When your dog starts hacking and coughing in the middle of the night, it can be both alarming and heartbreaking. Those sudden, harsh sounds might make you wonder if your dog is choking, sick, or just clearing their throat.
We outline the common causes of a hacking cough at night in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Hacking Cough at Night — Why It Happens
A hacking cough in dogs that worsens at night often points to irritation or inflammation in the airways. Common causes include kennel cough, collapsing trachea, allergies, heart disease, or respiratory infections.
Some dogs may also cough at night due to fluid buildup in the lungs, post-nasal drip, or dry indoor air that makes breathing harder when lying down. The timing and sound of the cough can give valuable clues to what’s going on.
Dog Hacking Cough at Night: Common Causes
Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)
Kennel cough is one of the most frequent causes of hacking, especially at night.
It’s a contagious upper respiratory infection caused by a mix of viruses and bacteria that inflame the windpipe and bronchi.
The hallmark symptom is a dry, honking, hacking cough that worsens with excitement or when your dog lies down to sleep.
Most cases are mild, but if your dog has a fever, nasal discharge, or refuses food, it may have progressed to pneumonia and needs veterinary care.
Dogs who recently stayed in kennels, dog parks, or grooming facilities are most at risk.
Read more: Old Dog Hacking Cough (When to worry about that noisy cough)
Collapsed Trachea
Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Pomeranians are especially prone to tracheal collapse — a condition where the cartilage rings in the windpipe weaken and flatten.
When your dog lies down or breathes deeply at night, the airway narrows, causing that familiar goose-honk sound followed by gagging or hacking.
It can worsen with excitement, pulling on the leash, or exposure to smoke and dust. Over time, this chronic irritation makes nighttime coughing frequent and distressing.
Weight management, harnesses (instead of collars), and prescription cough suppressants can help manage symptoms.
Heart Disease (Congestive Heart Failure)
Heart disease can lead to nighttime coughing because fluid builds up in the lungs or surrounding tissues when your dog is at rest.
This is especially common in older dogs or breeds prone to mitral valve disease, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels or Dachshunds.
You might notice your dog coughing mostly at night or after lying down, along with signs like fatigue, labored breathing, and reluctance to exercise.
If your dog’s gums look pale or blue, or if breathing seems strained, seek veterinary attention right away — heart-related coughing requires immediate care and long-term medication.
Allergies and Environmental Irritants
Dogs can develop nighttime coughing from allergens like dust mites, mold, smoke, or scented candles.
At night, these irritants can accumulate indoors and become more concentrated when windows are closed and air circulation is low. Dogs may hack or clear their throat repeatedly, sometimes accompanied by sneezing or watery eyes.
If your dog’s cough improves outdoors or during the day, allergies could be the culprit. Using air purifiers, washing bedding weekly, and avoiding smoking indoors can help reduce triggers.
Respiratory Infections
Viral and bacterial infections can inflame the respiratory tract and cause persistent nighttime coughing.
Dogs may also run fevers, lose their appetite, or appear lethargic. The cough may sound wet, phlegmy, or deep in the chest — suggesting lower respiratory involvement like bronchitis or pneumonia.
While mild infections can clear on their own, more serious ones often require antibiotics or supportive care. Always isolate your coughing dog from others to prevent spread, especially if kennel cough or canine influenza is suspected.
Foreign Object or Throat Irritation
Sometimes, a piece of grass, seed, or food particle can get stuck in your dog’s throat or upper airway, leading to hacking fits that worsen at night when your dog is lying flat.
This can also happen after vigorous outdoor play or chewing on sticks. You might see drooling, gagging, or pawing at the mouth.
If the coughing doesn’t stop or your dog can’t swallow properly, a vet visit is needed immediately — trying to remove an object at home can cause injury.
What to Do If Your Dog Has a Hacking Cough at Night
Start by keeping your dog calm and comfortable. Excitement or anxiety can worsen coughing fits, especially in dogs with tracheal sensitivity.
Make sure the sleeping area is free from drafts, smoke, or perfume sprays, and consider using a humidifier to moisten dry air that can irritate the throat.
If your dog wears a collar, switch to a harness to relieve pressure on the trachea. Gentle chest rubs or steam sessions in the bathroom (with hot shower steam nearby, not directly on your dog) can also help loosen congestion.
Encourage hydration — warm water or low-sodium chicken broth can soothe the throat and thin mucus.
If your dog’s cough sounds harsh, lasts more than a few days, or comes with appetite loss, fever, or breathing changes, contact your vet. Never give human cough medicines or decongestants without professional guidance — some ingredients are toxic to dogs.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If your dog’s hacking cough is persistent, worsening, or primarily happens at night, it’s time to call the vet.
Seek immediate veterinary care if you notice:
Coughing that causes gagging, choking, or vomiting
Lethargy, rapid breathing, or blue-tinged gums
Loss of appetite or collapse after coughing
A wet, rattly cough suggesting fluid in the lungs
Coughing that lasts more than 7–10 days without improvement
Your vet may perform chest X-rays, blood tests, or heart scans to rule out conditions like pneumonia, collapsed trachea, or heart failure. Early treatment can make a significant difference in recovery and comfort.
Read more: Dog Constant Hacking Cough (Causes and what to do)
Key Takeaway
A hacking cough at night isn’t something to ignore — especially when it’s persistent or disrupting your dog’s rest.
While kennel cough or mild irritation may resolve with rest and home care, more serious issues like tracheal collapse or heart disease require prompt veterinary attention.
Pay attention to patterns — how long the cough lasts, what it sounds like, and whether other symptoms appear. These clues can help your vet pinpoint the cause quickly.
With the right care and a calm environment, most dogs recover well and sleep soundly again.