First, where is the trachea? What does it do?
The trachea, or windpipe, is a tube composed of cartilage, muscle and tissue, located between the throat and the lungs. Through it, air passes from the nose or mouth into and out of the lungs. It shares its entry point into the body with the esophagus. A small flap called the epiglottis closes when food or water enters, leading it toward the digestive tract, and opens for breathing. When the trachea’s structural integrity is compromised, so too is its functionality.
Whether the trouble is irritation and swelling during respiratory illnesses, a fault present from a young age due to genetic abnormalities, or one which develops with advancing age, a weak trachea prevents dogs from getting the oxygen they need. Since dogs sweat very little, panting provides not only fresh air but also heat relief, making the trachea critically important during the warmer parts of the year or during intense exercise.
Now, let’s further examine those three reasons a dog coughs after drinking water.
Also known as infectious canine tracheobronchitis, kennel cough in dogs is the least serious reason why a dog coughs after drinking water. Kennel cough is basically the common cold for canines. Like any communicable disease, it spreads most efficiently in places where there are a number of dogs in close quarters. From the dog park to the groomer, and from boarding facilities to veterinarians’ offices, kennel cough can affect any breed of dog at any age.
The major symptom of this mild respiratory infection is a cough that sounds like a goose honking. The more the dog coughs, the more irritated and inflamed the trachea becomes. In a multi-pet household, a dog with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs and their bowls cleaned and disinfected. Kennel cough tends to pass within a couple of weeks, and any coughing with it.
If a dog coughs after drinking water, especially if that dog is a young puppy, it could signal a more serious health issue. A hypoplastic trachea is a genetic abnormality. “Hypoplastic” means “underdeveloped,” and usually refers to the rings of cartilage that give the trachea its shape. The effect of this inherited condition is that the windpipe does not develop to its full size or width. This disorder primarily affects puppies from short-muzzled breeds, technically referred to as “brachycephalic.”
Breeds most at risk for hypoplastic trachea include the Boston Terrier, English Bulldog and Pug. Symptoms depend on the extent to which the puppy’s airway is narrowed by the condition. These dogs are already known, as they age, to snore, snort or breathe more heavily; with a hypoplastic trachea, symptoms like these can begin showing up as early as five or six months of age. Additional symptoms to watch out for in flat-faced puppies include low energy, along with rapid weight gain due to limited ability to exercise.
On its own, a mild case, where the trachea’s diameter is not substantially affected, may pass completely unnoticed and undiagnosed. In some dogs, the narrow trachea can be a symptom of brachycephalic airway syndrome, in which the abbreviated length of the dog’s skull causes other cranial abnormalities, such as smaller nostrils, which further restrict a dog’s oxygen intake.
Where evidence of an underdeveloped trachea tends to arise quite early in life, symptoms of a collapsing trachea have a much later onset and tend to affect a different subset of dogs. This is a degenerative condition in which the trachea loses structural integrity over time. Imagine slowly flattening a roll of toilet paper and you have a decent of what happens to the dog’s windpipe. As the airway narrows, it becomes progressively more difficult for the dog to take in sufficient air.
Symptoms of a collapsing trachea tend to appear in middle age or seniority, which for these long-lived small dog breeds may be anywhere from the ages of 4-6 years or later. Similar to kennel cough and hypoplastic tracheas, the hallmark of this disorder is that honking cough, accompanied by a gagging noise. For small dogs who have been energetic and perky throughout life, a loss of energy or getting tired after very little exertion may be more alarming signs of a weakening trachea.
Anything with the word “collapse” or “collapsing” in it sounds dire, but in many cases, this is a very slowly developing health issue. It is most frequently seen in Yorkshire Terriers, but it is common across a range of small and toy dog breeds. Along with Yorkies, tracheal collapse can also affect Chihuahuas, Lhasa Apsos, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles and Pugs.
What Does Coughing After Drinking Water Sound Like in Dogs?
Coughs in dogs may take on different sounds depending on what is causing them. Dogs that cough after drinking water may hack or gag as if trying to clear something from their throat. They may retch and actually bring up a little foam or water when they do. The cough may be shallow and fast or contain a couple of deep-in-the-chest coughs.
They may also start to hyperventilate and make a coughing sound similar to a goose honk. Being able to describe the sound and frequency to your veterinarian is an important part of the diagnostic process, so get your listening ears ready whenever your dog takes a drink of water.
Your Dog Could Be Reverse Sneezing
Although reverse sneezing is not a cough, most dog parents confuse it with a cough as it also occurs after the dog drinks water. It’s also common among short-muzzled breeds after they eat and drink rapidly.
The sound the dogs produce is similar to a snorting fit and occurs after the water in the airway causes spasms in the larynx and pushes out air. This condition is typical among all dog breeds too, and it shouldn’t cause any concerns.
However, it would be best not to make this assumption all the time, especially if you have short-muzzled dogs. It could be signaling a respiratory issue like tracheal collapse or a degenerative condition. Consult with your vet for a proper diagnosis if the condition persists.
Does Your Dog Cough After Drinking Water? Here is Why?
Drinking water is necessary for dogs to stay hydrated. They do it when they are thirsty, and also after a lot of exercise in order to cool down.
It is supposed to be a normal and relaxing occurrence. However, sometimes it may happen that your dog coughs after drinking water, and you start wondering why that is so. I’m sure that is the reason why you are here right now…
Coughing once in a while is normal, and usually expected. Dogs, just like humans, have a cough reflex to keep their respiratory system free from dust, allergens, and other common causes.
But, what if this happens sometimes? Well, if your dog coughs after drinking water every time, it may be a sign of some serious medical condition.
Therefore, I have gathered the six most common reasons as to why dogs cough after drinking water. Keep reading to find out what causes this and how to treat it!