Why Is My Pomeranian Coughing? Causes & Fixes

When you ask, “Why is my Pomeranian coughing?” the most common reasons are tracheal collapse, kennel cough, or even allergies. Irritants and slight throat inflammation can cause the cough. Nevertheless, a persistent cough, especially a very dry and harsh one, requires a vet visit.

Overview

Pomeranians are typically full of life and energy, and it can raise concerns when they start coughing suddenly. You may become concerned, and ask, “Why does my Pomeranian cough so much?” Like coughing in humans, there are various reasons, some are serious and some not so serious.

Table of Contents

When your Pom coughs, it may be an issue of an irritant, dust, or mucus lodged in one of the airway passages. It might also be a sign of more serious issues, such as collapsing trachea, kennel cough, or allergies.

Due to the small, tight, and sensitive air passages in Pomeranians, they tend to cough more than other breeds. While their small size, and fluffy coat, may give off the idea of toughness, their respiratory system is, in fact, the most sensitive part of their body.

Each type of cough will require a different response, understanding the reason for your Pom’s cough is important to provide the right response. Whether it’s a simple tickle in the throat, or a more serious issue, the right response provides greater ease.

Persistent coughing in your Pom is an indicator that your vet should be consulted. The right response may rule out some serious conditions and allow your buddy to breath more freely.

What Can Make a Pomeranian Cough A lot?

Several factors can involve a Pomeranian coughing a lot. It can be caused by something simple like airborne irritants such as dust, perfume, or smoke, or a chronic respiratory condition. Let’s list the most common causes.

Pomeranian Collapsed Trachea

One primary source of coughing in small dogs is tracheal collapse. The windpipe collapse when the cartilage rings that hold the windpipe open weaken which makes it hard for air to pass through. In these situation, you can hear a dry honking sound, similar to a goose, especially during and after excitement, or when a collar is pulled. Using a harness is better because it reduces pressure on the Pom’s delicate neck.

Read more on colllapsed Trachea: Tracheal Collapse in Dogs

Do Dogs Feel Pain If for a Collapsed Trachea?

A collapsed trachea is painful or uncomfortable for dogs. Trachea collapse can cause coughing, wheezing, and even exercise avoidance because of the pain it causes when they breathe.

If Dogs Experience Trachea Collapsing, Can This Prove Fatal?

In very advanced situations, consequences may show the potential of being fatal if treatment is neglected. In the majority of cases though, early diagnosis, proper medication, and the attainment of comfort associated with weight control, makes it possible most Pomeranians will live with the condition and not be as impacted.

Pomeranian Heart Conditions

Heart issues, specifically heart disease, become a cause of coughing in dogs. When the heart is unable to efficiently pump blood, a condition known as congestive heart failure develops, and fluid is forced into the lungs providing the dog with a wet, persistent cough.

This issue is likely to arise in older Pomeranians. This makes it necessary to have regular vet appointments to monitor and maintain the heart and prevent complications.

Pomeranian Reverse Sneezing

Reverse sneezing is not a cause for alarm. During this activity, the Pomeranian completely inhales, then snorts, making various abnormal choking sounds. This can be common in reverse sneezing from the soft palate being irritated, of which the cause can be dust, perfume, or excitement.

In most situations, calming a dog whose reverse sneezing is frequent or prolonged can be achieved by gently stroking the dog’s throat. Covering the nose, as was discussed previously, may also eliminate the problem. If this issue is frequent, consult a vet to rule out other potential problems such as allergies.

Kennel Cough

If your dog spends time at parks or grooming salons, they could catch kennel cough, which is a contagious respiratory infection. This dry and hacking cough is caused by viruses or bacteria and is easily spread among dogs.

Most mild cases resolve on their own within seven to fourteen days. For at home treatment, you may consider one of the popular home remedy. Adding honey to warm water is a great and soothing way to help their throat. If the cough is deep or does not stop, a vet should be consulted to rule out pneumonia.

Pomeranian Hairball Issues Are a Common Cause of Coughing

It may be surprising to learn that hairball issues are not limited to just cats. Pomeranians are self groomers, and during the shedding season they can swallow a significant amount of loose hair. This hair can irritate the throat and form a hairball that causes coughing or gagging.

To help with this problem, pom owners can consider regular brushing their pom. Equally effective, from a grooming stand point, is a small amount of dog safe coconut oil. This will help your pom’s digestive system to pass hair that is swallowed during grooming. Regular grooming is an effective way to minimize coughing caused by hair.

Worm Infections

Worms aren’t always bad. Some puppies and even older dogs can contract parasites like round worms. These parasites can wreak havoc on a dogs respiratory system causing the lungs to become inflamed and even severely irritated. More advanced cases can directly damage the heart.

