My Dog Coughs After Drinking Water [Reasons & Tips]

We all know the sheer joy of watching our furry friends gulp down water after a long walk or play session. But have you ever noticed your pup letting out a little cough right after?

Don’t fret, because in this blog post, we’ll dive into the common causes behind why your dog may cough after drinking water, and when it’s time to seek veterinary advice.

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My Dog Coughs After Drinking Water

If your dog coughs after drinking water, it could be due to a few possible reasons.

One common cause is reverse sneezing, which is typically harmless but can cause coughing in some cases.

Another possibility is kennel cough, which is a contagious respiratory infection that can cause coughing after drinking water.

Additionally, tracheal issues such as a hypoplastic trachea or collapsed trachea can also lead to coughing after drinking water.

If your dog’s coughing persists or worsens, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment

Let’s break it down further…

Reasons a Dog Coughs After Drinking Water

Here are some of the most common reasons dogs cough after drinking water:

1. Dry Throat

One possible reason why your furry friend could be coughing after drinking water is a dry throat.

Just like us humans, dogs can experience dryness in their throats, especially if they’re not getting enough hydration throughout the day or if they’ve been engaging in activities that make them pant excessively.

When a dog drinks water, it can sometimes cause irritation in the throat, leading to a coughing reflex. It’s similar to how we might cough if we swallow something the wrong way.

So, if your dog is coughing after drinking water, it could simply be due to a dry throat.

A quick sip of water might help lubricate their throat and alleviate the coughing.

2. Fast Drinking

Imagine you’re really thirsty, and you gulp down a glass of water in one go. What happens? Well, you might experience a bit of coughing or choking, right?

The same can happen to dogs. When they drink water too quickly, they might accidentally swallow some air along with it.

This can irritate their throat and cause a coughing episode. It’s like when you accidentally inhale while drinking, and it goes down the wrong way.

So, if your furry friend tends to drink water at lightning speed, it’s possible that their coughing is simply a result of their haste.

3. Foreign Objects

Dogs are curious creatures, and sometimes their curiosity leads them to investigate things they shouldn’t.

It’s not uncommon for dogs to sniff around and accidentally swallow small foreign objects, like grass, sticks, or even tiny toys.

These objects can get lodged in their throat, causing irritation and triggering a coughing reflex, especially when they drink water.

So, if your dog has a habit of exploring and chewing on things they find, it’s possible that something they ingested is causing them to cough after drinking.

4. Kennel Cough

Now, let’s talk about a more specific condition called kennel cough. Just like humans can catch a cold or flu, dogs can catch respiratory infections too.

Kennel cough is one such infection that affects a dog’s respiratory system, including the throat and lungs.

It can be caused by various viruses and bacteria, and one of the common symptoms is a persistent cough.

Drinking water can sometimes trigger coughing fits in dogs with kennel cough due to the irritation in their throat.

So, if your dog has been in contact with other dogs recently or has been to a boarding facility where they could have been exposed to the infection, kennel cough might be the reason behind their coughing after drinking.

5. Collapsed Trachea

Now, this one might sound a bit serious, but don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world.

Some small dog breeds, such as Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians, can be prone to a condition called a collapsed trachea.

The trachea, or windpipe, is responsible for carrying air to and from the lungs.

In dogs with a collapsed trachea, the walls of the trachea become weak and lose their shape, making it harder for air to flow smoothly.

When these dogs drink water, the pressure from swallowing can further irritate the already sensitive trachea, leading to coughing.

So, if your dog is of a small breed and tends to cough after drinking water, it’s worth considering a collapsed trachea as a possible cause.

6. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Just like humans, dogs can also experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

This condition occurs when the contents of the stomach, including stomach acid, flow back up into the esophagus.

When a dog with GERD drinks water, it can trigger reflux, leading to coughing. The coughing is a protective mechanism that helps clear the irritation caused by the acid.

If you notice your dog frequently coughing after drinking water, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

7. Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections, such as kennel cough or canine influenza, can cause coughing in dogs.

These infections are typically caused by viruses or bacteria and can be transmitted through the air or direct contact with infected dogs.

When a dog with a respiratory infection drinks water, the act of swallowing can irritate the already inflamed airways, triggering a coughing reflex.

If your dog’s cough persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like nasal discharge or lethargy, it’s essential to seek veterinary care for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

8. Regurgitation due to Excitement

Excitement can sometimes cause dogs to cough or gag after drinking water.

When a dog is overly excited, they may drink water quickly and swallow a significant amount of air along with it.

This can lead to regurgitation, where the water and air come back up into the mouth, causing coughing or gagging.

This type of coughing is usually short-lived and resolves on its own.

To minimize this issue, you can try using a slow-feed bowl or providing smaller amounts of water more frequently to your dog.

9. Irritation from Dust or Allergens

Dogs can be sensitive to environmental irritants such as dust, pollen, or other allergens.

When they drink water, these irritants can come into contact with their throat and airways, causing coughing as a reflex to clear the irritation.

You may notice that your dog coughs more after drinking water in certain environments, such as dusty areas or during high pollen seasons.

Keeping your dog’s living space clean, using air purifiers, and avoiding exposure to known allergens can help reduce this type of coughing.

Remember, while occasional coughing after drinking water may not be a cause for concern, persistent or severe coughing should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Read more about dogs coughing and not eating.

How to Help a Dog Coughing After Drinking Water

When a dog coughs after drinking water, it could be due to a few reasons.

First, check if your dog is drinking too fast, as this can lead to coughing.

You can help by using a special slow-feed bowl or adding some ice cubes to the water to slow down the drinking.

Also, make sure your dog is in a calm and comfortable environment.

Then, gently pat their back or perform a modified Heimlich maneuver by applying gentle pressure just below the ribcage.

Encourage them to drink smaller amounts of water at a time, using a shallow dish if necessary.

Additionally, coughing could be a sign of a more serious issue such as an underlying health problem or an issue with the throat.

If the coughing persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for a thorough evaluation.

In the meantime, ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water and monitor their drinking behavior.

Read more about the reasons your dog is not drinking.

Preventing Dogs From Coughing After Drinking Water

Here are some practical tips for dog owners to prevent coughing after drinking water:

1. Opt for raised bowls: Elevated bowls can help reduce the strain on your dog’s neck and throat, minimizing the chances of coughing after drinking.

2. Slow down the drinking pace: Encourage your dog to drink slowly by using a slow-feed bowl or placing a large object, like a tennis ball, in their water dish. This helps prevent them from gulping down water too quickly.

3. Avoid using deep bowls: Shallow bowls are ideal as they prevent excessive water intake and reduce the risk of your dog inhaling water while drinking.

4. Offer smaller, frequent drinks: Instead of allowing your dog to drink large amounts of water in one go, offer smaller amounts more frequently. This prevents overwhelming their system and reduces the chance of coughing.

5. Monitor water temperature: Make sure the water you offer your dog is not too cold or too hot. Extreme temperatures can irritate their throat, leading to coughing. Room-temperature water is generally preferred.

6. Consider wetting their food: If your dog tends to cough after drinking, try moistening their dry food with water. This can help ensure they stay hydrated without the need for excessive water intake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’ve noticed that your furry friend starts coughing after drinking water, don’t panic! It’s common for dogs to experience this, and it could be due to a few reasons like drinking too fast or a minor irritation in their throat.

However, if the coughing persists or worsens, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. Remember, a happy and healthy pup is always worth the extra care and attention!