A dog sneezing while also producing a hacking cough can be concerning, especially if it happens repeatedly or seems severe.
These symptoms often indicate irritation in the upper and lower airways, which can be caused by infections or other underlying health issues.
We outline the common causes of sneezing and a hacking cough in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Sneezing and Hacking Cough: Why It Happens
Sneezing and a hacking cough in dogs often occur when the nasal passages or throat are irritated, inflamed, or infected.
There are several possible explanations for these symptoms, including viral or bacterial infections like kennel cough, environmental allergens, foreign objects in the nasal passages, or even early signs of respiratory or heart conditions.
Sneezing helps clear irritants from the nose, while a hacking cough indicates irritation in the throat or lower airways.
The combination can be particularly alarming because it affects both breathing and comfort, even if your dog otherwise appears healthy.
Dog Sneezing and Hacking Cough: Common Causes
Allergies
Dogs exposed to pollen, dust, smoke, mold, or strong household chemicals can develop sneezing and a hacking cough.
Allergens can inflame both the nasal passages and airways, leading to repeated sneezing and a dry, irritating cough.
Some dogs may scratch their face or paws, or exhibit watery eyes alongside the cough and sneezing.
While the symptoms may be seasonal or intermittent, chronic exposure can worsen airway inflammation and make the dog more prone to infections.
Identifying and minimizing exposure to allergens can greatly improve comfort and reduce coughing episodes.
Related: Dog constantly hacking (Why it happens)
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is one of the most frequent causes of sneezing and a hacking cough in dogs.
This contagious respiratory infection inflames the trachea and bronchi, producing a dry, persistent cough.
Some dogs may also sneeze due to irritation in the nasal passages, especially if the infection spreads or triggers post-nasal drip.
The cough often worsens with excitement or activity, while sneezing may be more noticeable when the dog rests or shakes its head.
Though many cases resolve on their own, puppies, senior dogs, and immunocompromised dogs can develop complications, making observation and veterinary guidance important.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Viral or bacterial infections affecting the nasal passages and throat can cause both sneezing and coughing.
Symptoms may include nasal discharge, mild fever, lethargy, and reduced appetite in addition to hacking coughs and frequent sneezing.
Even if your dog appears otherwise healthy, infections can irritate the airways, especially in confined spaces or when lying down.
Veterinary evaluation is important for determining if antibiotics or other treatments are necessary, particularly for bacterial infections or if secondary complications develop.
Foreign Objects in the Nose or Throat
Small foreign objects, like grass seeds, dust particles, or tiny debris, can lodge in the nasal passages or throat, provoking sneezing and a hacking cough.
The body reacts with a strong cough to attempt expulsion, while sneezing helps clear the nasal passage.
You may notice sudden coughing episodes triggered by movement, head shaking, or sniffing. Persistent sneezing or coughing that does not resolve could indicate an object is still present, and prompt veterinary attention is crucial to prevent injury or infection.
Collapsing Trachea
A collapsing trachea is more common in small or toy breeds but can affect any dog.
This condition causes the tracheal rings to weaken, leading to a dry, honking cough that may worsen during activity, excitement, or when the dog lies down.
If the trachea is irritated by allergens, infections, or environmental factors, sneezing may also occur.
Chronic coughing can stress the lungs and heart over time, so early recognition and management are important. Signs include coughing at night, during exercise, or when pressure is applied to the throat.
Heart Disease and Fluid Build-Up
Heart disease, particularly congestive heart failure, can produce sneezing and a hacking cough.
Fluid accumulation in the lungs or airways can irritate the trachea and trigger persistent coughing.
While sneezing is less directly linked, post-nasal drip or mild inflammation may cause simultaneous nasal irritation.
You might notice other signs like rapid or labored breathing, lethargy, reduced appetite, or swelling in the abdomen and limbs.
Early veterinary intervention is vital to manage fluid levels and prevent progression to more serious complications.
Read more: Dog Hacking Cough When Lying Down (What You Need to Know)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Sneezing and Has A Hacking Cough
First, observe your dog carefully, noting when the sneezing and cough occur, how frequent they are, and any triggers like activity or exposure to certain environments. This information is valuable for your veterinarian and helps identify underlying causes.
Keep your dog calm and prevent excessive excitement or physical strain, which may worsen coughing. Ensure their living environment is clean and free from smoke, dust, or strong odors that can irritate the respiratory tract.
Offering fresh water and a humidified environment can help soothe irritated airways and minimize coughing episodes. If the symptoms are mild and suspected to be allergy-related, limiting exposure to triggers and monitoring for changes may be sufficient.
Always track symptom progression. Persistent sneezing, a hacking cough, or worsening respiratory issues should prompt veterinary evaluation, even if your dog seems otherwise healthy.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Immediate attention is required if your dog shows difficulty breathing, blue or pale gums, or if coughing leads to vomiting or collapse.
Seek veterinary care if sneezing or coughing is accompanied by lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, or nasal discharge that is colored or foul-smelling.
Young puppies, senior dogs, or those with pre-existing conditions should be assessed promptly, as respiratory infections or heart issues can progress quickly.
Even mild symptoms warrant attention if they persist for more than a few days, appear suddenly severe, or interfere with your dog’s ability to rest comfortably.
Read more: Dog hacking cough and spitting up (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
Sneezing and a hacking cough in dogs can result from a variety of causes, including kennel cough, allergies, upper respiratory infections, foreign objects, collapsing trachea, or heart disease.
While some issues may be managed at home with observation and environmental adjustments, persistent or worsening symptoms always require veterinary attention.
Monitoring your dog, limiting exposure to irritants, and seeking timely medical care are key steps in keeping your dog comfortable and healthy.