Dog Coughing Like Something Is Stuck: Complete Guide to Kennel Cough and Respiratory Infections

When your dog makes a dry coughing sound that seems like something is stuck in their throat, pet owners often worry about foreign object ingestion. However, this "hacking" cough is typically a classic symptom of kennel cough. Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease, similar to the common cold in humans. In most cases, it's not serious, but understanding symptom characteristics and care methods helps you determine when to seek veterinary attention.

## What Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough's official name is Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), also commonly called infectious tracheobronchitis. It's a respiratory infection caused by multiple viruses and bacteria, with Bordetella bronchiseptica being the most common pathogen, along with parainfluenza virus and adenovirus.

Transmission occurs mainly through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated items. High-risk environments include dog parks, grooming salons, and boarding facilities where dogs gather.

## Typical Symptoms of Kennel Cough

The most distinctive feature is the sound of the cough:

* Dry, loud, single coughs
* Sound resembling a "goose honk" or a "hacking" noise like something is stuck
* Often followed by gagging after intense coughing
* May produce white foam (often mistaken for vomiting)

Other possible symptoms include:

1. Mild runny nose or sneezing
2. Eye discharge
3. Generally normal energy and appetite (in mild cases)
4. Incubation period of approximately 1 to 8 days

## Kennel Cough vs. Other Cough Causes

Dogs cough for various reasons. Here's how to differentiate:

* **Foreign object obstruction**: Persistent gagging and attempts to expel after swallowing sharp objects, usually with obvious distress
* **Tracheal collapse**: Common in small breeds (like Pomeranians and Yorkies), produces a goose-honk breathing sound that worsens with exercise or excitement
* **Heart disease**: Common cause of dry coughing in senior dogs, with dry, prolonged coughs most frequent in early morning and late night

If coughing persists beyond two weeks, or is accompanied by breathing difficulties or decreased energy, further examination is needed.

## Home Care and Recovery

For adult dogs with normal immunity, mild kennel cough typically resolves within 7 to 21 days. Key home care points:

* Allow plenty of rest and avoid strenuous exercise
* Ensure adequate water intake
* Use a humidifier or let your dog breathe bathroom steam to soothe airways
* Suspend outings and contact with other dogs for at least two weeks
* Switch from collar to harness to avoid irritating the trachea

## When to Seek Veterinary Care

Seek immediate veterinary attention if:

* Fever or noticeably decreased energy
* Complete refusal to eat
* Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
* Nasal discharge becomes yellow-green and purulent
* Puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with chronic conditions become infected

These may be warning signs of progression to pneumonia, requiring veterinary evaluation for antibiotics or other treatment.

## Prevention Measures

The kennel cough vaccine (Bordetella vaccine) is currently the most effective prevention method. While it cannot block infection completely, it reduces the likelihood of illness and severity of symptoms. It's especially recommended for dogs that frequently visit places where dogs gather.

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**References:**
* https://heromamapet.com/blog/kennel-cough/
* https://www.sbm9e.com/blogs/dr喵小教室/108222
* https://www.dogcatstar.com/blog/dog-cough-causes/
* https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/respiratory/kennel-cough-dogs
* https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-complex-kennel-cough

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