Why Is My Miniature Dachshund Coughing? Causes and Treatment Options

If you are a proud owner of a Miniature Dachshund, you would know that they are an intelligent, active, and curious breed of dogs. However, if you notice your furry friend coughing frequently, it might be a cause for concern. Coughing is a common symptom in dogs and can be caused by various reasons. In this article, we will discuss the different reasons why your Miniature Dachshund might be coughing and what you can do to help them.

Key Takeaways:

Coughing is a common symptom in Miniature Dachshunds, and it can indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention.
Possible causes of coughing in Miniature Dachshunds include respiratory infections, allergies, heart disease, and more.
Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause of the cough, and it’s important to always consult with your veterinarian for proper care and treatment.

Understanding Coughing in Dogs

Coughing is a reflex action that helps to clear the airways of any foreign particles, irritants, or mucus. Dogs can cough for a variety of reasons, ranging from mild to severe. While occasional coughing might not be a cause for concern, persistent coughing can indicate an underlying medical condition that requires immediate attention.

Reasons Why Your Miniature Dachshund Might Be Coughing

Respiratory Infections

One of the most common reasons why your Miniature Dachshund might be coughing is due to a respiratory infection. Dogs can contract various respiratory infections, such as kennel cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, and canine influenza. These infections are highly contagious and can spread quickly in dogs that live in close proximity, such as in kennels or doggy daycare facilities. If your Miniature Dachshund is coughing, has a runny nose, fever, and loss of appetite, they might have a respiratory infection.

Allergies

Miniature Dachshunds can be prone to allergies, just like humans. Allergies can cause coughing, sneezing, itching, and skin irritations in dogs. Common allergens that can trigger allergies in dogs include pollen, dust mites, mold, and certain foods. If your Miniature Dachshund is coughing and has other allergy symptoms, such as itching or redness of the skin, it might be due to allergies.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is a common condition in older dogs and can cause coughing, especially at night or when the dog is lying down. The coughing is usually caused by fluid buildup in the lungs due to heart failure. If your Miniature Dachshund is coughing and has difficulty breathing or has a bluish tint to their gums or tongue, they might have heart disease.

Collapsed Trachea

A collapsed trachea is a condition where the windpipe collapses and obstructs the airway, making it difficult for the dog to breathe. This condition is more common in small dog breeds such as Miniature Dachshunds. If your Miniature Dachshund is coughing and has a honking sound, especially when excited or exercising, they might have a collapsed trachea.

Foreign Objects

Miniature Dachshunds are curious by nature and can sometimes ingest foreign objects such as toys, bones, or other household items. If your Miniature Dachshund is coughing and gagging, it might be due to a foreign object lodged in their throat or airway. In such cases, immediate veterinary attention is required.

Other Medical Conditions

Other medical conditions such as lung tumors, heartworms, or fungal infections can also cause coughing in dogs. If your Miniature Dachshund is coughing and has other symptoms such as weight loss, lethargy, or loss of appetite, they might have an underlying medical condition that requires veterinary attention.

What You Can Do to Help Your Miniature Dachshund

If your Miniature Dachshund is coughing, the first step is to identify the underlying cause. Depending on the cause, your veterinarian might recommend different treatment options. Here are some general tips that can help your Miniature Dachshund feel better:

Keep your Miniature Dachshund in a calm and stress-free environment to prevent any further irritation to their airways.
Make sure your Miniature Dachshund is well hydrated by providing them with fresh water at all times.
Avoid exposing your Miniature Dachshund to any irritants such as cigarette smoke or harsh cleaning chemicals.
If your Miniature Dachshund has allergies, your veterinarian might recommend antihistamines or corticosteroids to alleviate their symptoms.
If your Miniature Dachshund has a respiratory infection, your veterinarian might prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection.
If your Miniature Dachshund has heart disease or a collapsed trachea, your veterinarian might recommend medications to improve their breathing and manage their symptoms.

Remember, it is important to always consult with your veterinarian before administering any medications or treatments to your Miniature Dachshund.

Conclusion

Coughing is a common symptom in dogs, and it can indicate an underlying medical condition that requires immediate attention. If your Miniature Dachshund is coughing, it is important to identify the underlying cause and seek veterinary attention if necessary. With proper care and treatment, your Miniature Dachshund can recover from their cough and continue to be their happy and active selves.

FAQs

Can a Miniature Dachshund cough due to anxiety or stress?

Yes, stress and anxiety can cause coughing in dogs, but it is not a common cause.

Can a Miniature Dachshund cough due to eating too fast?

Eating too fast can cause a Miniature Dachshund to cough or gag, but it is not a common cause of persistent coughing.

Can a Miniature Dachshund develop allergies later in life?

Yes, Miniature Dachshunds can develop allergies later in life, and it is important to seek veterinary attention if they develop any allergy symptoms.

Can a Miniature Dachshund’s coughing be cured?

The treatment for a Miniature Dachshund’s coughing depends on the underlying cause, but with proper care and treatment, many dogs can recover from their coughing.

Can a Miniature Dachshund’s coughing be prevented?

While some causes of coughing such as respiratory infections cannot be prevented, you can help prevent coughing by keeping your Miniature Dachshund in a stress-free environment, avoiding exposure to irritants, and providing them with proper care and nutrition.

Is it safe to administer over-the-counter medications to a Miniature Dachshund with a cough?

No, it is important to always consult with your veterinarian before administering any medications or treatments to your Miniature Dachshund. Some over-the-counter medications can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided.