Menu

Coughing & Sneezing

When your four-legged family friend is coughing and sneezing, he or she should be assessed by our veterinarian. An occasional sneeze or cough is usually no cause for concern, but it's best to have a veterinarian exam if the coughing and sneezing persists. Our team and Bluegrass Animal Hospital in Knoxville, TN will determine what is causing your pet to cough and sneeze and provide the corresponding treatment. 

Coughing & Sneezing

What Causes Sneezing in Cats and Dogs?

Sneezing can be caused by irritants from pollen, perfumes, or dust. Sneezing removes these irritants from your pet’s airways. Pets can have seasonal allergies just as humans do too. Other more serious causes of sneezing include infectious disease, upper airway obstruction by an object, or excess tissue in the upper airways as is seen in dogs with short heads and flat faces.

What Causes Coughing in Cats and Dogs?

Certain breeds of pets with short, flat faces may cough more frequently than others. These breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, and Pekingese, as well as Persian cats. This is due to the structure of their faces and noses.  A pet may drink water too fast and then cough. Overweight pets that struggle to breathe may produce a honking sound similar to a cough. Kennel cough, gum disease, tonsil infections, or other types of infections can also cause coughing and will require veterinary attention.

When to Take Your Cat or Dog to the Vet

If you notice your pet coughing or sneezing a lot, it's worth a trip to the vet to get it checked out. An infection can be treated by antibiotics. Parasites or lungworms can also be treated in this way. Severe infections including heart or lung problems with fluid buildup may be treated with diuretics and medicines to dilate the blood vessels, allowing your pet to breathe easily. You must make certain to follow your veterinarian's advice and give the entire number of medications so your pet will get better. You may also need a follow-up visit to re-check your furry family member. 

Contact Our Veterinarian in Knoxville, TN for Coughing and Sneezing Treatment  

At Bluegrass Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to helping your pets feel better and living a happy tail-wagging life. Our veterinarian will assess your pet’s health to determine what is causing your pet to cough and sneeze and recommend treatment to address it. For more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian, call us today at (865) 694-8387.

Office Hours

Monday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location