Why Is My Dog or Cat Coughing? Common Causes, When to Worry, and How to Support Their Respiratory Health

If your dog or cat has developed a cough, it's natural to be concerned. While an occasional cough may be harmless, persistent coughing, throat irritation or noisy breathing can sometimes indicate an underlying problem that needs veterinary attention.

Respiratory conditions can affect pets of any age, from young puppies with kennel cough to senior dogs with age-related airway changes. Understanding the possible causes can help you seek appropriate treatment early and provide supportive care during recovery.

In This Article

• Why is my dog coughing?
• Why is my cat coughing?
• What does kennel cough sound like?
• What causes a collapsed trachea?
• Can dogs cough because of allergies?
• How can I support my pet's immune system?
• Natural ways to support respiratory health in dogs and cats
• When should I see my veterinarian?

Why is my dog coughing?

A cough is the body's natural way of helping clear the airways. It doesn't always mean a serious illness, but it should never be ignored if it persists.

Some of the most common reasons dogs cough include:

• Kennel cough
• Viral respiratory infections
• Bacterial respiratory infections
• Partially collapsed trachea
• Chronic bronchitis
• Environmental irritants such as smoke or dust
• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Allergies affecting the airways

If your dog's cough lasts more than a few days, becomes frequent, or is accompanied by lethargy, breathing difficulty or loss of appetite, it's important to have them examined by your veterinarian ASAP, but there is also a place for using herbals to prevent, support and boost respiratory health. 

Why is my cat coughing?

Cats tend to cough less often than dogs, so when they do, it's worth paying attention.

Possible causes include:

• Respiratory infections
• Feline asthma
• Airway inflammation
• Lung infections
• Allergies
• Foreign material inhaled into the airway

Because coughing in cats is less common, any persistent or recurring cough should be assessed by your veterinarian. Many of our customers use the throat and lung support during change of season in multi cat households, as they report that it can ward off viruses. If your cat has asthma, combing the throat and lung support with the skin allergy support can be a way to naturally support their lung health (along with vet meds when required).

What does kennel cough sound like?

Kennel cough often causes a harsh, dry, hacking cough that many owners describe as sounding like their dog has something stuck in their throat.

Some dogs may:

• Cough after excitement or exercise
• Gag after coughing
• Produce a retching sound
• Continue eating and behaving normally despite coughing

Although many cases are mild, puppies, elderly dogs and pets with weakened immune systems may require closer veterinary monitoring.

What is a partially collapsed trachea?

A partially collapsed trachea occurs when the cartilage supporting the windpipe gradually weakens, allowing the airway to narrow.

It is especially common in small breeds such as:

• Yorkshire Terriers
• Pomeranians
• Chihuahuas
• Toy Poodles
• Maltese

Signs may include:

• A goose-honk cough
• Coughing when excited
• Coughing after pulling on the lead
• Exercise intolerance
• Noisy breathing

While this condition requires veterinary diagnosis and management, many owners also look for herbal support to help maintain normal respiratory health alongside their veterinarian's treatment plan.

Can allergies make dogs cough?

Yes.

Environmental allergies may contribute to irritation of the upper airways in some dogs.

Common triggers include:

• Pollens
• Dust
• Smoke
• Mould
• Household cleaning products

Reducing exposure to irritants and supporting overall immune health may help maintain healthy respiratory function.

How can I support my pet's respiratory health naturally?

Good respiratory health starts with:

• A balanced diet
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Avoiding cigarette smoke and airborne irritants
• Regular veterinary check-ups
• Supporting normal immune function
• Keeping vaccinations up to date where appropriate

Many pet owners also choose herbal supplements traditionally used to support healthy respiratory and immune function.

Herbs traditionally used to support throat, lung and immune health

At Natural Pet Supplements, our Throat & Lung Support has been formulated for both dogs and cats using carefully selected herbs traditionally used in Western herbal medicine.

Key ingredients include:

Echinacea

Traditionally used to support normal immune system function and healthy immune responses. Makes infection less likely to spread and intensify.

Mullein

One of the best-known traditional herbs for supporting respiratory health. Mullein has long been used to help soothe irritated airways and support normal lung function.

Thyme

Traditionally used to support respiratory health and healthy microbial balance within the upper respiratory tract.

Ginger

Traditionally used to circulate the other herbs to the lower respiratory tract. Supports healthy circulation and normal inflammatory responses. Also lowers nausea from a constant cough.

Baical Skullcap

Traditionally used in herbal medicine to support healthy immune function and maintain normal inflammatory pathways. Also lowers histamine release, making seasonal flare ups less intense.

Thuja

Traditionally included in herbal formulations designed to support healthy immune responses during seasonal respiratory challenges.

Together, these herbs provide nutritional support for healthy respiratory function while complementing your veterinarian's treatment plan.

Supporting the immune system during respiratory challenges

The immune system plays an important role in helping pets respond to everyday environmental challenges.

Our Immune Support formula has been developed to provide additional nutritional support for normal immune function in both dogs and cats and pairs well with Throat & Lung Support when extra immune support is desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dog coughing but acting completely normal?

Some respiratory conditions, including kennel cough, may cause frequent coughing while your dog otherwise appears bright and active. Persistent coughing should still be assessed by your veterinarian.

Why does my dog cough after drinking water?

This may occur due to throat irritation, airway sensitivity, or conditions affecting the trachea. If it happens regularly, speak with your veterinarian.

Why does my dog cough more at night?

Night-time coughing can have several causes, including airway irritation, respiratory disease or heart disease. Veterinary assessment is recommended if it continues.

My dog sounds like they have something stuck in their throat.

A dry hacking cough, gagging or retching can occur with kennel cough or other airway conditions, but foreign objects and other medical conditions should also be ruled out.

Can cats get respiratory infections?

Yes. Cats can develop upper respiratory infections that may cause sneezing, nasal discharge, noisy breathing or coughing.

Is Throat & Lung Support suitable for cats?

Yes. Our Throat & Lung Support has been formulated for both dogs and cats.

Products that may help support your pet

If you're looking to provide nutritional support alongside your veterinarian's advice, these products are commonly chosen together:

Throat & Lung Support – Formulated to support normal throat, airway and respiratory health in dogs and cats using traditional herbal ingredients including Echinacea, Mullein, Thyme, Ginger, Baical Skullcap and Thuja.

Immune Support – Designed to support healthy immune system function and complement your pet's overall wellbeing, particularly during times when additional immune support is desired.

When should you see your veterinarian?

Seek veterinary advice promptly if your pet:

• Has difficulty breathing
• Has blue or pale gums
• Is coughing up blood
• Becomes lethargic
• Stops eating
• Has a cough lasting more than a few days
• Has recurring coughing episodes
• Is a young puppy, kitten or elderly pet with respiratory symptoms

Early diagnosis is always the best approach to protecting your pet's health.

Looking for natural respiratory support for your dog or cat?

Explore our Throat & Lung Support for herbal support of healthy respiratory function, or pair it with our Immune Support formula to provide additional support for normal immune system function. Both formulations are suitable for dogs and cats and are designed to be used alongside professional veterinary care. If there is allergies/asthma, pair the Throat and Lung Support with the skin allergy support to lower histamine production and support lung health.