If your English Bulldog is coughing, Keep your dog calm and comfortable. Coughing can be distressing for your dog, so Provide a quiet, comfortable place to rest. English Bulldogs are known for their attractive personalities and loyal companionship but can also be prone to specific health issues. Coughing is the most common problem that English Bulldogs face. It can be caused by various factors, ranging from allergies to respiratory infections. There are multiple health problems, some more common and severe than others. When your dog has trouble breathing, or the gums and tongue appear blue or purple, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Let’s look at the common causes of coughing and what to do if you’re concerned.
Kennel Cough
Kennel Cough is a highly infectious respiratory infection that affects dogs. A combination of viruses and bacteria causes it and can spread quickly through the air or contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of Kennel Cough are a dry hacking cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, and fever. Left untreated, it can lead to more severe complications such as pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
Problems With The Lungs Or Respiratory Tract
Coughing is a prevalent symptom amongst Dogs suffering from pulmonary disorders. It is a symptom of many respiratory illnesses ranging from a mild annoyance to a severe condition affecting daily life, with various lung or respiratory tract diseases. Multiple factors, including allergies, infections, environmental irritants, and cancer, can cause it. Unfortunately, it can also cause long-term lung damage, making it essential to understand the causes and treatments of coughing.
Fungal Infections
Coughing is a common symptom of many medical issues in dogs, and various things can cause it. One of the more severe causes of coughing in dogs is a fungal infection, which can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Fungal infections in dogs are caused by many fungi, including the Aspergillus and Candida species, that can lead to severe respiratory distress and even be fatal if not treated promptly and correctly.
Distemper
A viral disease affecting dogs’ respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It is highly transferable and can be fatal if left untreated. Unfortunately, many pet owners are unaware of the signs and symptoms of distemper and may not realize their pet is sick until it is too late. If you feel your dog has been exposed to canine distemper or is showing symptoms you must contact your veterinarian immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment, such as coughing, sneezing, fever, or lethargy.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a severe and potentially fatal condition that affects dogs through the parasitic worm Dirofilaria immitis, which is spread through mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites a contaminated animal, it ingests microfilariae, which are immature heartworms. These microfilariae then develop into infective larvae within the mosquito, and when the mosquito bites another dog, it can transmit the larvae into the dog’s bloodstream.
Once inside the dog’s body, the larvae migrate to the heart and lungs, developing into adult worms growing up to a foot in length. Adult worms can cause damage to the heart and lungs, leading to symptoms such as coughing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs, is one condition that can cause coughing in dogs. It can cause various symptoms, including coughing, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. While a virus or bacteria can cause it and is often caused by a combination of both, we should be aware of the signs and symptoms of pneumonia to get your dog the treatment they need as soon as possible.
Laryngeal Paralysis
When the nerves that control the larynx muscles (voice box) are injured, laryngeal paralysis occurs, making it unable to extend the larynx fully. It can cause coughing in dogs and has been linked to collapsing trachea, dyspnea, and other respiratory issues. Coughing can be an alarming symptom in dogs, the first indicator that something is wrong. This condition is caused by a nerve disorder that affects the larynx or voice box, which can cause a wide range of respiratory symptoms.
Chronic Bronchitis And Pharyngitis
Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi. It is usually caused by long-term exposure to environmental irritants such as smoke, dust, and pollen, which are the tubes that connect the lungs to the nose and mouth. This inflammation can cause a persistent cough and even lead to difficulty breathing. Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the throat caused by a bacterial or viral infection. It can affect any breed of dog, which is particularly prone to developing pharyngitis due to its unique anatomy.
Is Your Dog Coughing Up Blood?
Seeing your bulldog coughing up blood can be a frightening experience. Coughing up blood, or hemoptysis, is a symptom of a wide range of underlying medical conditions, some of which can be life-threatening. If you notice your bulldog coughing up blood, it is essential to take them to the vet as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment plan, and it is also necessary to be aware of what could be causing the problem.
What Should I Do If My Dog Is Coughing?
Do not give your dog human cough medicine. Over-the-counter cough medicines can be dangerous for dogs and should only be given under the guidance of a veterinarian. If your dog is suffering from high coughing, it is vital to take them to the vet for an examination as soon as possible. High coughing can be caused by various conditions, including infections, foreign bodies, and even cancer. Your vet can diagnose the underlying cause and provide treatment to help your dog feel better.
