It’s normal for dogs to lap up large amounts of water when they’re thirsty. But if your canine companion starts hacking and coughing right after gulping water, something may be irritating their throat or respiratory tract. Read on to learn What Causes Dog Coughing After Drinking Water.
Inhaling Water
One of the most common reasons dogs cough post-water is due to accidentally inhaling or aspirating water into the windpipe and lungs. The anatomy of the canine throat allows breathing and swallowing to happen concurrently. When dogs lap water, they curl their tongue backwards to draw water into the mouth.
If they continue breathing while drinking rapidly, water can end up going down the trachea (breathing tube) instead of the esophagus (food tube). Then when they try to exhale, the water irritates throat and lung tissues, causing coughing. This resembles what happens if humans accidentally “go down the wrong pipe” when drinking.
Dogs with shortened muzzles like Shih Tzus and Bulldogs are especially vulnerable to aspiration since their upper airways are more compressed. Inhaling water can become life-threatening if pneumonia develops. So see your vet promptly if coughing persists more than a day or two, or seems severe.
Esophageal Issues
The esophagus carries food and water from the throat down into the stomach. Some dogs develop esophageal diseases that make swallowing painful or difficult. Two examples are:
• Esophagitis – throat inflammation often due to acid reflux or vomiting
• Megaesophagus – a disorder where the esophagus loses its elasticity and motility
With either condition swallowing may feel uncomfortable, causing dogs to hesitate while drinking. They may lap up some water then cough. These diseases often lead to regurgitation of food and water as well since it doesn’t reach the stomach. Esophageal problems warrant veterinary diagnosis and care.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is the common name for infectious canine tracheobronchitis – a highly contagious respiratory infection. It spreads easily where dogs congregate, like boarding kennels, hence the nickname. However, kennel cough frequently occurs in pet dogs too.
Bacteria or viruses infect the windpipe and bronchi, causing inflammation and irritation. Affected dogs develop harsh, dry, honking coughs with gagging or retching. Episodes can be triggered by drinking water, exercise, excitement, or pulling on leashes or collars. Kennel cough usually lasts 7-14 days but requires medication if severe.
Allergies
Just as humans get tickly throats leading to cough with seasonal allergies, dogs can too. Allergens like pollen, dust mites, molds, and dander cause respiratory and throat allergies when inhaled. Post-nasal drip from allergic reactions can further aggravate the larynx.
Drinking water when the throat is already itchy and irritated by allergens may prompt coughing fits. Dogs usually exhibit other allergy signs too like sneezing, skin issues, or ear inflammation. Veterinarians can provide oral medications or injections to relieve allergic reactions and control coughing.
Heart Disease
Advanced heart disease like dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure hampers the heart’s pumping ability. This allows fluid buildup in lungs due to inadequate circulation. Lung congestion also provokes coughing, along with lethargy and exercise intolerance.
In later disease stages, even minor activities like drinking water could trigger severe coughing or difficulty breathing. Veterinary exams, x-rays, and ultrasound can diagnose advanced heart disease. Medications help control coughing while addressing the underlying cardiac issues.
When to See the Vet for Coughing and Drinking
While an isolated coughing episode after drinking may not warrant panic, seek veterinary advice if your dog experiences:
– Frequent coughing after gulping water over several days
– Coughing significant amounts of water or frothy sputum
– Labored breathing or wheezing between coughs
– Loss of appetite along with increased thirst and cough
– Known heart disease or recent kennel boarding with new cough
Prompt veterinary attention provides the best opportunity for treating conditions leading to post-water coughing in dogs. Addressing the root problem helps Fido stay happy and hydrated! I hope this What Causes Dog Coughing After Drinking Water post helps you.
