A persistent hacking cough in a dog can be alarming, especially when it may signal an underlying heart condition.
Heart-related respiratory symptoms often indicate fluid buildup in the lungs or airway irritation caused by cardiac issues.
We outline the common causes of a hacking cough related to heart disease in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Hacking Cough and Heart Disease: Why It Happens
A hacking cough in a dog with heart disease usually occurs when fluid accumulates in the lungs or airways due to poor heart function.
Heart conditions like congestive heart failure can weaken the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid backup in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or around the chest cavity.
This fluid irritates the airways and triggers persistent coughing, often accompanied by difficulty breathing, fatigue, or reduced activity.
Other factors, such as heart valve disease or enlarged heart chambers, can also place pressure on the trachea, further contributing to a chronic hacking cough in affected dogs.
Dog Hacking Cough and Heart Disease: Common Causes
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, causing fluid to accumulate in the lungs and surrounding tissues.
This fluid buildup triggers a hacking cough as the airways become irritated. Dogs may also show signs like difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, restlessness at night, or swelling in the abdomen and limbs.
CHF is a serious, progressive condition that requires veterinary management, including medications to improve heart function and reduce fluid accumulation.
Read more: Dog Has Congestive Heart Failure and Is Not Eating (What Causes It)
Mitral Valve Disease
Mitral valve disease is one of the most common heart conditions in dogs, particularly in small breeds.
The mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle, can become thickened or leaky, allowing blood to flow backward. This increases pressure in the lungs, leading to coughing and phlegm production.
You might notice fatigue, labored breathing, or fainting episodes. Early detection is crucial, as medications and lifestyle adjustments can slow disease progression and reduce coughing episodes.
Enlarged Heart
An enlarged heart can place pressure on the trachea and nearby airways, leading to chronic coughing.
Cardiomegaly often develops secondary to long-standing heart disease or high blood pressure.
Dogs may show a hacking cough, reduced activity, or difficulty breathing when lying down.
Since the enlarged heart compromises both respiratory and circulatory function, veterinary assessment and imaging are essential to evaluate severity and guide treatment options.
Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary edema occurs when fluid leaks into the lung tissue due to increased pressure from heart disease.
This condition irritates the airways, causing a persistent cough and sometimes wheezing or gagging.
Dogs with pulmonary edema often show rapid, labored breathing, fatigue, and in severe cases, bluish gums or tongue due to low oxygen levels.
Prompt veterinary care is required to manage fluid accumulation and prevent life-threatening complications.
Related: Dog panting excessively congestive heart failure (Here’s why)
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm infection can lead to coughing and respiratory distress if the worms damage heart and lung tissue.
The presence of adult heartworms in the heart or pulmonary arteries causes inflammation, fluid buildup, and airway irritation.
Dogs may also display lethargy, exercise intolerance, weight loss, or even sudden collapse in severe cases.
Prevention through regular heartworm medication is critical, and infected dogs often require veterinary treatment tailored to disease severity.
Secondary Respiratory Infections
Dogs with heart disease are more susceptible to bacterial or viral respiratory infections that exacerbate coughing.
Fluid accumulation or weakened immunity can create a breeding ground for pathogens, leading to phlegm production and increased coughing.
You might notice nasal discharge, sneezing, or fever in addition to the persistent hack. Managing both the heart condition and the infection is essential to prevent complications and improve the dog’s comfort and respiratory health.
What to Do
Observe your dog carefully to track the frequency, severity, and triggers of coughing. This information is vital for your veterinarian to assess the condition accurately.
Keep your dog’s environment calm and stress-free, limiting physical exertion that could worsen coughing or fatigue.
Provide access to clean water and a comfortable resting area to help ease breathing. A humidifier can be helpful if indoor air is dry, as it reduces airway irritation and helps thin mucus.
Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle with controlled feeding, weight management, and consistent medication adherence if prescribed by your vet.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Immediate veterinary attention is needed if your dog has labored or rapid breathing, bluish gums, collapse, or coughing up blood.
Consult your veterinarian if the hacking cough persists, worsens over time, or is accompanied by lethargy, loss of appetite, or swelling in the limbs or abdomen.
Dogs with pre-existing heart conditions, senior dogs, or those showing sudden respiratory distress should be assessed urgently. Early intervention is key to managing heart disease, alleviating coughing, and preventing life-threatening complications.
Read more: Dog Hacking Cough When Lying Down (Signs to Watch)
Key Takeaway
A hacking cough in a dog can be a sign of underlying heart disease, including congestive heart failure, mitral valve disease, enlarged heart, pulmonary edema, heartworm infection, or secondary respiratory infections.
Monitoring your dog, providing supportive care at home, maintaining a calm environment, and seeking timely veterinary care are essential to managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Early detection and treatment of heart disease can significantly reduce coughing, enhance comfort, and prevent serious complications.