Pomeranians are small yet hardy dogs with outgoing and sociable personalities. Like some other breeds, they suffer from their fair share of common illnesses, including eye problems, dental disease, and hip dysplasia. They can also suffer from illnesses that lead to coughing.
There are several reasons that your Pomeranian might be coughing so much, and we will outline some of them here. One or more of the following causes may apply to your beloved pup.
The 7 Reasons Why Your Pomeranian Is Coughing So Much
1. Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is the common name given to infectious bronchitis in dogs. It is highly contagious between dogs and is usually caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria. The infection affects the dog’s respiratory system, causing a hacking cough and sometimes a high temperature.
This disease is named as such because it’s commonly found in places where many dogs congregate, like kennels. If a dog is stressed, their immune system may be suppressed slightly, which allows the infection to take hold.
Kennel cough is usually self-limiting for fit and healthy dogs, and your dog will recover in around 3 weeks. However, in very young or old dogs or those suffering from other diseases, it can progress to pneumonia and become more serious.
If your Pomeranian is coughing, calling the vet for advice is best. If your pup is otherwise well, eating and drinking normally, and isn’t showing signs of lethargy, you might be advised to keep them at home with plenty of fluid, tasty food, and TLC. It’s essential to keep them quarantined from other dogs while they recover to ensure they don’t spread the disease. A dehumidifier may be helpful. If the coughing progresses and your dog develops further signs such as lethargy or going off their food, a trip to the veterinarian’s office is in order.
2. Hairballs
Just like cats, Pomeranians can be affected by hairballs. Their long hair is easy to lap up when they are grooming themselves. Hairballs are especially common among Pomeranians when they are shedding. If your Pomeranian is suffering from hairballs, they might sound like they are coughing, as they are trying to bring the hairball up, but they are vomiting (bringing the hairball up from the stomach).
Typically, hairballs will make their way through the digestive tract and pass out the other end. On occasion, a hairball can become stuck in the gastrointestinal system and create an intestinal blockage, which is an emergency. Signs of a gastrointestinal blockage are vomiting and abdominal pain. In these cases, endoscopy or surgery is required to remove the blockage. The best thing to do is take steps to avoid hairballs in the first place.
Brush your Pomeranian daily to eliminate any loose hairs mixed into their coat. Make flea treatments a priority; the less irritating your dog’s skin is to them, the less likely they are to lick themselves. Also, ensure your dog gets physical and mental exercise throughout the day, as boredom can lead to excessive grooming.
3. Reverse Sneezing
If your Pomeranian sounds like they are snorting and stretching out their neck at the same time, chances are that they are reverse sneezing. This action is caused by a condition called paroxysmal respiration, which is common among some small breeds, such as Pomeranians. It makes a dog draw air in through their nose quickly and repeatedly, making a very strange noise.
Witnessing your Pomeranian reverse sneeze can be alarming; some owners believe their dogs are having seizures! However, reverse sneezing is not harmful to dogs, and the cause is usually due to soft palate irritation. This can be caused by anything from a blade of grass to household products. There are no side effects to worry about, but if it keeps recurring, you should take your dog to the vet for an examination. The typical reverse sneezing session can last anywhere from just a few seconds to about a minute.
4. Heart Problems
Many heart conditions cause a dog to cough. The most common types of heart problems in Pomeranians include Patent Ductus Arteriosus (a rare defect that some puppies are born with) and valvular disease, most commonly Mitral Valve Disease. When you take your Pom puppy for their first vet check, your vet will carefully listen to your dog’s heart and lungs and feel their pulse. If they suspect any problem with your dog’s cardiovascular system, they will inform you and run further tests.
In an older dog, degeneration of one or more of the heart valves can cause the heart to beat less efficiently, resulting in fluid building up in the lungs. Fluid on the lungs and the enlargement of the heart (which occurs as the disease progresses) cause dogs to cough. The cough is usually soft, and it may bring up small amounts of fluid with it.
If you notice your dog starting to cough and perhaps starting to slow down on walks a little, take them to your vet. Old dogs slow down, but more often than not, there is a good reason for it, and ruling out heart disease early is vital so that management can be more successful.
Heartworms are also a common issue in dogs. A light and dry cough is one of the first signs of a heartworm infection. Heartworms are transmitted from an infected dog to a healthy dog via a mosquito bite. The larval stages of the parasite (microfilariae) then migrate through the tissues, eventually reaching the blood vessels that supply the heart and lungs. By damaging the blood vessels and causing irritation and inflammation, heartworms can cause severe illness and even death.
5. Trachea Collapse
This progressive disease affects a dog’s trachea or windpipe. Tracheal collapse is most common in small dogs like Pomeranians, so all owners should be aware of it and its signs. It happens when the cartilage rings that maintain the shape of the windpipe start to weaken, so they can no longer hold the windpipe open.
As the windpipe “flattens,” less air can get through, which makes it tough for a dog to breathe. The predominant sign of a trachea collapse is a harsh and persistent cough, often described as a “goose honk.” More severe signs of tracheal collapse are difficulty breathing, fainting, and changing tongue color. If these signs are displayed, a trip to the nearest emergency hospital is needed.
Trachea collapse unfortunately can’t be cured, but it can be medically managed in most cases. However, if medical management isn’t working, your vet may advise you that surgery is needed. Medications include cough suppressants, anti-anxiety medication, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids. Your veterinarian will determine a treatment course based on your dog’s health.
6. Allergies
Have you ever had an allergic reaction that made you sneeze, cough, or tear up? Like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies, including dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, and dander from other animals.
If you suspect your dog is coughing due to something like a new air freshener, remove it and see if it helps. If it doesn’t improve over the course of a day or two, it is best to visit your vet for an examination.
7. Canine Influenza Virus
Canine influenza, or “dog flu,” can infect dogs of all breeds. It’s similar to the flu that humans experience, but the virus that causes it has not been shown to affect humans in any way. However, it is highly contagious among canines.
There are two canine influenza viruses: H3N2 and H3N8. Dogs generally recover well from both types of virus, though in severe and rare cases, the virus can lead to pneumonia, which is much more serious. Signs of canine influenza include coughing, fever, runny nose, eye discharge, a lack of appetite, and lethargy.
Fortunately, you can get your dog vaccinated against both strains of canine influenza viruses, which should minimize their risk of getting ill if they are exposed. If your dog does get sick, treatment typically consists of plenty of rest and hydration. Their immune system should take over the job of fighting off the virus as long as they are otherwise healthy. If your dog is very old, very young, or is immuno-compromised, you should see your vet as soon as you suspect they may be unwell.
Final Thoughts
While the occasional cough should be expected from your dog, there is nothing ordinary about a cough that doesn’t seem to cease. Hopefully, one of the causes outlined here will help you determine why your Pomeranian is coughing so much so you can figure out how to address the problem. With any luck, your dog will be free of their cough in no time.
Featured Image Credit: Sergey Lavrentev, Shutterstock
