Dog Hacking Cough: Causes, Symptoms & How to Help (Expert Guide)

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Dog Hacking Cough

We at Milo Naturals know how worrying a dog hacking cough can be, especially when it sounds harsh, sudden, or persistent. Many owners search “dog hacking cough” because it often sounds like choking or gagging. While some causes are mild, others require more attention.

In this guide, we explain what a dog hacking cough means, the most common causes, when it’s serious, and how you can support your dog’s respiratory health naturally.

What Is a Dog Hacking Cough?

A dog hacking cough is a dry, forceful cough often caused by irritation in the throat or upper airways. It may sound like a dog trying to clear something stuck or producing short repetitive coughs.

This type of cough is often linked to:

  • Kennel cough

  • Irritants

  • Tracheal sensitivity

  • Respiratory infections

Top Causes of a Dog Hacking Cough

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1. Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

Kennel cough is the leading cause of a dog hacking cough. It’s typically caused by a combination of Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus, both of which inflame the trachea.

Common signs:

  • Persistent, dry hacking cough

  • Gagging or retching

  • Worse with excitement

  • Normal appetite and behaviour in mild cases

Kennel cough is highly contagious and common in dog parks, groomers, boarding facilities, and vet clinics.

Dogs recovering from kennel cough often benefit from gentle airway-calming support such as mullein or marshmallow root, which are found in our Milo Naturals Respiratory Support.

👉 Check Out Milo Naturals Respiratory Support

2. Allergies or Environmental Irritants

Dogs can react strongly to allergens and airborne irritants. When the throat and nasal passages become inflamed, a dog hacking cough can develop — especially during seasonal shifts.

Common irritants include:

  • Pollen and grass

  • Dust or dust mites

  • Perfumes, cleaners, deodorising sprays

  • Smoke

  • Dry or cold air

Dogs with environmental sensitivity may cough more indoors or during weather changes.
This is one of the most common situations where owners choose Milo Naturals Respiratory Support to keep their dog’s airways more settled during peak allergy times.

👉 Check Out Milo Naturals Respiratory Support

3. Collapsing Trachea (Small Breeds)

This condition occurs when the tracheal cartilage weakens, causing part of the airway to collapse briefly during breathing. It is most common in small breeds such as Yorkies, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas and Pugs.

Symptoms include:

  • A loud goose-like hacking cough

  • Coughing when pressure is applied to the neck

  • Coughing after drinking water

  • Episodes that worsen with excitement

While not curable, it can be managed with lifestyle changes, weight control, reducing stress triggers, and ongoing airway support.

4. Respiratory Infections (Viral or Bacterial)

Dogs can develop upper and lower respiratory infections that trigger a hacking cough. These may include influenza-like viruses or bacterial infections.

Signs include:

  • A deeper, wetter cough

  • Thick nasal discharge

  • Fever

  • Lethargy

  • Reduced appetite

Severe or wet coughs require veterinary attention. After recovery, dogs may still cough due to residual throat irritation.

5. Heart Disease

A dog hacking cough at night or after lying down can indicate heart-related issues — especially in older dogs. When the heart struggles to pump properly, fluid can build near the lungs, triggering coughing.

Other signs include:

  • Faster breathing at rest

  • Reduced energy

  • Exercise intolerance

  • A swollen belly (fluid retention)

Heart-related coughing always requires a vet check, but catching it early dramatically improves long-term outcomes.

If you're dog is just coughing and not hacking, feel free to check this blog post out: Why is my dog coughing?

How to Care for a Dog Hacking Cough at Home

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✔ Switch to a harness instead of a collar

Reduces pressure on the airways.

✔ Run a humidifier

Humidity helps soothe an irritated trachea.

✔ Avoid smoke, aerosols, and strong scents

Irritants can worsen coughing.

✔ Let your dog rest

Over-excitement triggers more coughing.

✔ Support respiratory comfort naturally

Botanicals like mullein, marshmallow root, cordyceps and Tiger Milk Mushroom (featured in Milo Naturals Respiratory Support) may help soothe irritated airways.

Natural Respiratory Support for a Dog Hacking Cough


A hacking cough often leaves the throat inflamed and sensitive. Our Milo Naturals Respiratory Support blend was formulated to help keep airways comfortable using traditionally trusted botanicals:

🌿 Tiger Milk Mushroom

Supports healthy lung function and respiratory balance.

🍄 Cordyceps militaris

Helps maintain oxygen efficiency and comfortable breathing.

🌱 Mullein Leaf

Known for soothing dry, persistent coughing.

🍃 Nettle Leaf

Supports calm airways during irritation or allergy flare-ups.

🌸 Marshmallow Root

Coats and comforts the throat, helping reduce coughing frequency.

Not a replacement for veterinary care — but excellent for supporting recovery and long-term airway comfort.

👉 Check Out Milo Naturals Respiratory Support

When to See a Vet for a Dog Hacking Cough

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Seek veterinary help if:

  • The cough lasts longer than 2 weeks

  • It becomes wet or phlegmy

  • Your dog struggles to breathe

  • Your dog coughs mostly at night

  • There is lethargy or appetite loss

Always err on the side of caution — especially with older dogs.

FAQ: Dog Hacking Cough

1. What causes a dog hacking cough?

Most commonly kennel cough, irritants, allergies, infections, or tracheal issues.

2. Is a dog hacking cough serious?

Often mild but can indicate something serious if breathing becomes difficult or lethargy appears.

3. How can I soothe my dog’s hacking cough?

Humidifiers, avoiding irritants, rest, a harness, and natural airway support.

4. When should I see a vet?

If the cough worsens, becomes wet, or affects breathing.

References

  • Kennel Cough – Merck Veterinary Manual (Pet Owners / Dog Owners)
    MSD Veterinary Manual

  • Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (Kennel Cough) – AVMA
    AVMA

  • Tiger Milk Mushroom Airway Study – Frontiers in Pharmacology (Full Article)
    Frontiers