Dog coughs at night – could it be a heart condition?

📞 Appointment booking for cardiac examinations: 010 739 9130

📍 Sacrum Animal Hospital, Porttisuontie 13, 01200 Vantaa

Quick answer: A cough isn't always caused by the heart, but nighttime coughing, fatigue during exertion, or shortness of breath can be signs of heart disease. If symptoms persist, the heart should be examined.

A dog's cough can be caused by many things: respiratory infection, throat irritation, tracheal problems, lung- or heart disease. The most important thing for an owner is to recognize when a symptom requires examination.

When to see a vet?

Contact a veterinarian if any of the following apply:

• The cough persists for several days or worsens.
• The dog coughs particularly at night or at rest.
• The dog tires more quickly on walks than before.
• Resting respiration has increased.
• The dog is known to have a heart murmur.

What could be causing the symptom?

1. Heart disease

Heart disease can cause coughing and reduced exercise tolerance.

2. Kennel cough or respiratory infection

Kennel cough is often sudden and can sound like severe gagging.

3. Tracheal collapse

In small dogs, tracheal problems can cause a dry, honking or hacking cough.

What can you do at home?

• Monitor when the cough occurs.
• Avoid strenuous exercise if your dog gets out of breath.
• Call the vet if the cough is accompanied by fatigue or difficulty breathing.

What happens at the vet?

An echocardiogram provides information about the heart's structure and function. If necessary, X-rays and blood tests are also performed.

Sacrum Animal Hospital can help

If you are unsure about the severity of the symptom, it's better to contact us than to wait too long to monitor the situation. A professional can help assess whether it's an emergency or an appointment that can be booked.

📞 Appointment booking for cardiac examinations: 010 739 9130

📍 Sacrum Animal Hospital, Porttisuontie 13, 01200 Vantaa