Dog Gets Excited And Coughs

The sudden and uncontrollable excitement of our canine companions can be both adorable and alarming, especially when it leads to unexpected physical reactions like coughing. If your dog gets excited and coughs, it’s essential to understand the underlying reasons for this behavior to ensure your pet’s health and well-being. Let’s delve into the possible causes of excitement-induced coughing in dogs and what you can do about it.

Understanding Canine Excitement

Dogs can get excited for a variety of reasons, including seeing their favorite toys, meeting new people, anticipating a walk, or even hearing the sound of a treat bag being opened. This excitement triggers a physiological response in dogs, affecting their breathing, heart rate, and sometimes leading to physical manifestations like coughing.

Reasons for Coughing Due to Excitement

1. Rapid Breathing: When dogs get excited, they often breathe rapidly and sometimes inhale too much air. This can lead to hyperventilation, which might cause coughing due to the sudden change in breathing patterns.

2. Laryngeal Paralysis or Collapse: In some cases, extreme excitement can cause the larynx (voice box) to become paralyzed or collapse temporarily. This condition, more common in certain breeds, can lead to coughing as the dog struggles to breathe properly.

3. Tracheal Collapse: Similar to laryngeal issues, the trachea (windpipe) can collapse under the pressure of extreme excitement, resulting in coughing. This condition is more prevalent in smaller breeds.

4. Anxiety or Stress: Sometimes, what appears as excitement could be an underlying anxiety or stress response, leading to physical symptoms like coughing.

5. Pre-existing Conditions: Dogs with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis or heart disease, might cough more when excited due to the increased strain on their respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

What to Do

If your dog coughs when excited, here are some steps you can take:

• Stay Calm: It’s crucial to remain calm and composed. Avoid reinforcing the excited behavior by overreacting or giving in to your dog’s demands immediately.

• Gradual Exposure: Help your dog get used to stimuli that cause excitement gradually. For example, if your dog gets excited by visitors, start by exposing them to the sound of the doorbell at a low volume and reward calm behavior.

• Training: Teach your dog a “settle” or “relax” command. Positive reinforcement training can help manage excitement levels and reduce coughing triggered by overexcitement.

• Consult a Veterinarian: If the coughing persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, lethargy, or loss of appetite, consult with a veterinarian. They can rule out any underlying health issues that might be contributing to the coughing.

• Manage the Environment: Remove or minimize stimuli that cause excessive excitement. For instance, if your dog gets overexcited by seeing other dogs during walks, consider changing your walking route or time to avoid such encounters.

Conclusion

While excitement-induced coughing in dogs can be concerning, understanding the reasons behind it and taking appropriate measures can help alleviate the issue. By providing a calm environment, training your dog to manage excitement, and ensuring they receive regular veterinary check-ups, you can help prevent unnecessary distress and ensure your dog leads a happy and healthy life.

Frequently Asked Questions