Why Dogs Cough After Drinking Water

You may have noticed your dog coughing after drinking water. It can be unsettling. While the occasional cough may be harmless, persistent coughing might indicate an underlying health issue. Understanding the causes behind your dog’s cough and when to seek veterinary help is crucial for their well-being. This blog explains the various reasons your dog may cough after drinking water, how to differentiate between normal and concerning coughs, and what actions you should take to ensure your dog’s health.

Water in the Windpipe

One of the simplest and most common explanations for coughing after drinking is that water has accidentally entered your dog's windpipe (trachea) instead of its esophagus. This misdirection triggers a natural reflex to cough, clearing the airway and expelling the water. Most dogs will cough briefly and then stop once the water is cleared.

This type of cough is usually short-lived and not accompanied by any other symptoms. However, if it persists or is accompanied by other signs such as difficulty breathing or lethargy, it may signal a more significant issue requiring veterinary attention.

Windpipe Issues

Certain congenital or structural issues with your dog’s windpipe may lead to frequent coughing after drinking water. These conditions are often seen in smaller breeds but can affect any dog.

• Hypoplastic Trachea: Some dogs, particularly brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs, are born with a narrow or underdeveloped trachea. This anatomical difference can make it difficult for these dogs to properly swallow, breathe, or drink without experiencing episodes of coughing or choking.
• Collapsed Trachea: Small breed dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas are especially prone to tracheal collapse. In this condition, the cartilage rings of the trachea weaken and lose their shape, making it harder for the dog to breathe properly. Drinking water can exacerbate this condition and lead to persistent coughing, often sounding like a honking noise. Dogs with collapsed trachea may also cough more frequently when excited, eating, or during exercise.

Tracheal Irritation

In some cases, your dog may experience coughing due to irritation of the trachea. This irritation could be caused by various factors such as environmental allergens, irritants like smoke or dust, or even after excessive barking. When the trachea is irritated, even drinking water can trigger a coughing response as the dog's airway becomes more sensitive.

Irritation from Dust or Allergens 

Sometimes, a foreign body or environmental irritant can cause coughing. Dust, pollen, and other allergens can irritate the throat and upper airways, causing your dog to cough when they drink water. If your dog has been in a dusty or pollen-filled environment, or if you've recently cleaned or sprayed chemicals near their drinking area, this could explain their coughing episodes.

Typically, this type of cough will subside on its own once the irritant is removed. However, if the coughing persists, it may indicate an allergic reaction or a more severe condition, such as a lodged foreign body, requiring veterinary evaluation.

Respiratory Issues

Persistent coughing after drinking water may be linked to respiratory issues. Conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or other upper respiratory infections can cause ongoing coughing. In these cases, your dog might not just cough after drinking water, but also during periods of rest or activity. Additional symptoms like nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, or a loss of appetite may also be present.

Dogs with respiratory infections or bronchitis often require medications such as antibiotics, cough suppressants, or anti-inflammatory drugs, so it’s important to consult your vet if you suspect respiratory issues.

Reverse Sneezing

Reverse sneezing is another phenomenon often mistaken for coughing. When reverse sneezing occurs, your dog may inhale rapidly, producing a snorting or honking sound that can easily be confused with a cough. This often happens after drinking water, especially if your dog is excited or has consumed the water too quickly.

Reverse sneezing is generally harmless and resolves on its own within a few seconds. However, if it becomes frequent or severe, it might be worth discussing with your veterinarian. 

Aspiration Pneumonia

A more serious cause of coughing after drinking water is aspiration pneumonia, a condition that occurs when food, water, or another foreign substance is accidentally inhaled into the lungs instead of being swallowed into the stomach. Aspiration pneumonia can cause persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, and lethargy. Dogs with this condition require prompt veterinary care to prevent complications.

If your dog is coughing persistently, has trouble breathing, or shows other signs of distress after drinking water, this could be an emergency, and you should seek veterinary attention immediately.

Regurgitation due to Excitement

Some dogs, particularly younger ones, may regurgitate water or food if they get overly excited. This regurgitation can lead to a cough as they try to clear their airway. Dogs that drink or eat too quickly are more prone to this type of regurgitation.

To prevent this, try offering your dog water in smaller amounts, or use a slow-feed water bowl to pace their drinking. Keeping them calm during feeding or watering times can also help prevent regurgitation.

Heart Issues

Conditions such as congestive heart failure can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, leading to a persistent cough. Dogs with heart disease may also show signs of lethargy, fatigue, or difficulty breathing, and should be evaluated by a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease, can cause a persistent cough, particularly after drinking water. If your dog has been around other dogs recently, or if the cough is accompanied by nasal discharge or sneezing, kennel cough may be the culprit.

Can Kennel Cough Cause Coughing After Drinking Water? 

Yes, kennel cough irritates the throat and trachea, leading to coughing, especially after activities like drinking or eating. Kennel cough typically resolves on its own, but severe cases may require antibiotics or other treatments.

Differentiating Between Normal and Concerning Coughs

Not all coughs are cause for concern. A brief cough after drinking water, particularly if it happens occasionally, is usually nothing to worry about. However, coughing that persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or breathing difficulties, can indicate an underlying health problem.

Signs that your dog’s cough may need attention:

• Frequent coughing after drinking or eating
• Coughing that sounds like a honking noise
• Difficulty breathing or labored breathing
• Signs of fatigue, lethargy, or fever
• Coughing that is wet or productive

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian for a full evaluation.

Home Remedies for Minor Coughing

For mild cases of coughing, there are a few home remedies you can try:

• Offer smaller amounts of water at a time to prevent gulping and coughing.
• Elevate the water bowl to make swallowing easier, especially for small breed dogs prone to tracheal collapse.
• Keep your dog calm during drinking, as excitement can lead to regurgitation and coughing.

If the coughing persists despite these changes, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian.

When to Seek Veterinary Assistance

If your dog’s coughing is frequent, persistent, or severe, it’s time to seek veterinary care. Conditions like aspiration pneumonia, heart disease, or tracheal collapse require professional treatment, and delaying can lead to complications. Additionally, if the cough is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, lethargy, or a change in appetite, you should schedule a vet visit immediately.

Keep Your Dog Healthy with Bow Wow Labs

Understanding why your dog is coughing after drinking water is key to keeping them healthy and happy. Whether it’s a minor case of water going down the wrong pipe or a more serious condition like tracheal collapse or aspiration pneumonia, it’s important to stay vigilant. Providing your dog with slow-feeding water bowls, monitoring their drinking habits, and ensuring they remain calm during feeding times can all help reduce coughing episodes. And don’t forget—keep your dog entertained with safe and healthy activities. The Bow Wow Buddy® bully stick holder paired with bully sticks from Bow Wow Labs can keep them calm, focused, and reduce stress that could contribute to coughing or regurgitation.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s coughing, always err on the side of caution and seek veterinary advice to ensure your furry friend is in optimal health.

Sources:

https://blog.tryfi.com/dog-coughs-after-drinking-water/ 

https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/why-do-dogs-cough-after-drinking-water