Common Causes of Coughing & Sneezing in Pets
One of the most common reasons for visits to the animal hospital in Toledo is coughing and sneezing pets. Just like humans, cats and dogs can experience respiratory illnesses that may affect the lower and the upper respiratory system. If your pet is continually coughing and/or sneezing, it could be due to a variety of things, such as allergies or a cold. Here are a few of the most common causes of coughing & sneezing in pets.
Reasons Pets Sneeze
Your pet will generally sneeze for one of two reasons: the mucous membranes of their nasal cavity are inflamed or there is a foreign material in their nasal passages. If your pet has been exposed to an irritant or if they have an upper respiratory infection, it can cause the nasal membranes to become inflamed. In most situations, the veterinarian will discover the reason your pet is sneezing is due to a mild upper respiratory infection. It’s common for cats and dogs to get a cold. In fact, they can easily pick up the cold germs at the dog park, the pet store, or the kennel.
There are two common cold viruses that dogs are susceptible to: parainfluenza and type-2 adenovirus. Along with sneezing due to a virus, pets may also frequently sneeze when they are exposed to household irritants, such as cleaners, molds, pollen, perfumes, and dust. Another common cause for sneezing pets may be allergies. If your pet is frequently sneezing, especially when exposed to specific products or environmental pollens and pollution, they may have allergies and should be examined by their veterinarian.
Reasons Pets Cough
There are a number of different reasons why your pet may cough. Some causes are minor, such as drinking water to fast, while other causes may be serious, such as a problem with the heart or lungs. Regardless of the cause, inflammation and irritation of the airways are generally involved in most cases of pets that are coughing. Certain breeds, such as bulldogs, pugs, and flat faced Persian cats are predisposed to coughing. Pets with a mouth or tooth infection are also prone to developing a secondary infection, which leads to coughing. It’s also common for pets with asthma or allergies to cough. One of the most serious causes of coughing in pets is due to heartworm disease, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
The safest way to ensure there isn’t a serious cause for your pet’s sneezing & coughing is to have them examined by your veterinarian.
To learn more about the cause of your pet’s sneezing & coughing, contact Trilby Animal Hospital in Toledo to schedule an examination.