Acute Coughing

Acute coughing may be a sign of kennel cough, acute bronchitis, inhalation pneumonia, a foreign object in the airway, or even an infection of the tonsils, larynx, or pharynx.  Kennel cough is contracted from other dogs which causes inflammation of the voice box.  Bronchitis is caused by a bacterial or allergic inflammation to the bronchi in the lungs.  And of course any foreign object stuck in the lung will cause acute coughing.

What to do: Kennel cough is extremely contagious so be sure to isolate your dog and get him to the veterinarian right away.  Cough suppressants can be given to your dog to ease the pain.  Medications can be administered to treat any of the above infections.  And if there is only a foreign object stuck, then the vet can pull it out with forceps.