air purifiers or air fresheners to reduce airborne irritants; and avoid using harsh-smelling cleaning products or perfumes, etc.
- Lifestyle Adjustment
For dogs with reverse coughing due to excitement or exercise, it is important to properly control their level of excitement and amount of exercise, and avoid over-excitement and strenuous exercise. At the same time, pay attention to your dog's diet and avoid feeding too fast or too sharply to prevent food from choking into the nose or throat.
2.Environmental management
- Keep the air moist
Using a humidifier or placing a water bowl indoors to increase air humidity and keep the air moist will help relieve your dog's respiratory discomfort.
Provide a comfortable resting environment: Provide a warm, comfortable and quiet resting environment for your dog and avoid putting your dog in a cold, damp, noisy or poorly ventilated environment.
- Provide a comfortable resting environment
Provide a warm, comfortable and quiet resting environment for your dog and avoid leaving your dog in a cold, damp, noisy or poorly ventilated environment. You can put soft, warm mats inside your dog's den so that your dog can rest comfortably.
3. Dietary adjustments
- Increase water intake
Make sure your dog has enough water intake to keep the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract moist. You can provide fresh, clean water and encourage your dog to drink more. If your dog doesn't like water, try adding some low-sodium chicken or beef broth to the water to make it more appealing.
- Adjust the diet
Avoid feeding your dog foods that are too greasy, spicy and irritating to avoid aggravating the coughing symptoms. You can choose some light, easy to digest food, such as chicken, rice, vegetables, etc.. If the dog has a loss of appetite, you can eat less and more meals to ensure that the dog consumes enough nutrition.
4. Medication
- Follow the doctor's prescription for medication
If your veterinarian prescribes medication, such as anti-allergy medication, cough medication, antibiotics, etc., give your dog the medication in strict accordance with the doctor's instructions, including the dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment. Do not increase or decrease the dosage or stop the medication on your own, so as not to affect the therapeutic effect or lead to adverse reactions.
- Pay attention to the side effects of the medication
During the process of medication, closely observe the dog's reaction and pay attention to whether there are side effects of the medication, such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, mental depression and so on. If serious side effects or adverse reactions occur, inform your veterinarian promptly.
5. Seek medical attention in time
- Observe the change of condition
In the course of caring for your dog, closely observe the changes in your dog's condition. If your dog's reverse coughing symptoms continue unabated, worsen or develop other abnormal symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, vomiting, depression, etc., you should take your dog to the doctor promptly.
- Regular review
Follow your veterinarian's advice and take your dog for regular rechecks so that your veterinarian can understand how your dog is recovering and adjust the treatment plan in time.
When to See a Vet
If your dog’s reverse cough is persistent or worsening, it’s important to visit your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog:
- Has difficulty breathing or appears to be gasping for air.
- Is coughing up blood or having episodes of severe coughing.
- Is lethargic or not eating or drinking.
- Has blue or purple gums, which could indicate a lack of oxygen.
FAQs
Should I give my dog anything to soothe the reverse cough?
It’s best to consult with your vet before giving your dog any over-the-counter medications or home remedies. Cough suppressants may help, but they should only be used under veterinary guidance.
Can reverse cough be prevented?
To some extent, yes. Keeping your dog's environment clean and free from dust and irritants can help. Avoiding feeding your dog spicy or potentially irritating foods is also a good idea. Regular veterinary check - ups can help detect any underlying health conditions early, which may prevent the development of reverse coughs related to diseases.
Is reverse cough contagious?
Reverse coughing in dogs is usually not contagious. Reverse cough in dogs is usually caused by spasms in the throat or soft palate and is common in small dog breeds and short-nosed breeds such as Bulldogs, Migros, and Chihuahuas. This cough is usually caused by excitement, exercise, pollen, sudden changes in temperature, and a tight collar, rather than by a viral or bacterial infection.
Conclusion
Reverse coughing in dogs can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, ranging from collapsing trachea and kennel cough to heart disease and respiratory infections. While some causes are treatable with medications or lifestyle changes, others may require more intensive management. If your dog is experiencing a reverse cough, it’s important to seek veterinary care to determine the cause and ensure the appropriate treatment is administered.
By understanding the causes and symptoms of reverse coughing, you can help your dog get the treatment they need and improve their quality of life. If in doubt, always consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best course of action.
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