Introduction
Greetings and welcome to our guide on how to stop dog coughing after drinking water. If you’re a dog owner, you’re probably familiar with the occasional cough that comes after your dog drinks water. This can be concerning, but thankfully, it’s usually not a sign of a serious health issue. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why dogs cough after drinking water and what you can do to prevent it. Let’s get started!
The Physiology of Dog Drinking
Dogs have a unique way of drinking. Unlike humans, they don’t use their lips to create a suction to draw water into their mouths. Instead, they use their tongues to scoop water into their mouths. As dogs lap up water, they create a lot of suction and can accidentally inhale water into their airways. This can cause them to cough and gag, which is a natural reflex to clear their airway of foreign substances.
Common Reasons for Dog Coughing After Drinking Water
There are several reasons why your dog might cough after drinking water. Some of the most common reasons include:
| Reasons for Dog Coughing After Drinking Water | Description |
|---|---|
| Inhaling Water | As mentioned before, dogs can accidentally inhale water while drinking, causing them to cough and gag. |
| Heart Disease | Heart disease can cause coughing, especially after activity or eating/drinking. |
| Tracheal Collapse | This is a common condition in small breeds where the trachea collapses or narrows, making it difficult to breathe and causing coughing. |
| Pneumonia | Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing. |
| Kennel Cough | Also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes coughing, hacking, and gagging. |
How to Stop Dog Coughing After Drinking Water
Now that we’ve explored some of the common reasons why dogs cough after drinking water, let’s discuss what you can do to stop it. Here are some tips:
1. Slow Down Your Dog’s Drinking
If your dog is prone to coughing after drinking water, try slowing down their drinking. You can do this by offering smaller amounts of water at a time or investing in a slow feeder bowl that regulates how quickly your dog can drink. This will reduce the amount of suction your dog creates while drinking, which can reduce the risk of inhaling water.
2. Use a Raised Bowl
If your dog coughs after drinking water, it may be helpful to use a raised bowl. This will elevate the bowl off the ground and make it easier for your dog to drink without having to bend down. This can reduce the risk of inhaling water while drinking.
3. Keep Your Dog Calm While Drinking
Dogs are easily excited and may gulp down water too quickly if they’re excited or anxious. Try to keep your dog calm while drinking by petting them or offering them treats. This will help them drink at a slower pace and reduce the risk of coughing after drinking water.
4. Monitor Your Dog’s Diet
If your dog is prone to coughing after drinking water, it may be helpful to monitor their diet. Avoid feeding them immediately before or after exercise, which can increase the risk of coughing. Additionally, avoid feeding them large meals all at once, which can put pressure on their diaphragm and increase the risk of coughing.
5. Visit Your Vet
If your dog is coughing frequently after drinking water, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. It’s important to visit your vet to rule out any potential health issues and get the proper treatment.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Stopping Dog Coughing After Drinking Water
There are both advantages and disadvantages to stopping dog coughing after drinking water. Let’s explore them below:
Advantages
1. Reduce the Risk of Inhaling Water
Stopping dog coughing after drinking water can reduce the risk of your dog inhaling water and developing respiratory problems. This can help keep your dog healthy and happy.
2. Improve Your Dog’s Quality of Life
Coughing after drinking water can be uncomfortable and even painful for dogs. By stopping this coughing, you can improve your dog’s quality of life and make them more comfortable.
Disadvantages
1. Difficulty Identifying Underlying Health Issues
If you’re constantly stopping your dog from coughing after drinking water, it can be difficult to identify any underlying health issues that may be causing the cough. It’s important to pay close attention to your dog’s behavior and visit your vet if you notice any changes.
2. Overhydration
If you’re constantly slowing down your dog’s drinking, it can make it difficult for them to stay hydrated. Be sure to monitor your dog’s water intake and make sure they’re getting enough water throughout the day.
FAQs
1. Can drinking too much water cause coughing?
Drinking too much water can cause coughing, especially if your dog drinks too quickly or if they’re exercising or playing before or after drinking.
2. Is coughing after drinking water always a sign of a health issue?
No, coughing after drinking water is not always a sign of a health issue. Dogs can naturally cough and gag to clear their airway of foreign substances, including water.
3. What should I do if my dog is coughing after drinking water?
If your dog is coughing after drinking water, try slowing down their drinking and keeping them calm while drinking. If the coughing persists, visit your vet to rule out any potential health issues.
4. Can raised bowls reduce the risk of coughing after drinking water?
Yes, using a raised bowl can reduce the risk of coughing after drinking water by elevating the bowl and reducing the amount of suction your dog creates while drinking.
5. Can kennel cough cause coughing after drinking water?
Yes, kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause coughing, hacking, and gagging, especially after drinking water.
6. Can heart disease cause coughing after drinking water?
Yes, heart disease can cause coughing, especially after activity or eating/drinking.
7. How can I tell if my dog’s coughing is a sign of a health issue?
If your dog is coughing frequently, especially after eating or drinking, it may be a sign of a health issue. Other signs to look out for include lethargy, decreased appetite, and difficulty breathing. Visit your vet if you notice any changes.
8. Can tracheal collapse cause coughing after drinking water?
Yes, tracheal collapse is a common condition in small breeds where the trachea collapses or narrows, making it difficult to breathe and causing coughing, especially after drinking water.
9. Can pneumonia cause coughing after drinking water?
Yes, pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing, including after drinking water.
10. Can a slow feeder bowl reduce the risk of coughing after drinking water?
Yes, a slow feeder bowl can reduce the risk of coughing after drinking water by regulating how quickly your dog drinks and reducing the amount of suction they create while drinking.
11. Can excitement or anxiety cause coughing after drinking water?
Yes, excitement or anxiety can cause dogs to drink water too quickly and cough or gag afterwards. Keep your dog calm while drinking to reduce the risk of coughing.
12. How much water should I give my dog?
The amount of water your dog needs depends on their size, age, and activity level. As a general rule, dogs need about an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.
13. Can dehydration cause coughing after drinking water?
No, dehydration does not cause coughing after drinking water. In fact, dehydration can cause dry coughing and a lack of energy.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading our guide on how to stop dog coughing after drinking water. We hope you found this information helpful and informative. Remember to keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and visit your vet if you notice any changes. By taking the right steps, you can help your dog stay healthy, happy, and hydrated.
Closing Disclaimer
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, please note that this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, please consult your vet.
