Are you concerned about your pet's coughing and sneezing? It is common for pets to cough or sneeze occasionally, so it might not be a cause of concern unless the symptoms linger. At Southside Veterinary Hospital, we offer exceptional pet care to residents in Vero Beach and the surrounding areas. If your furry friend is frequently coughing or sneezing, contact our team today to schedule an appointment.
What Causes Pet Coughing and Sneezing?
Respiratory issues are common for pets. Some causes of coughing and sneezing are benign and normal responses to irritation, but others are signs an infection and allergic reactions.
Upper Airway Obstructions
Irritation caused by foreign bodies, polyps, and excess tissue in the upper airways can affect a pet's respiratory processes. There is often a lot of sneezing when the nasal passage is exasperated.
Allergies
Diseases that affect the immune system and allergies are common for pets. Cats and dogs are most susceptible to allergies affecting the nasal passage, causing inflammation. Irritation and allergens cause coughing and sneezing from particulate matter in the air like smoke, ragweed, dust, mold, and house cleaners. These allergens cause watery eyes, skin issues, runny noses, coughing, and sneezing in pets.
Infectious Diseases
Cats and dogs are susceptible to infectious diseases that partly manifest as sneezing. Most ailments affecting the upper respiratory system cause pets to sneeze, such as kennel cough in dogs and feline herpes virus in cats. When pets are kept in boarding centers, they may contract minor respiratory afflictions like colds which are extremely infectious.
Inhaled Irritants
When cats and dogs inhale perfumes, pollen, dust, and carpet powders, their respiratory system becomes irritated, causing them to sneeze.
Seek Veterinary Care
Pet coughing and sneezing could be a result of diseases like heart disease or influenza. If it starts abruptly when exposed to new material, it is probably just an irritation that will go away easily. Otherwise, consult our veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Coughing in dogs may indicate cardiovascular issues, so look out for other symptoms like bloody coughs, rash, and lethargic behavior.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Some coughing and sneezing in pets are sporadic and temporary, usually due to changes in pollution and dust in the air. This may not require veterinary care, but if you notice excessive coughing and sneezing that does not go away, bring your pet in for an evaluation. Look through your pet's surroundings for any clues of what is causing the symptoms. Any additional information provided to our veterinarian will help us track down the cause of your pet’s coughing and sneezing.
Contact Our Veterinarian in Vero Beach, FL
Pet coughing and sneezing could indicate a serious underlying problem that requires immediate attention and treatment. If your pet seems to have come down with a cough and you live in or around Vero Beach, contact our veterinarian at Southside Veterinary Hospital. Call our team today at (772) 562-7845 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.