When a dog is not breathing properly and coughing, it can be extremely alarming because these symptoms often point to problems affecting the lungs, airways, or heart.
Breathing difficulties combined with coughing can escalate quickly, especially if the dog is struggling to get enough oxygen.
In this guide, we outline the common causes of a dog not breathing properly and coughing, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Not Breathing Properly and Coughing: Why It Happens
Dogs who are not breathing properly and coughing often have an underlying issue affecting their respiratory system, heart, or throat. These symptoms may be caused by infections, heart disease, airway irritation, obstructions, or allergic reactions.
When breathing becomes difficult, the dog may cough to clear the airways, relieve irritation, or try to move air past an obstruction.
Because oxygen intake is essential for survival, any breathing problem combined with coughing should be taken seriously and evaluated as soon as possible.
Dog Not Breathing Properly and Coughing: Common Causes
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is one of the most common causes of coughing paired with breathing difficulty.
This condition occurs when a dog’s trachea and bronchi become irritated by contagious viruses or bacteria.
The inflammation causes a loud, hacking cough that may sound like a honk. Some dogs also experience trouble breathing, especially if the airway becomes swollen or filled with mucus.
Dogs who frequent boarding facilities, grooming salons, or dog parks are at higher risk. While kennel cough is often mild, it can become serious in puppies, older dogs, or dogs with weak immune systems.
When breathing becomes strained, it signals that the infection is more severe than usual and requires veterinary attention.
Related: Dog coughing up white foamy mucus (Causes explained)
Pneumonia
Pneumonia causes swelling and fluid buildup in the lungs, making it difficult for dogs to breathe normally.
Dogs with pneumonia often cough, breathe quickly, or struggle to take deep breaths. They may also show fever, lethargy, nasal discharge, or loss of appetite.
The lungs become heavy and inflamed, which reduces oxygen exchange and forces the dog to work harder to breathe.
Bacterial, viral, aspiration, and fungal pneumonias can all cause these symptoms. Because pneumonia can worsen rapidly, especially in young or elderly dogs, any combination of coughing and breathing difficulty warrants urgent evaluation.
Heart Disease
Heart problems can cause both coughing and difficulty breathing, especially as the disease progresses.
When the heart cannot pump efficiently, fluid may build up in or around the lungs. This fluid causes coughing—particularly at night—because it irritates the airways and prevents normal breathing. Dogs may breathe rapidly, collapse, or tire easily.
Small breeds like Chihuahuas and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to valve disease, while larger breeds may develop cardiomyopathy.
If the dog also has a swollen belly, blue gums, or fainting episodes, heart disease is a strong possibility.
Because heart-related breathing issues can be life-threatening, immediate veterinary care is essential.
Collapsing Trachea
A collapsing trachea makes it difficult for air to pass through the windpipe normally.
This condition is particularly common in small breeds such as Yorkies, Pomeranians, and Shih Tzus. When the tracheal rings weaken, the airway narrows and collapses during breathing. The dog may produce a loud, honking cough and struggle to take deep breaths.
Excitement, pressure on the neck, heat, or exercise can make symptoms worse.
Dogs may also gag, wheeze, or show anxiety while trying to breathe. Because the airway is compromised, breathing becomes harder over time, and coughing intensifies as the dog tries to reopen the passage.
Collapsing trachea is manageable but requires long-term treatment and lifestyle changes.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworms live in the heart and major blood vessels, causing severe respiratory and cardiac strain.
As the worms multiply, they block blood flow and damage lung tissue. Dogs may develop a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, or fainting. Some dogs breathe hard even at rest because their lungs cannot function properly.
Heartworm disease can become fatal without treatment. Dogs who are coughing and not breathing properly should always be tested, especially if they live in areas with mosquitoes or have missed preventatives.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can cause sudden airway swelling that makes breathing difficult.
A dog may cough, wheeze, or gasp for air after exposure to pollen, dust, smoke, insect bites, or environmental irritants. Some dogs experience asthma-like symptoms where the bronchi constrict, making it difficult to draw in enough air.
In severe reactions, swelling may block the upper airway, making breathing noisy or labored. Because allergic breathing issues can worsen rapidly, particularly if anaphylaxis occurs, owners should treat sudden coughing and breathing difficulty as an urgent concern.
Foreign Body Obstruction
If something becomes stuck in a dog’s throat or airway, they may cough violently and struggle to breathe.
Common culprits include pieces of toys, bones, sticks, or food. A partial obstruction allows some air through but makes breathing difficult and triggers intense coughing as the dog attempts to clear the blockage.
Dogs may paw at their mouth, gag, drool excessively, or panic. A complete obstruction is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency intervention. Even a partial blockage is dangerous because it can shift and close off the airway entirely.
Any suspicion of choking or obstruction should be treated as a medical emergency.
Related: Dog coughing up phlegm (Should you worry?)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Breathing Properly and Coughing
When a dog is coughing and having trouble breathing, it’s important to remain calm while assessing the situation. Begin by observing your dog’s breathing rate, gum color, and posture.
Dogs in respiratory distress may stretch their necks forward, widen their stance, or breathe with their mouth open. If their gums appear pale or blue, this indicates an immediate oxygen issue.
Try to move your dog into a quiet, well-ventilated area away from smoke, dust, or strong scents. Reducing stress helps because anxious dogs breathe faster, which can worsen their symptoms.
Offer water if they are able to drink normally, but do not force it or place anything in their mouth, as this may increase coughing or risk choking.
Avoid using collars, harnesses, or anything that puts pressure on the neck. If your dog has a collapsing trachea, even mild neck pressure can make breathing significantly harder.
If you suspect a foreign object may be stuck, do not perform blind sweeps in the mouth, as this can push the object further.
If your dog appears anxious, is breathing rapidly, or is unable to settle, it is best to prepare for a prompt veterinary visit. Breathing issues rarely resolve on their own and often require imaging, medications, or treatments that only a veterinarian can provide.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Breathing problems combined with coughing should always be taken seriously, especially if symptoms escalate quickly or your dog appears distressed.
If your dog is breathing rapidly, gasping for air, or using their abdomen to breathe, seek urgent veterinary care. Dogs who cannot lie down comfortably, cough continually, or show signs of blue or pale gums are experiencing a critical lack of oxygen.
If your dog collapses, faints, or stops responding normally, this is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention. Likewise, coughing up blood, producing frothy foam, or showing signs of extreme weakness signals advanced respiratory or cardiac distress.
Whenever your dog’s breathing appears abnormal, even mild difficulty should be evaluated promptly to prevent the condition from worsening.
Read more: Dog Breathing Heavy and Fast (Why it happens)
Key Takeaway
A dog not breathing properly and coughing is always a cause for concern, whether due to infection, heart disease, airway collapse, or something obstructing the throat.
These symptoms signal that the lungs or heart need immediate attention. Monitoring your dog closely, staying calm, and seeking veterinary care promptly can make a life-saving difference.
With the right diagnosis and treatment, many dogs recover well and return to comfortable breathing.