Is your pet’s cough just a little irritation, or is it something more serious?
As a vet, I see so many pet owners dismiss a cough as “just a tickle” or “probably nothing.” But I also see cases where that same cough was the first sign of something much more serious.
So how do you know when to worry? Let’s talk about it.
If your pet has been coughing for more than a couple of days, book a check-up now—early treatment can make all the difference.
Coughing in pets can be caused by so many things, from mild allergies to serious infections or heart disease.
Recently, I’ve been seeing more cases of:
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Kennel cough – A highly contagious infection in dogs
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Respiratory infections – Often mistaken for minor coughs
Even if your pet spends most of their time indoors, they’re still at risk. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can spread through the air, on clothing, or even from shared water bowls at the park.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Cough:
I completely understand why pet owners want to “wait and see” when their pet starts coughing. But here’s what I want you to know:
Some of the most serious conditions I diagnose started with just a mild cough that was ignored for too long.
If left untreated, a persistent cough could mean:
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Pneumonia – A minor infection can quickly become life-threatening.
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Heart failure – In dogs, a wet cough that gets worse at night can mean fluid buildup in the lungs.
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Lungworm or other parasites – These can cause breathing difficulties and can be fatal if not treated.
🚨 If your pet’s cough lasts more than a few days, is wet, or comes with trouble breathing—don’t wait. Book a vet visit today.
The Good News:
The best part? Most causes of coughing in pets can be treated or managed—especially if caught early!
By bringing your pet in for an exam, we can:
✔ Find out exactly what’s causing the cough
✔ Start fast, effective treatment
✔ Prevent serious complications like pneumonia or heart disease
✔ Give you peace of mind, knowing your pet is in good hands
At Rouse Hill Family Vets, I’ve helped so many pets recover from coughing and respiratory issues. I know how stressful it is when your pet isn’t well, and I want to make sure they get the care they need.
But My Pet Never Goes Outside… Do I Still Need to Worry?
One of the biggest myths I hear is:
❌ “My pet is always indoors, so they aren’t at risk.”
Here’s the truth:
✅ Cats can develop asthma from dust, pollen, or even household cleaners.
✅ Dogs can pick up kennel cough from a brief encounter at the groomer or park.
✅ Even pets who don’t go outside much can be exposed to airborne infections or parasites.
So if your pet has been coughing, please don’t assume it will go away on its own. Some conditions get worse quickly without treatment.
What We Can Do to Help:
At Rouse Hill Family Vets, we can:
🔎 Examine your pet and diagnose the cause of their cough
📸 Take X-rays if needed to check for lung infections or heart disease
🩺 Run in-house blood tests to screen for infections and parasites
💉 Provide vaccinations & parasite prevention to keep your pet safe
The sooner we find the cause, the better the outcome for your pet.
If your pet has been coughing, it’s time to get them checked.
📞 Call us now at 02 9086 9130 or
📅 Book online at www.rousehillfamilyvets.com.au.
Same-day appointments may be available!
I know how much you love your pets, and I want to help them live long, happy, healthy lives. If you’re ever worried, please reach out—we’re here to help. ❤️
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Dr. Belinda & the Rouse Hill Family Vets Team
