What does old dog coughing mean and is it something to worry about? We explain why senior dogs may cough and what to do when this happens.
Your old dog started coughing more than it used to, with a few gags thrown in as well, but is that something for you to worry about?
Generally speaking, dogs don’t cough unless there’s a problem. This is especially true for older dogs, so you should always keep an ear out for the first signs of your pet spluttering or coughing away.
What does it mean and why is your old dog coughing? Many factors come into the equation, so let’s learn more.
Recognising Coughing in Senior Dogs
It’s sometimes difficult to determine if your senior dog is coughing or just making normal dog noises - especially if their bark sounds like a cough. You need to recognise when they are coughing as it’s usually done as a protective measure. They cough because something is either stuck in their throat or irritating their respiratory system.
It’s not nice for them, so here are some key things to look for:
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Your dog starts making a hacking or gagging sound
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There’s sometimes saliva or fluid that comes up when they make a coughing sound
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Their body and chest move a lot more than when they bark
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They may wheeze between coughs
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There can sometimes be a honking sound
Most importantly, look at your dog when you hear anything that sounds like it could be a cough. You can gauge by their reaction whether this is a genuine cough or just a bark. If they look distressed or are approaching you for help, then it’s a cough.
Common Causes of Coughing in Old Dogs
We know your main question is this: Why is my old dog coughing and gagging? You’re worried because they look like they’re in pain or generally seem unlike themselves. You also want to know what’s wrong with them so you can get treatment.
There’s a chance your senior dog coughs simply because they’re getting older and the muscles within their throat relax a bit and cause irritation. It’s also extremely possible for senior dogs to start developing allergies later in life; this is down to their immune system weakening with age. These coughs are less persistent and physical - an allergic cough also gets better when your dog moves away from triggers.
On the other hand, you have to face the simple reality that senior dogs develop health conditions. Some of these can cause persistent coughing and gagging, such as:
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Chronic Bronchitis
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General Lung Conditions
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Heart Disease
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Laryngeal Paralysis
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Tracheal Collapse
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Lung Cancer
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Respiratory Infections
When to Worry About Your Dog's Cough
Most of the common causes listed above are serious and demand immediate attention from a vet. Does that mean you should automatically worry when you hear your dog cough for the first time?
No. Any dog can cough now and then to clear their throat. Senior dogs may even do this more frequently because they don’t swallow as well as they used to. That being said, it’s time to worry about your old dog’s cough when any of the following start happening:
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It’s a consistent cough that lingers for more than a week
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They’re wheezing or having difficulty breathing while they cough
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Your dog keeps coughing up fluid
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Their cough is so bad that it wakes them and prevents sleep
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They exhibit other symptoms alongside coughing - weight loss, weight gain, lack of appetite, depression, etc.
Any of these signs suggests your dog is suffering from some sort of medical condition and will require proper help.
Treating Cough in Elderly Canines
The only way to treat a cough in senior dogs is through a veterinary diagnosis. Take them to your vet so they can run tests and undergo X-rays. This will then determine the best course of action - which usually involves specific medications to deal with the underlying medical condition causing the cough.
Never give your pet any human medication or give them animal medication unless prescribed by your vet.
While your vet deals with the medication side of things, you can help your dog at home by making life as relaxing as possible for them. It’s also worth helping them lose weight or avoid gaining too much weight because being overweight makes coughing worse. When you walk your dog, switch to a harness instead of a collar; collars put too much pressure on their neck region and make coughs worse.
Managing Night-Time Coughing in Senior Dogs
Much of the nighttime management comes from any medication your vet prescribes. They are likely to give your dog something that helps them sleep at night so they don’t wake up coughing the whole time.
In addition to this, you should try these simple tips that do a great job of restricting any cough triggers:
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Give your dog an elevated sleeping position so their chest is raised
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Run a humidifier or air purifier to keep the air clean and moist
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Make sure the temperature isn’t too hot or cold
Effective Home Remedies for Dog Cough
Water is the best home remedy for a dog’s cough. Make sure they drink as much as possible to moisturise their airways and get rid of any irritants. As mentioned above, you could also use a humidifier to inject more moisture into their air. Dry air triggers coughs while moist air can make it easier for a dog to breathe.
There aren’t many “home remedies” in terms of things you can feed your dog, apart from honey. It’s the only thing that’s safe for your dog to eat and will soothe their throat - which gets really inflamed and irritated due to all the coughing.
So there you have it; this guide should show you why your old dog keeps coughing and when you should worry about it. Keep an eye out for a persistent cough that doesn’t clear up or get better within a few days. That’s when you need to call the vet so they can check your dog over and diagnose the situation. When you know why your dog’s coughing, you can treat it so they’re able to live a better and more pain-free life.
About Pawable
Here at Pawable, we’re passionate about helping senior dogs enjoy more comfort and mobility in their later years. Our unique collagen for dogs blend is designed to support healthy joints, soothe stiffness, and keep those precious moments—like longer walks, easier playtime, and more adventures together—part of everyday life.