Why Is My Chihuahua Coughing?

There are different types of cough; the chihuahua may:

- Seem to have difficulty breathing or make sounds that give the impression that the dog cannot catch its breath (breathlessness);

- Make a spitting sound;

- Appear to be choking;

- Look uncomfortable;

- There may or may not be any discharge;

- The cough can be intermittent (acute) or permanent (chronic).

Sometimes, coughing can be a minor issue, but for some dogs, it can be a sign of a serious health problem.

Furthermore, there are both acute and chronic problems.

Let’s examine this issue and review the different types of coughing problems, the signs and symptoms that your beloved little dog may show, and the treatment options.

We will discuss both the measures you can take at home and the cases where it is necessary to call a veterinarian (but always refer to your vet if you have the slightest doubt).

🐶 REMINDER: We are not doctors; for any questions, always ask your veterinarian, who will be able to answer your questions about all sorts of respiratory diseases.

 

Not Really a Cough

Some minor conditions can cause chihuahuas to make weird noises (sometimes when they stick their tongue out), but this is not technically a cough.

Reverse sneezing

We call it reverse sneezing because the dog has spasms that lead it to quickly suck air into its nose, unlike a regular sneeze where air is rapidly expelled.

When this happens, the dog makes a sort of snorting noise and extends its neck... which can look like a cough, even though it is not. The exact cause of this phenomenon is unknown, but it can worsen if the dog inhales certain substances like perfumes, carpet cleaners, etc.

Usually, this does not last long and does not harm the dog. In random cases, no medication will be prescribed. 

If a chihuahua suffers from prolonged and frequent fits of coughing, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, or decongestants may be prescribed.

In general, gently massaging the chihuahua’s neck (using long, smooth strokes along the neck) can calm the spasms.

Hiccups

Just like humans, dogs can get the hiccups, and some owners may confuse them with a cough.

Hiccups can occur out of the blue, or a Chihuahua might get them after eating too fast or after exercise. 😜

Anything that changes the dog’s breathing pattern can help make them go away. Therefore, encouraging your chihuahua to drink or have a small snack can stop the spasm.

If you currently only use a collar on your chihuahua, you should think twice. Perhaps you should try a harness for walking with them. 😊 

Furthermore, harnesses allow for some control, which is very practical for teaching an adorable chihuahua to walk at heel.

Coughing and Wheezing

 

If your chihuahua makes noises that sound like a honking noise, this may indicate a tracheal collapse.

The dog may also appear to be choking, struggling to breathe, and making a wheezing noise, as if having airway problems.

This is a fairly serious condition to which many toy (miniature) dog breeds are susceptible.

The chihuahua then has difficulty breathing and the puppy or dog makes coughing noises that sound like a honk.

The chihuahua is a breed prone to this problem. For some, it is a genetic issue, which makes them more fragile.

For other chihuahuas, even if there is no genetic weakness, an injury can still cause this problem.

That is why favoring a harness should be considered every time a leash is used. This simple item can prevent the terrible disease of collapsed trachea, since the Y- or T-shaped harness distributes pressure over the doggy's shoulders and upper back.

Signs of tracheal collapse

- A harsh cough: The cough may increase when the chihuahua is excited, eating, drinking, exercising, or in hot weather.

- Labored breathing: If breathing is very labored, the dog's lips may turn blue as it struggles to breathe.

- Reluctance to exercise: This will be due to the combination of respiratory problems and the pain that accompanies such an injury.

- Coughing after drinking water

Diagnosis

Many experienced veterinarians can diagnose this problem based on the noise the dog makes and the fact that it is a chihuahua, as this breed is very prone to this issue.

Additionally, an X-ray can be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The main goal is to allow the ring or rings to heal. To do this, antitussives, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids (to control swelling) are used.

In many cases, two weeks are given to see if this treatment works well enough. If not, surgery may be necessary.

About 70% of dogs recover well enough not to require surgery, but they will need ongoing care such as maintaining a healthy weight (excess weight contributes to the problems) and wearing a harness rather than a collar, as indicated above.

A Deep, Dry, and Harsh Cough

This may be a sign of kennel cough. Don’t be fooled by the name. Dogs that have never been near a kennel can catch it.

It is a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects the upper respiratory system (pulmonary).

It affects the dog’s trachea and larynx. It usually causes a very deep and dry cough, but some dogs make a honking noise, similar to that described above, which is a symptom of tracheal collapse.

Signs and symptoms of kennel cough

- A dry, deep, and continuous cough

- Vomiting or dry heaving. A chihuahua can cough so much that it triggers spasms leading to this.

- Watery nasal discharge

This is only possible in some dogs:

Fever

Loss of appetite

Weakness

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made by the veterinarian who examines the chihuahua’s respiratory system, its bronchi, and also performs blood tests.

Treatment

In mild to moderate cases, the disease can be left to run its course, just as humans have to wait for a cold to end.

If a chihuahua has moderate to severe breathing difficulties and the cough is significant, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered, as well as cough suppressants.

Antibiotics are only administered if the dog has a fever, as it can turn into pneumonia.

Nighttime Coughing or When Lying on the Chest

 

This type of cough can indicate heart disease (also called congestive heart failure).

The heart is unable to meet the needs of the dog’s body correctly and becomes weakened.

This also affects many other parts of the body, including the kidneys, liver, and lungs (which leads to a concerning cough in the dog).

Signs of heart disease

In the early stages, the cough is irregular. At a more advanced stage, the dog may cough constantly. Owners may not realize there is a problem until the chihuahua has been ill for some time.

It is often only when the heart is so weak that other parts of the body are affected that owners know something is wrong. This is the reason why regular check-ups, 1 to 2 times a year, are an important part of the care to provide.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made by a veterinarian using X-rays.

Treatment

Underlying conditions, including heartworm, will be treated. Heart medication will be prescribed, as well as lifestyle changes, including a low-salt diet and a reduced level of exercise.

Closing Thoughts

You now know more about the immune system and the causes that make a chihuahua cough.

If a chihuahua spits up blood, the medical term for this is hemoptysis. The blood may be fresh (red) or dried (black) and may or may not be accompanied by foam and/or mucus.

Different pathologies can be the cause of hemoptysis, and all are serious enough to warrant an immediate examination by a veterinarian.

Therefore, always be vigilant about your pet’s infection, and have them followed by a veterinary specialist from when they are very young or starting from the first day of adoption!

- The Teckelshop team - We are fans of dachshunds but remain in love with all canine breeds 💚🐶