When your dog is coughing and also has mucus coming from their nose, it can be alarming and confusing because the symptoms affect both breathing and comfort.
These signs often point to irritation or illness in your dog’s airways, and it’s important to understand what may be going on.
We outline the common causes of coughing and nasal mucus in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Coughing and Mucus Nose: Why It Happens
A dog coughing with mucus coming from the nose usually indicates inflammation or infection somewhere in the respiratory tract. Irritants, viruses, bacteria, allergies, and even structural blockages can all lead to this combination of symptoms.
When the upper airways become inflamed, the nose often produces excess discharge while the throat reacts with coughing to clear mucus.
These conditions can range from mild colds to more serious infections or chronic issues, which is why paying attention to the duration, severity, and type of mucus is important.
Dog Coughing and Mucus Nose: Common Causes
Canine Influenza
Canine influenza is another respiratory infection that can cause coughing and nasal discharge in dogs.
The virus inflames the sinuses, throat, and sometimes the lungs, leading to wet coughs, sneezing, and thick mucus that may become yellow or green.
Influenza can also cause lethargy, fever, and reduced appetite. Some dogs only develop mild symptoms, while others become noticeably sick. Because influenza is contagious, it can spread quickly in multi-dog households or public pet areas.
A dog with coughing and mucus nose should be monitored closely for worsening symptoms, as untreated influenza can lead to secondary bacterial infections.
Read more: Dog green mucus nose (What it means and how to help)
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is one of the most common reasons a dog might cough while also having nasal mucus. This contagious respiratory infection spreads easily between dogs, especially in shelters, grooming facilities, or boarding environments.
The irritation from the infection leads to a persistent, hacking, honking-type cough. At the same time, the nasal passages may respond with clear or cloudy discharge.
Dogs with kennel cough may stay bright and energetic, or they may show mild lethargy depending on the severity of infection.
If left untreated, kennel cough can worsen and move deeper into the lungs, causing pneumonia. The combination of coughing and mucus should always be monitored closely, especially if your dog is young, old, or has a weakened immune system.
Allergies
Allergies—whether environmental, seasonal, or related to household irritants—can cause both coughing and nasal mucus in dogs. Irritants such as pollen, dust mites, perfumes, smoke, or cleaning products can trigger inflammation throughout the nasal passages.
The excess mucus forms as the body attempts to flush out the allergen. Dogs may cough when mucus drips down the throat, creating post-nasal drip irritation. They may also sneeze, paw at their face, or experience watery eyes.
While allergy-related symptoms tend to be mild to moderate, chronic inflammation can make your dog miserable if not managed properly.
This cause is often overlooked because owners expect allergies to affect only the skin, but respiratory allergies are equally common.
Nasal Infections
Bacterial or viral infections inside the nose or sinuses can lead to both coughing and mucus. When the nasal passages become inflamed, mucus production increases significantly, and it may come out thick, green, or foul-smelling during more serious infections.
Some of this mucus can drip backward into the throat, triggering coughing fits. Dogs may also snort, breathe noisily, or show facial discomfort.
Rhinitis or sinusitis can develop after a cold, allergies, foreign objects in the nose, or dental infections affecting the sinus cavities.
These infections tend to linger without proper treatment, and dogs may become progressively more congested if the cause is not addressed.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a more serious cause of a dog coughing and mucus nose. This occurs when the lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid or secretions, usually due to bacterial or viral infections.
In pneumonia, the cough may sound wet, deep, or productive. The nose may produce thick mucus as the body attempts to fight off infection. Dogs often appear tired, may refuse food, breathe faster, or develop a fever.
Because pneumonia affects the lower respiratory tract, it can quickly become dangerous. Any dog showing signs of illness along with coughing and nasal discharge should be examined promptly to prevent complications.
Nasal Blockages
A small piece of grass, seed, dirt, or debris can become lodged in your dog’s nose, leading to both nasal discharge and coughing. The irritation triggers mucus production as the body attempts to flush the object out.
Dogs may sneeze repeatedly, paw at their face, or produce mucus that is clear at first but may turn cloudy or bloody if the nose becomes irritated.
Coughing often occurs because the debris affects the upper airway or triggers drainage down the throat.
While this may seem minor at first, foreign objects can cause infections or severe discomfort if not removed quickly.
Read more: Dog mucus nose (Causes you should know)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Coughing and Has a Mucus Nose
If your dog has coughing and nasal mucus, start by keeping them comfortable and observing the severity of their symptoms. Mild cases caused by irritants, dry air, or minor colds may improve with simple home care.
Keeping your dog in a humid environment can help soften mucus and reduce irritation in their throat and nasal passages.
A bathroom with a warm shower running or a humidifier in your dog’s resting area can provide relief. Make sure your dog stays well hydrated, as fluids help thin mucus and make it easier to clear.
Avoid exposure to smoke, perfumes, or strong cleaning products, as these can worsen coughing and nasal discharge. If you suspect allergies, limiting exposure to the suspected allergen may reduce symptoms. Keeping your home clean and vacuumed also helps minimize environmental triggers.
Monitor the type of mucus coming from your dog’s nose. Clear mucus is typically less concerning, but thick yellow, green, or bloody discharge should prompt quicker action. If your dog seems lethargic, refuses food, or has worsening symptoms, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek veterinary care promptly if your dog’s coughing and mucus nose lasts more than a day or two, especially if symptoms are moderate or worsening. Persistent coughing can be painful, exhausting, and sometimes a sign of underlying respiratory disease.
If your dog shows breathing difficulty, an urgent vet visit is necessary. Fast breathing, belly breathing, open-mouth breathing, or blue-tinged gums indicate respiratory distress and require immediate attention.
Thick or colored nasal mucus, especially green or yellow, often indicates bacterial infection needing treatment.
You should also call your vet if your dog develops a fever, severe lethargy, loss of appetite, or thick chest congestion. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with chronic conditions are more vulnerable to respiratory complications, so early care is essential for them.
Related: Dog coughing up white foamy mucus (What it means)
Key Takeaway
Dog coughing and mucus nose is a common but important pair of symptoms that usually point to upper or lower respiratory irritation or infection. While many cases start mild, they can develop into more serious conditions if not monitored closely.
By keeping your dog comfortable, supporting hydration, and watching for changes in the mucus or cough, you can help determine whether home care is enough or if veterinary treatment is needed.
With attentive care and timely intervention, most dogs recover well and return to breathing comfortably again.