If your dog is coughing and not eating, it could be a sign of a wide range of health problems—from mild and temporary issues to serious underlying conditions.
We outline the possible causes of dog coughing and loss of appetite, how to recognize the warning signs, and what to do to help your dog recover.
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Dog Coughing and Not Eating: What It Means
Coughing in dogs is a reflex that helps clear the throat, airways, or lungs. Just like in humans, occasional coughing in dogs is normal. However, persistent coughing in dogs—especially when paired with a dog not eating—may signal a more serious issue.
Loss of appetite, or anorexia in dogs, occurs when a dog refuses to eat or eats significantly less than usual. When coughing and not eating happen at the same time, it often indicates a condition that is affecting both the respiratory and digestive systems, or a systemic illness that’s causing discomfort or distress.
Common Causes of Dog Coughing and Not Eating
1. Respiratory Infections
One of the most common causes of a dog coughing and not eating is a respiratory infection.
These infections can be bacterial, viral, or fungal in nature.
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica.
A dog with kennel cough may develop a dry, honking cough, nasal discharge, sneezing, and lethargy.
In many cases, the coughing becomes so frequent and forceful that the dog loses interest in food.
Pneumonia is another condition that can cause coughing and loss of appetite.
Pneumonia leads to inflammation in the lungs, causing labored breathing, fever, and fatigue, making it difficult for a dog to eat.
If your dog is coughing persistently and avoiding food, it’s important to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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2. Heart Disease
Another serious cause of coughing and loss of appetite in dogs is heart disease.
Conditions like congestive heart failure can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, leading to persistent coughing, particularly at night or after physical activity.
Dogs with heart disease often exhibit signs such as:
Labored breathing
Exercise intolerance
Lethargy
Swollen abdomen
Loss of appetite
The lack of oxygen and poor circulation can cause fatigue and nausea, which may lead your dog to stop eating.
Early detection of heart problems is critical for improving your dog’s quality of life.
3. Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse is a condition where the cartilage rings of the trachea weaken, causing the airway to become flattened.
This condition is especially common in small dog breeds like Pomeranians and Yorkshire Terriers.
A dog with tracheal collapse may have a distinctive “goose honk” cough and show signs of distress during exercise or excitement.
Over time, the constant coughing and discomfort may reduce their desire to eat.
Tracheal collapse can worsen without treatment, so if your dog is coughing and not eating, especially if it’s a small breed, seek veterinary advice.
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4. Foreign Body Obstruction
If your dog suddenly starts coughing and refusing to eat, they may have swallowed something that got lodged in their throat or esophagus.
A foreign object—like a toy, bone fragment, or stick—can cause:
Gagging or retching
Drooling
Pawing at the mouth
Coughing
Loss of appetite
In more serious cases, the object can obstruct the airway or digestive tract, making it a life-threatening emergency.
If you suspect your dog has something stuck in their throat, do not delay in seeking veterinary attention.
5. Dental Disease or Mouth Pain
Dental disease is a frequently overlooked cause of a dog not eating and coughing.
Painful conditions like gingivitis, infected teeth, or oral tumors can make eating difficult or painful for dogs.
In some cases, oral infections may lead to coughing due to postnasal drip or aspiration.
Signs of dental issues in dogs include:
Bad breath
Drooling
Dropping food
Chewing on one side
Blood in the mouth
If your dog’s coughing is accompanied by a sudden lack of interest in food and signs of oral discomfort, a dental check-up is recommended.
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6. Nausea and Gastrointestinal Issues
Dogs experiencing nausea, acid reflux, or other GI disturbances may cough due to stomach contents backing up into the throat or esophagus.
This discomfort can also lead to loss of appetite.
Conditions such as gastritis, esophagitis, or megaesophagus can cause both coughing and not eating in dogs.
Megaesophagus, in particular, is a condition where the esophagus loses its ability to move food into the stomach, leading to regurgitation, weight loss, and coughing due to aspiration.
Dogs with these conditions often require specific feeding techniques, dietary adjustments, and sometimes medication.
7. Cancer
Cancer affecting the lungs, throat, or other parts of the body can also result in a dog coughing and not eating.
Lung tumors may cause persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, and fatigue, which can make eating challenging.
Similarly, oral or esophageal tumors can cause pain when eating and lead to a decrease in appetite.
If your dog is older and starts coughing frequently while also avoiding food, a thorough veterinary examination is essential to rule out serious conditions like cancer.
8. Allergies or Environmental Irritants
Dogs can develop coughing and appetite loss due to environmental allergies or irritants such as:
Smoke
Dust
Pollen
Mold
Household cleaning products
Prolonged exposure can irritate the respiratory system, leading to chronic coughing and discomfort.
The stress caused by this ongoing irritation may reduce a dog’s appetite.
Addressing the source of the irritants and possibly administering antihistamines or other treatments under your vet’s guidance may help your dog recover.
9. Stress and Anxiety
Just like humans, dogs can lose their appetite and develop physical symptoms like coughing when under stress.
Stress-induced coughing is often associated with a dry, persistent cough and may be caused by:
Separation anxiety
Changes in routine or environment
New people or pets
Loud noises
A stressed or anxious dog may refuse to eat, become lethargic, or even vomit.
Behavioral modification, calming aids, and a consistent routine can help reduce stress-related symptoms.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
If your dog is coughing and not eating for more than 24 hours, or if the coughing is severe, frequent, or accompanied by other signs of illness, it’s important to consult a veterinarian.
Early intervention can prevent serious complications and help your dog recover faster.
Red Flags That Require Immediate Attention:
Coughing with blood or mucus
Severe lethargy or weakness
High fever
Labored or rapid breathing
Gagging or vomiting
Sudden weight loss
Swollen abdomen
Bluish gums or tongue (a sign of oxygen deprivation)
These signs may indicate a life-threatening issue such as pneumonia, poisoning, heart failure, or a foreign body obstruction.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Coughing and Not Eating
Keep Them Comfortable: Offer a quiet, stress-free environment. Limit their activity to avoid worsening the coughing.
Hydration Is Key: Even if your dog isn’t eating, make sure they stay hydrated. Offer small amounts of water frequently.
Check for Other Symptoms: Monitor for signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, nasal discharge, or labored breathing.
Don’t Force Feed: Avoid forcing food into your dog’s mouth as it could worsen nausea or risk aspiration.
Avoid Human Medications: Never give over-the-counter medications meant for humans without veterinary approval.
Call the Vet: If symptoms persist, worsen, or your dog refuses food for more than a day, schedule an appointment immediately.
Key Takeaway: Dog Coughing and Not Eating
If your dog is coughing and not eating, it is more than just a passing concern.
It can be a sign of infections, respiratory illness, heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, or even cancer.
While occasional coughing might not be alarming, persistent coughing paired with a loss of appetite should never be ignored.
Timely veterinary intervention is crucial for diagnosing the root cause and beginning appropriate treatment.
By staying alert to changes in your dog’s behavior, you can help ensure they get the care they need and recover swiftly.