dog keeps licking paws and coughing
Health Disorders & Cure

Why Does My Dog Keeps Licking Paws And Coughing? Explain Completely

dog keeps licking paws and coughing
Dog keeps licking paws and coughing

Dog Keeps Licking Paws And Coughing

If your dog keeps licking its paws and coughing, it could be due to a combination of factors. Paw licking is often caused by allergies, skin irritations, or anxiety, while coughing may result from respiratory issues like kennel cough, throat irritation, or even heart disease.

Sometimes, allergies that affect both the skin and respiratory system can lead to both symptoms occurring simultaneously. Observing your dog’s behavior and consulting a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and get the appropriate treatment is important.

Causes of Paw Licking in Dogs

Dogs lick their paws for various reasons, ranging from harmless to serious. Let’s look at the most common reasons your dog may be licking its paws excessively.

1. Allergies

In dogs, one of the most important causes to lick paws is allergies. Dogs can be allergic to environmental factors, food, or even cleaning products used around the house. When a dog is exposed to an allergen, their paws can become itchy, leading to constant licking.

Some allergens include:

  • Pollen
  • Dust mites
  • Mold
  • Certain food ingredients

If your dog’s paw licking seems to coincide with changes in seasons or after meals, allergies could be the cause. Visiting a vet can help identify the allergens, and treatments like antihistamines or a special diet may be recommended.

2. Skin Infections

A dog that keeps licking its paws may be dealing with a skin infection. These infections can be bacterial or fungal. Constant licking can make the infection worse, leading to open sores, redness, and irritation.

Signs of a paw infection include:

  • Swollen paws
  • Redness between the toes
  • Discharge from the paw
  • A foul odor

If you notice any of the above signs, it’s important to take your dog to the vet. 

3. Parasites

Parasites like fleas and ticks can irritate your dog’s paws, causing them to lick excessively. These pests often hide between the toes or around the paw pads, making your dog uncomfortable.

In addition to licking, other signs of a parasite infestation include:

  • Scratching at different parts of the body
  • Hair loss
  • Red, inflamed skin

Regularly checking your dog’s paws for parasites and using flea and tick preventatives can help avoid these issues.

4. Anxiety or Boredom

Sometimes, paw licking is behavioral rather than physical. Anxiety and boredom can cause dogs to develop repetitive behaviors, such as paw licking. This is often seen in dogs that spend long periods alone or lack mental stimulation.

To address anxiety-related paw licking:

  • Increase your dog’s daily exercise
  • Provide puzzle toys for mental stimulation
  • Consider calming supplements or therapies for anxious dogs

5. Injuries or Foreign Objects

A dog that has injured its paw or has something stuck in it, such as a thorn or splinter, may lick at the area in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort. Inspect your dog’s paws regularly for cuts, bruises, or foreign objects.

If you notice your dog licking only one paw, this could be a sign of an injury.

Causes of Coughing in Dogs

Coughing is another symptom that can have various underlying causes. Let’s explore why your dog may be coughing.

1. Kennel Cough

Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a common cause of coughing in dogs. It is highly contagious and spreads easily in places where dogs congregate, such as kennels, dog parks, or grooming salons.

Symptoms of kennel cough include:

  • A persistent, dry cough
  • Gagging after coughing
  • Sneezing
  • A runny nose

Kennel cough typically resolves on its own, but a vet may prescribe cough suppressants or antibiotics if the symptoms are severe.

2. Heart Disease

In dogs, coughing can be the cause of Heart disease. Dogs with heart problems often cough due to fluid build-up in the lungs or pressure on the airways.

Other symptoms of heart disease are:

  • Lethargy
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fainting

If your dog’s coughing is accompanied by these symptoms, it’s crucial to visit a vet for a thorough examination.

3. Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or canine influenza, can cause dogs to cough. These infections often have symptoms like:

  • Fever
  • Nasal discharge
  • Loss of appetite

Veterinary treatment, including antibiotics, may be necessary to resolve a respiratory infection.

4. Collapsing Trachea

In small breeds, a collapsing trachea is a common cause of coughing. The trachea (windpipe) loses its rigidity, causing it to collapse when the dog inhales. This can lead to a honking cough, especially during exercise or excitement.

While this condition can’t be cured, managing your dog’s weight and avoiding strenuous activities can help reduce symptoms.

5. Allergies

Just like with paw licking, allergies can cause a dog to cough. Airborne allergens such as pollen or dust can irritate a dog’s respiratory system, leading to coughing fits.

Managing your dog’s exposure to allergens and using allergy medications can help reduce coughing.

Dog Keeps Licking Paws And Coughing
Dog Keeps Licking Paws And Coughing

What to Do If Your Dog Keeps Licking Paws and Coughing

If your dog is both licking its paws and coughing, they may be dealing with multiple issues at once. Here’s how you can address both symptoms:

1. Consult Your Vet

Always consult a veterinarian if your dog’s symptoms persist. A vet can run tests to determine whether the cause of the symptoms is an allergy, infection, or something more serious.

2. Monitor Your Dog’s Behavior

Pay attention to when your dog licks its paws and coughs. Does the coughing happen after eating or during exercise? Is the paw-licking seasonal or consistent year-round? These observations can help your vet make a more accurate diagnosis.

3. Keep Your Dog’s Environment Clean

Whether the cause is allergies or an infection, maintaining a clean environment can help prevent paw licking and coughing. Regularly wash your dog’s bedding, clean your home, and keep your dog’s living space free of allergens.

4. Address Anxiety and Stress

If anxiety or boredom is contributing to your dog’s paw licking, consider increasing their physical activity or providing mental stimulation. Interactive toys, daily walks, and plenty of attention can go a long way in curbing these behaviors.

Final Thoughts: Dog Keeps Licking Paws And Coughing

Excessive paw licking and coughing can be distressing for both you and your dog. The causes can vary from mild allergies to more serious conditions like infections or heart disease. Identifying the root cause with the help of your vet is key to ensuring your dog stays healthy and comfortable. Be proactive in addressing your dog’s symptoms, and you’ll be able to provide them with the care they need.

FAQs: Dog Keeps Licking Paws And Coughing

Why does my dog keep licking his paws and gagging?

Your dog may be licking his paws due to allergies, skin irritations, or anxiety, while gagging could be linked to throat irritation or respiratory issues like kennel cough.

Why is my dog coughing like something is stuck in his throat?

A persistent cough that sounds like something is stuck could be caused by a kennel cough, a collapsing trachea, or irritation from something lodged in the throat.

Why does my dog keep licking his mouth and coughing?

Licking the mouth followed by coughing may indicate nausea, acid reflux, or a respiratory issue such as kennel cough or allergies.

Why is my dog coughing and gagging like he has a hairball?

Coughing and gagging that resembles a hairball could be due to kennel cough, a collapsing trachea, or something irritating the airway, like dust or a small object.

Author

Jahanzaib Kaleem is a passionate and knowledgeable pet writer and veterinarian dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and educating pet owners around the world. With years of experience in veterinary medicine and a deep love for animals, Jahanzaib combines his medical expertise with a flair for writing to deliver insightful and practical advice on pet care.

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Jahanzaib Kaleem is a passionate and knowledgeable pet writer and veterinarian dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and educating pet owners around the world. With years of experience in veterinary medicine and a deep love for animals, Jahanzaib combines his medical expertise with a flair for writing to deliver insightful and practical advice on pet care.