Understanding Respiratory Symptoms in Pets: Coughing, Sneezing, and More

Respiratory issues in pets can range from mild irritations to life-threatening conditions. Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and snoring are all signs that something may be affecting your pet’s respiratory system. While occasional symptoms may be harmless, persistent or severe episodes could indicate underlying health issues that require veterinary attention.

At Stanton Pet Hospital in Stanton, California, we recognize how environmental factors such as allergens, smoke, and urban pollution can impact your pet’s health. Understanding what’s normal and when to seek veterinary care is essential to ensuring your pet’s well-being.

Common Respiratory Signs in Pets

Respiratory symptoms in pets can vary in severity and underlying cause. Some of the most common signs include:

  • Coughing – Can range from occasional to persistent, dry to wet, mild to severe.
  • Sneezing – Typically caused by irritants but can indicate infections or allergies.
  • Reverse Sneezing – A sudden, loud inhalation that sounds alarming but is usually harmless.
  • Wheezing – A high-pitched sound that may indicate asthma, bronchitis, or airway obstruction.
  • Snoring or Noisy Breathing – More common in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds but can also signal airway disease.
  • Labored Breathing – Increased effort while breathing, which is a veterinary emergency.

Recognizing these signs early allows for timely intervention, preventing potential complications.

Causes of Coughing in Pets

Coughing is a symptom, not a disease, and it can stem from a variety of causes:

Infectious Causes

  • Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex): A highly contagious condition caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and viruses like canine parainfluenza. It produces a persistent, honking cough and can lead to pneumonia if untreated. Learn more about Kennel Cough.
  • Feline Upper Respiratory Infections (URI): Caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus, leading to sneezing, nasal discharge, and sometimes coughing.

Heart Disease & Fluid in the Lungs

  • Congestive Heart Failure: A failing heart can cause pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), leading to a soft, persistent cough, especially at night or after exercise.

Chronic Conditions & Allergies

  • Feline Asthma: A chronic inflammatory condition causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
  • Bronchitis: Common in older dogs, leading to a dry, hacking cough.

A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the cause and provide the best treatment. Visit our Diagnostics page to learn how we assess respiratory symptoms in pets.

Sneezing and Reverse Sneezing in Pets

Why Do Pets Sneeze?

Sneezing is a reflex to expel irritants from the nasal passages. Common causes include:

  • Allergens – Dust, pollen, mold, and household cleaners.
  • Viral or Bacterial Infections – Often accompanied by nasal discharge and congestion.
  • Foreign Objects – Grass seeds or foxtails lodged in the nasal cavity.

If your pet sneezes excessively or has nasal discharge, bleeding, or difficulty breathing, a veterinary exam is recommended.

What is Reverse Sneezing?

Reverse sneezing occurs when a pet forcefully inhales through the nose, producing a sudden snorting sound. This is commonly triggered by post-nasal drip, allergies, or excitement and is not usually harmful.

For more on upper respiratory infections, visit Feline Upper Respiratory Infection – ASPCA Pro.

Wheezing and Snoring in Pets

What Causes Wheezing?

Wheezing is a whistling sound that occurs when airways are narrowed. Common causes include:

  • Asthma (Common in Cats) – Caused by inflammation and airway constriction.
  • Bronchitis – Chronic irritation of the airway, leading to inflammation.
  • Foreign Objects – Small toys, food, or grass stuck in the throat.
  • Heartworms – Can cause inflammation and breathing difficulties.

When is Snoring a Concern?

Some pets, particularly brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs, naturally snore due to their shortened airways. However, excessive snoring or noisy breathing may indicate:

  • Obstructive Airway Disease – Common in brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).
  • Obesity – Extra weight can put pressure on the airway.
  • Nasal Tumors or Polyps – More common in senior pets.

In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to improve breathing.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Some respiratory symptoms are mild, but others require immediate veterinary attention:

Signs of a Respiratory Emergency

Seek emergency care if your pet shows any of these symptoms:

  • Rapid, labored, or open-mouth breathing
  • Blue-tinged gums (cyanosis) indicating lack of oxygen
  • Continuous coughing, especially with blood
  • Collapse or extreme lethargy

Early intervention can save lives, so do not delay seeking help if these symptoms arise.

Preventative Care for Respiratory Health

Prevention is key to minimizing respiratory risks in pets. Here’s how you can protect them:

Vaccinations

  • Keep up with Bordetella, canine influenza, and feline respiratory vaccines to reduce infection risk.

Avoid Environmental Irritants

  • Limit exposure to smoke, perfumes, and chemical cleaners.
  • Use air purifiers to reduce allergens in your home.

Weight Management

  • Obesity increases respiratory strain, particularly in flat-faced breeds.

Routine Veterinary Check-Ups

  • Regular exams help detect early signs of respiratory disease before they become severe.
  • Learn more about our Wellness & Prevention

Comprehensive Respiratory Care at Stanton Pet Hospital

If your pet is experiencing coughing, sneezing, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms, early intervention is crucial. At Stanton Pet Hospital, we offer:

  • Advanced diagnostics (X-rays, bloodwork, and airway exams)
  • Customized treatment plans (medications, oxygen therapy, and surgery if needed)
  • Preventative care strategies to keep your pet breathing easy

To schedule an appointment, contact us here. Our team is dedicated to keeping your pet healthy, happy, and breathing comfortably.