A dog hacking cough when waking up can be alarming, especially when it seems to appear suddenly the moment your dog gets up in the morning or after a long nap.
The sound can range from a dry, harsh cough to a gag-like noise that makes you worry something is stuck in their throat.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may hack and cough when waking up, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Hacking Cough When Waking Up: Why It Happens
A dog hacking cough when waking up often happens because the airways become irritated, congested, or compressed during rest, making the first few breaths trigger a cough.
This can be due to conditions such as kennel cough, allergies, collapsing trachea, mild respiratory infections, acid reflux, or even heart-related issues that cause fluid buildup overnight.
Some dogs also cough when rising because mucus pools in the throat during sleep, and the sudden movement dislodges it.
In many cases, the timing of the cough provides a clue about what’s happening in the airways, especially when the coughing stops once the dog is fully active.
Dog Hacking Cough When Waking Up: Common Causes
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is an under-recognized cause of morning coughing in dogs.
When a dog lies down, stomach acid can creep up into the esophagus. This irritation becomes more pronounced overnight and may reach the throat, causing inflammation and a hacking cough upon waking.
Some dogs gag or swallow repeatedly in the morning because the refluxed acid leaves a burning sensation. You may also see lip-licking, drooling, burping, or reluctance to eat right away.
Reflux-related coughing often occurs in the early morning when the stomach is empty, but it can also happen after long naps during the day. Without treatment, ongoing acid exposure can further irritate the airway, making the cough more frequent.
Related: Dog constantly hacking (Why it happens)
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is one of the most frequent causes of a hacking cough that’s worse when a dog first wakes up.
When a dog is lying down, mucus and airway irritation tend to settle in the back of the throat. As soon as the dog gets up and starts breathing more deeply, the airways react, producing that signature dry, honking cough.
Dogs with kennel cough often seem otherwise normal—eating, drinking, and playing regularly—but the cough is persistent and easily triggered by movement, pressure on the neck, or waking from sleep.
This happens because kennel cough inflames the trachea and bronchi, making even small shifts in airflow stimulate a cough reflex. While most cases are mild, the coughing can intensify at night and first thing in the morning as mucus accumulates.
This condition is contagious, so if you’ve recently boarded your dog or visited a dog park, kennel cough becomes a strong possibility.
Collapsing Trachea
Small and toy breeds such as Yorkies, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and Maltese are especially prone to tracheal collapse.
When resting, the trachea softens even more, and pressure from sleeping positions may partially block the airway. When the dog wakes up and takes a deep breath, the weakened trachea vibrates or collapses inward, producing a harsh, hacking cough.
Dog owners often describe it as a goose-honk sound or a cough that seems to start as soon as the dog lifts their head from the bed.
Dogs with collapsing trachea may also cough when excited, pulling on the leash, or breathing cold air. The condition is chronic and progressive, and the morning cough pattern often becomes more obvious with age.
Allergies
Just like people, dogs can experience post-nasal drip from environmental allergies, food allergies, dust, pollen, mold, or seasonal changes.
During sleep, mucus tends to collect in the throat. When the dog wakes up, that mucus shifts and triggers a deep, hacking cough as the body attempts to clear the airway.
Dogs with allergies commonly hack or gag in the morning but improve as the day goes on. You may also notice sneezing, reverse sneezing, paw licking, watery eyes, or nasal discharge.
In these cases, the cough is not usually dangerous, but it can become chronic if the underlying allergies are not managed. The constant throat irritation can also make the cough louder and more persistent over time.
Read more: Dog Hacking Cough When Lying Down (What it really means)
Heart Disease
Heart-related coughing is typically associated with fluid buildup in the lungs or changes in blood flow.
When a dog lies down, fluid can settle more easily in the lower parts of the lungs. When the dog wakes and becomes active again, this shift in fluid leads to a wet-sounding, sometimes hacking cough.
Heart disease-associated coughing often appears worse at night or early in the morning. It may be accompanied by labored breathing, reduced stamina, or enlarged abdomen in later stages.
While heart disease is more common in older dogs, younger dogs with congenital conditions can also experience morning coughing. Because heart-related coughs can worsen rapidly, recognizing this pattern early is important.
Lower Respiratory Infections
Some dogs develop a hacking cough when waking up due to low-grade respiratory infections that cause mucus buildup in the lungs.
When a dog lies down for long periods, mucus pools in the airway. As soon as the dog stands, cough receptors activate, and the body attempts to expel the mucus.
These infections may not always present with fever or lethargy, especially in early stages. You may assume your dog is fine because they are eating and acting normally—but morning coughing provides an early clue.
As the infection progresses, you may notice more fatigue, faster breathing, or increased coughing throughout the day.
What to Do If Your Dog Has A Hacking Cough When Waking Up
If your dog is hacking when waking up, start by observing how long the cough lasts and whether it improves once the dog is fully awake and moving around.
Some mild morning coughing related to allergies or mucus clearing may improve with simple adjustments like improving air quality or reducing nighttime triggers.
If your dog may have inhaled dust, hair, or debris overnight, offering water can help soothe the throat. A humidifier near their sleeping area can also reduce airway dryness, especially in colder months or in homes with air conditioning.
For dogs that may have reflux, feeding a small bedtime snack and elevating their head slightly while resting can help reduce nighttime irritation. Make sure meal portions are spaced out and avoid feeding immediately before intense activity.
If you suspect kennel cough or respiratory infection, limit contact with other dogs and monitor for worsening symptoms. While mild cases may improve at home, persistent coughing or coughing accompanied by lethargy means an exam is needed.
Dogs with collapsing trachea often benefit from weight control, harness walking, and avoiding neck pressure. Keeping the home free from smoke, aerosols, and strong fragrances can also reduce coughing episodes.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If the coughing is harsh, frequent, or getting worse over time, a veterinary exam is important to rule out more serious causes.
Seek urgent care if your dog is coughing alongside difficulty breathing, rapid breathing at rest, or blue-tinged gums—all signs of respiratory distress.
You should also contact your vet promptly if your dog seems unusually tired, refuses food, or shows signs of fever, as these can indicate infection or pneumonia. Morning coughing that becomes more persistent over days or weeks should also be evaluated.
Any dog with a history of heart disease that develops a morning cough should be seen as soon as possible, because fluid buildup can progress quickly. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with chronic respiratory issues should never be left coughing without evaluation.
Read more: Dog Hacking Cough Only at Night (Why it happens)
Key Takeaway
A dog hacking cough when waking up is a common concern, and while some causes are mild—such as allergies or mucus shifting—others like kennel cough, tracheal collapse, or heart disease require medical attention.
If the cough persists, worsens, or is accompanied by breathing changes, your vet can help determine the exact cause and provide appropriate treatment.
With timely care and observation, most dogs recover well and return to comfortable, cough-free mornings.