Coughing or Difficulty Breathing in Dogs

Pleural Effusion 

Fluid accumulation around the lungs can make it difficult for the lungs to expand.  

Signs may include: 

• ♦Rapid shallow breathing 
• ♦Difficulty lying down comfortably 
• ♦Neck extension while breathing 
• ♦Lethargy

Causes Include:. 

• ♦Neoplasia/Cancer: Tumors such as lymphoma or adenocarcinoma can cause fluid accumulation. 
• ♦Pyothorax (Infection): Accumulation of pus in the chest cavity, often due to infections or foreign bodies like grass awns. 
• ♦Chylothorax: A leakage of lymphatic fluid into the chest cavity. 
• ♦Hemothorax (Blood): Caused by trauma, rat poison ingestion, or clotting disorders. 
• ♦Hypoalbuminemia: Very low protein levels in the blood, which can cause fluid to leak out of vessels.
• ♦Lung Lobe Torsion: The twisting of a lung lobe, which is a critical condition. 
• ♦Diaphragmatic Hernia: A tear in the diaphragm, often caused by trauma 
• ♦Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): An uncommon cause,  sometimes seen with right-sided heart failure or heart base masses. 

Pulmonary Edema 

Fluid within the lungs themselves. Often associated with heart disease but may occur with other conditions.  

Signs include: 

• ♦Severe respiratory distress 
• ♦Crackles in the lungs 
• ♦Rapid breathing 
• ♦Anxiety or panic 

Causes include: 

• ♦Pulmonary edema is most commonly caused by severe left sided heart disease.  

Pulmonary Masses or Cancer 

Masses in the lungs or chest can cause: 

• ♦Chronic cough 
• ♦Weight loss 
• ♦Exercise intolerance 
• ♦Increased breathing effort 

Allergic or Inflammatory Disease 

Some dogs develop inflammatory airway disease or allergic reactions causing: 

• ♦Wheezing 
• ♦Coughing 
• ♦Increased respiratory effort 
• ♦Seasonal worsening 

Foreign Body or Choking 

Grass awns, toys, bones, or other material may obstruct the airway. Signs may include: 

• ♦Sudden coughing or gagging 
• ♦Pawing at mouth 
• ♦Distress or panic 
• ♦Difficulty breathing