Common cough sounds
| Sound | What it can point to | Typical pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Dry, hacking, often ending in a gag | Kennel cough and other infectious airway irritation | Starts days after contact with other dogs. The dog may bring up white foam. |
| Loud honking, like a goose | Tracheal collapse, most common in small breeds | Triggered by excitement, pulling on a collar, or heat. |
| Wet or moist cough | Fluid or infection in the lungs | May come with fast breathing, fever or low energy. Needs a vet. |
| Soft cough at night or at rest | Heart disease, especially in older dogs | Worse when lying down. The dog may tire quickly on walks. |
| Sudden gagging or retching cough | Something stuck in the throat | Starts abruptly, often with pawing at the mouth. |
Coughing, or reverse sneezing?
Reverse sneezing is often mistaken for a cough or even choking. The dog stands still, stretches its neck and pulls air in through the nose in loud, repeated snorts. Episodes usually last under a minute and the dog is normal straight after.
It is common and usually harmless. Mention it to your vet if episodes become frequent, last longer, or come with nasal discharge.
When a cough needs a vet
- Laboured or fast breathing at rest, or blue, grey or pale gums. This is an emergency.
- A cough that lasts more than a few days or keeps getting worse.
- A wet cough, or a cough with fever, low energy or loss of appetite.
- Coughing up blood.
- Any cough in a puppy, a senior dog or a dog with heart disease.
- Sudden coughing after chewing a toy, stick or bone.
Record it before the vet visit
Dogs rarely cough on demand in the consulting room. A recording gives your vet the actual sound, and a note of when it happens (at night, after exercise, when excited) is just as useful.
In Miyu, the sound check records a few seconds of a cough, sneeze or laboured breathing. Miyu listens for rhythm, wheeze and frequency and tells you whether it is worth a call. The recording stays in your pet's history.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dog coughing like something is stuck?
A dry, hacking cough that ends in a gag is typical of kennel cough. It can also mean something really is stuck. If it started suddenly, your dog is distressed or pawing at its mouth, see a vet right away.
Is kennel cough serious?
In healthy adult dogs it is usually mild and clears in one to three weeks. Puppies, older dogs and dogs with other illnesses can develop pneumonia, so they should see a vet.
Can an app tell what is causing my dog's cough?
No. Miyu does not diagnose. It listens to a recording and suggests how soon to seek care. Only a vet can examine your dog and find the cause.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Miyu is not a veterinarian and does not diagnose. If your pet seems unwell or you are worried, contact your vet.
