In this brief discussion, We’ll answer the question, “Why does my dog cough after drinking water?” We will also discuss what to do if your dog coughs after drinking water and whether you should be worried if your dog coughs after drinking water.
Why does my dog cough after drinking water?
Dogs usually cough after drinking water if some of the water gets in their airways. The water irritates the airways due to which your dog begins to cough. This may happen rarely but if it happens more frequently, it can be a sign of an underlying health issue.
There are several possible causes of this behaviour, some of the reasons are discussed below in detail:
Your dog may be experiencing the tracheal collapse
Tracheal collapse is a common condition in dogs, especially in small breeds, where the walls of the trachea collapse and cause the dog to have a honking or a hacking cough. This can be caused by a congenital defect, obesity or chronic irritation.
Your dog may have a heart disease
Some forms of heart disease such as heartworm disease or dilated cardiomyopathy can cause coughing after drinking water in dogs. Such conditions can cause a build-up of fluids in your dog’s lungs which can make it difficult for the dog to breathe.
Your dog may be suffering from bronchitis or pneumonia
Dogs with bronchitis or pneumonia have fluid in their lungs. This may cause dogs to develop a cough after drinking water as the fluid can irritate the lungs. Drinking water also causes irritation in the bronchial tubes of dogs which results in coughing.
Bronchitis also causes increased mucus production which can trigger coughing after drinking water and make breathing difficult for the dog.
Your dog may be suffering from an allergic reaction
Some dogs may develop a cough after drinking water due to an allergic reaction to something in the water. This could be caused by chlorine or other chemicals found in tap water.
Your dog may have ingested a foreign object
Sometimes dogs may accidentally ingest foreign objects like toys or sticks which can cause coughing after drinking water if they are lodged in the throat or in their airway.
Dogs can also cough after drinking water due to gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as GERD, is a condition where the stomach flows back into the oesophagus, which can cause coughing or choking after drinking water.
If your dog is coughing frequently after drinking water, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will be able to conduct a physical examination and recommend any necessary tests to determine if your dog has GERD.
They will also be able to provide treatment options to help reduce the symptoms and improve your dog’s quality of life.
What to do if my dog coughs after drinking water?
It’s important to consult with a veterinarian if your dog is experiencing coughing after drinking water, as it can be a symptom of a serious health condition that requires treatment.
Your vet may conduct a physical examination, blood work, or imaging to check for underlying health issues. They may also recommend certain treatments or medication to help your dog to get better.
Should I be worried if my dog coughs after drinking water?
It is natural to be concerned if your dog is coughing after drinking water, as it can be a symptom of an underlying health issue. However, it’s important to keep in mind that coughing is a common symptom in many conditions and not always a cause of concern.
Some dogs may cough after drinking water due to a minor irritation in the airways, such as a small amount of water going down the wrong pipe. This type of coughing is usually short-lived and not severe.
However, if your dog is coughing frequently or severely after drinking water, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible.
The coughing could be a symptom of a more serious condition such as bronchitis, which can cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This can make it difficult for your dog to breathe, and if left untreated, could lead to complications.
Conclusion
We answered the question, “Why does my dog cough after drinking water?” We also discussed what to do if your dog coughs after drinking water and whether you should be worried if your dog coughs after drinking water.
