Why Is My Dog Coughing? Causes, Remedies, When to Worry (Expert Guide)

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Why Is My Dog Coughing?

If you’re searching “Why is my dog coughing?”, you’re not alone. Coughing in dogs is one of the most common concerns pet owners bring to vets.

Some causes are mild and temporary… others require fast attention. In this guide, we at Milo Naturals break down exactly why your dog may be coughing, what signs to look for, and natural ways to support your dog’s respiratory system—especially as we release our new Milo Naturals Respiratory Support formula featuring Tiger Milk Mushroom, Nettle Leaf, Cordyceps, Mullein Leaf, Marshmallow Root, and delicious natural bacon flavouring.

Why Is My Dog Coughing? Top Possible Causes

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1. Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

If you’re asking “why is my dog coughing like a goose honk?”, kennel cough is the number-one culprit.

Symptoms include:

  • Dry, hacking cough

  • Worse at night or after excitement

  • Sometimes mild nasal discharge

Kennel cough often clears on its own, though respiratory support supplements—like Milo Naturals Respiratory Support—may help soothe the throat and lungs during recovery.

2. Allergies & Environmental Irritants

Dust, pollen, mould, smoke, cleaning products, and even candles can trigger coughing.
If you’re wondering why is my dog coughing indoors, this is highly likely.

Common signs:

  • Throat clearing

  • Watery eyes

  • Sneezing

  • Itchy skin

Ingredients like nettle leaf and mullein leaf are well-known in herbal wellness for supporting clear airways and a calmer respiratory response.

3. Collapsing Trachea

Common in small breeds: Yorkies, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Pugs, Shih Tzus.

Typical signs:

  • Goose-honk cough

  • Coughing when pulling on a lead

  • Episodes during excitement

Although it requires vet involvement, many owners find ongoing respiratory support helpful for comfort—especially ingredients like marshmallow root, known for soothing throat tissues.

4. Heart Conditions

If you're asking "why is my dog coughing at night?", heart-related coughing is a possibility.

Look for:

  • Coughing after rest

  • Low stamina

  • Heavy breathing

This requires professional veterinary care. Respiratory-supportive ingredients such as Cordyceps and Tiger Milk Mushroom may complement recovery by supporting oxygen efficiency and lung comfort, part of the reason we added it into our supplement.

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5. Pneumonia or Lung Infections

These are more serious.

Symptoms include:

  • Wet, phlegmy cough

  • Fever

  • Loss of appetite

  • Rapid breathing

Always contact a vet immediately if these signs appear. Milo Naturals Respiratory Support is not a replacement for treatment, but may be used later for ongoing lung and immune support as your dog recovers.

6. Foreign Objects

Grass seeds, dust, or even food can trigger sudden coughing fits.

If your dog is coughing suddenly and violently, see a vet quickly.

7. Reverse Sneezing

Often mistaken for coughing.

It sounds like:

  • Snorting

  • Gagging

  • Rapid, loud inhaling

It’s caused by an irritation in the soft palate and is generally harmless.

Natural Ingredients That Help Support a Dog’s Respiratory System

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Our new Milo Naturals Respiratory Support formula was vetenary crafted for dogs who experience coughing from common causes like allergies, seasonal irritants, dryness, or throat tickles.

Here’s why pet owners love it:

Tiger Milk Mushroom

Supports respiratory function, immune resilience, and overall lung comfort.

Cordyceps

Commonly used for oxygen uptake, stamina, and lung performance—great for dogs who cough during activity.

Nettle Leaf

Excellent for environmental allergies and irritated airways.

Mullein Leaf

Traditionally used for clear breathing, soothing airways, and helping dogs feel more comfortable.

Marshmallow Root

Known for its throat-soothing, mucus-supporting comfort.

All delivered in a natural bacon flavour that dogs love.

When to See a Vet About Your Dog’s Cough

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Seek immediate veterinary care if:

  • Your dog is coughing AND struggling to breathe

  • Coughing lasts longer than 7–10 days

  • There’s blood in the cough

  • Your dog is very lethargic

  • You suspect pneumonia or heart issues

For mild or occasional coughing caused by irritation, dryness, or allergies, gentle support options like Milo Naturals Respiratory Support can be incredibly helpful.

How Milo Naturals Respiratory Support Helps Dogs Who Cough

If you keep searching “why is my dog coughing?” but the cause is mild, seasonal, or environmental, our respiratory formula may support:

✔ Clearer, calmer airways
✔ Throat comfort
✔ Seasonal respiratory ease
✔ Improved oxygen and lung support
✔ Dogs who experience dry coughing or irritation

And because it tastes like bacon, dogs take it willingly.

👉 Buy Milo Naturals Respiratory Support Here: Shop Now

FAQ: Why Is My Dog Coughing? (Short Version)

1. Why is my dog coughing?

Common causes include kennel cough, allergies, throat irritation, dry air, or excitement. If coughing is mild, natural support like Milo Naturals Respiratory Support (Tiger Milk Mushroom, Cordyceps, Mullein Leaf, Nettle Leaf, Marshmallow Root) may help soothe the airways.

2. Why is my dog coughing at night?

Night coughing can be caused by heart issues, dry indoor air, or kennel cough. If it happens daily, speak to your vet.

3. Why is my dog coughing like something is stuck?

This may be reverse sneezing or throat irritation. If the cough is continuous, sudden, or your dog seems distressed, get urgent vet care.

4. When should I worry about my dog’s cough?

Seek a vet if the cough lasts more than a week, becomes wet or phlegmy, affects breathing, or comes with lethargy or fever.

5. Can supplements help with coughing?

For mild irritation or seasonal triggers, yes. The botanicals in Milo Naturals Respiratory Support may help calm and support the respiratory system naturally.

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