Dog Cough at Night
We at Milo Naturals know how worrying it is when your dog coughs at night, especially when it interrupts their sleep — and yours. Night-time coughing often feels more serious because it’s quieter, dogs are lying down, and the cough can sound deeper or more intense. Many owners search “dog cough at night” wondering if it’s normal, a sign of illness, or something that needs immediate care.
In this guide, we break down the most common causes of dog coughing at night, when you should contact a vet, and the natural ways to support your dog’s airways — including how our upcoming Milo Naturals Respiratory Support may help soothe throat and airway irritation.
Why Does My Dog Cough at Night? Top Causes
A night-time cough usually means something in the airways, throat, heart, or environment changes when your dog lies down or relaxes. Here are the top reasons:
1. Kennel Cough (Very Common in Night Coughing)
Kennel cough is a leading cause of dog coughing at night, especially if the cough is dry, hacking, or in repeated fits.
Signs include:
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Coughing more when excitement rises
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Normal energy in mild cases
Why worse at night?
When your dog lies down, mucus shifts, and the trachea is more easily irritated — triggering coughing fits.
👉 We have built a respiratory support specifically for dogs to help prevent this: Milo Naturals Respiratory Support
2. Heart Disease (Night Coughing Red Flag)
A dog coughing at night or early morning can be a classic sign of heart-related coughing, especially in older dogs.
Why it happens:
When lying down, fluid can accumulate around the lungs, putting pressure on the airways and triggering a cough.
Other signs include:
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Breathing fast at rest
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Reduced stamina
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Occasional fainting
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Distended abdomen
If you suspect this → call a vet promptly.
3. Collapsing Trachea (Small Breeds)
This condition causes airway collapse during breathing and is common in:
Yorkies, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Pugs, French Bulldogs.
Night coughing happens because:
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Airway pressure changes when lying down
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The throat becomes more sensitive
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Cooler night air can irritate the trachea
You may hear a goose-like hacking cough.
4. Allergies & Irritants in the Home
Dogs experience nighttime coughing due to allergens trapped indoors:
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Dust or dust mites
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Carpet fibres
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Bedding materials
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Dry air (especially with heating)
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Cleaning spray residue
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Scented candles or diffusers
If your dog sleeps in your room or bed, environmental irritation can spike at night.
5. Respiratory Infections
Viral or bacterial infections (other than kennel cough) can worsen at night.
What to look for:
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Wet or phlegmy cough
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Nasal discharge
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Fever
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Low appetite
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Tiredness
Night coughing is often one of the earliest symptoms.
Why Dogs Cough More at Night
Coughing at night happens because:
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Dogs are lying down → mucus/drainage shifts
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The airway relaxes → easier irritation
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Cooler, drier air enters the throat
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No distractions → coughing episodes feel more intense
It doesn’t always mean something serious — but it does mean the airway is irritated.
How to Help a Dog That Coughs at Night
✔ Run a humidifier
Moist air reduces throat irritation and coughing fits.
✔ Switch to a harness
Avoid pulling on the throat, especially before bedtime.
✔ Provide a respiratory support for dogs to help combat it
Certain herbs provide a natural defence against dog coughing, and respiratory related issues.
✔ Clean bedding regularly
Reduces allergens that trigger night coughing.
✔ Ventilate the sleeping space
Fresh air = fewer irritants.
✔ Avoid candles, diffusers, aerosols
Sensitive dogs react strongly to scents at night.
Natural Support for Dogs Who Cough at Night
A dog coughing at night usually has airway inflammation, throat irritation, or sensitivity to allergens.
This is where natural respiratory support can help.
Milo Naturals Respiratory Support includes:
✔ Tiger Milk Mushroom — supports lung comfort and respiratory balance
✔ Cordyceps — helps maintain healthy breathing & oxygen levels
✔ Mullein Leaf — one of the best herbs for soothing dry coughing
✔ Nettle Leaf — ideal for allergy-related night coughing
✔ Marshmallow Root — coats the throat to reduce irritation overnight
Not a replacement for vet treatment — but excellent for recovery phases, mild cases, or chronic airway sensitivity.
👉Buy Milo Naturals Respiratory Support which includes all these powerful ingredients!
When to See a Vet for Night-Time Coughing
Contact a vet if:
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The cough lasts more than 1–2 weeks
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Your dog struggles to breathe
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Night coughing disrupts sleep daily
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The cough becomes wet or productive
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Your dog is elderly or has a heart murmur
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There is lethargy, fever, or appetite loss
Night coughing is more concerning than daytime coughing — so always check if unsure.
FAQ: Dog Cough at Night
1. Why does my dog cough more at night?
Changes in posture, airflow, and throat sensitivity make coughing worse at night.
2. What causes night time coughing in dogs?
Kennel cough, heart disease, allergies, infections, or tracheal issues.
3. Is a dog coughing at night serious?
Sometimes. If persistent or paired with breathing issues, contact a vet.
4. How can I help my dog stop coughing at night?
Humidity, rest, clean bedding, avoiding irritants, and soothing airway support.
5. Can natural supplements help?
Yes — botanicals like mullein, marshmallow root, cordyceps and Tiger Milk Mushroom may help calm night coughing, you can our all natural support with these ingredients here: respiratory support for dogs.
References
AVMA – Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (Kennel Cough)
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-complex-kennel-cough
Frontiers in Pharmacology – Tiger Milk Mushroom Respiratory Study
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00461/full
PubMed – Verbascum thapsus (Mullein) Respiratory Support Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16222647