Worm infections can cause Pomeranians to become lethargic and apathetic towards eating. In advanced cases, the parasites can cause respiratory distress. Most cases can be resolved with routine check ups and deworming, so make sure to routinely vet your Pom every few months and perform deworming cycles.

Other Infections Such As Bronchitis

Dogs can develop bronchitis, which is a respiratory infection, and subsequently start barking uncontrollably. Other irritants, like dust, can concentrate in the bronchial tubes and cause prolonged inflammation. This, in turn, will cause even more irritation.

In cases of bronchitis, the barking or coughing is dominant during the more active times, like play or exercise. Prescribed medications will give the dog the required rest. You must aid in the rest, especially in sleep, and be sure to keep the Pom’s area clear of irritants.

Elongated Palette

An elongated soft palate can obstruct a portion of your Pom’s airway, making breathing difficult. When air squeezes through a narrow opening, it can produce a snorting or choking sound, which may be confused with a cough.

This problem is usually found in small or toy breeds of dogs. In the milder instances, your vet may recommend weight management or observation, while more serious instances may need a minor surgical procedure to shorten the palate. Early detection provides your Pom with more comfortable breathing.

Are Those Coughs in Pomeranians a Cause for Concern?

At first, a cough from your Pomeranian dog might not cause any concern, although it can be a signal for a more serious issue. Coughing occasionally when excited or because of dust in the air is not cause for concern, however, if it persists or becomes excessively loud, it warrants concern.

There are many possible dangerous reasons for persistent coughs in dogs, for example: collapsing trachea, kennel cough, and even heart disease. Other symptoms might be present, such as wheezing, lethargy, or cyanosis of the gum and might indicate a cardiac or pulmonary disease.

If your Pom’s cough is dry, hacking, or honking, don’t wait. Go to a veterinarian. They will be able to assess the situation, say if it is a mild case of reverse sneezing, or more severe like heartworms in dogs.

It is also important to keep in mind that Pomeranians and other small dogs are more likely to develop serious complications from mild forms of respiratory ailments. Conducting X-rays or other tests, and promptly diagnosing the issue is critical in eliminating the above and other complications.

We’ll say it again; don’t take any chances with your Pom’s breathing. If it continues for a few days and doesn’t go away, or even seems painful, getting proper help would be your best course of action.

Stopping Pomeranian Coughing

If your Pomeranian starts coughing, there are a few different things you can do to help relieve the problem. The different possible causes of the coughing will be discussed in the course of the article, and for now, there are a few basic things you can do to provide some relief.

Start with ensuring your Pomeranian’s immediate environment is clean, and do your best to keep airborne irritants away as best as possible. Things like cigarette smoke, air fresheners, and dust can trigger your Pom’s airways, and will make the coughing fits worse. Having a humidifier will help a lot, as it will help alleviate the throat and coughing fits.

If your vet finds kennel cough or bronchitis, you’ll need to follow the treatment plan closely. That may include antibiotics, bronchodilators, or any of the mild cough suppressants. Never give any human prescription or over-the-counter medication to your Pom.

In instances of tracheal collapse, switching from a collar to a harness will relieve pressure off your Pom’s throat. This will help ease tracheal damage and improve ease of breathing.

You will also need to monitor your dog’s diet and water intake. If food allergies are a trigger, try a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic dog food. Keeping Pom’s regular vet appointments is essential to monitor progress and to catch signs of a problem early.

H3: What Can I Give My Pomeranian to Ease Coughing Issues?

In the meantime, your Pom can have honey to relieve symptoms naturally, as honey is a gentle home remedy for kennel cough. Mix a teaspoon of honey into warm water to soothe their throat and lessen the frequency of their cough.

Do not give your Pom any over-the-counter cough medicine unless your vet prescribes it. Instead, help your Pom recover by limiting their physical activity and providing a warm, quiet space where they can rest.

Final Thoughts

Occasional coughs can be harmless but if you ask yourself, “Why is my Pomeranian coughing?” it is wise to investigate further. Persistent episodes are typically a sign of a worsening health condition. Pomeranians, like all small dogs, can suffer from tracheal collapse. They are also susceptible to various troublesome health issues like kennel cough and allergies. When left untreated, these can become serious health issues.

There is a marked positive difference in outcomes with timely intervention and appropriate care from your vet. When observing your dog’s cough, be sure to note if it is bad after excitement, eating, or resting for an extended period. This information will help your vet’s diagnosis tremendously.

Regular vet visits, having a smoke-free environment, and using a harness instead of a collar all help in prevention. Smoker’s cough can also occur in dogs so be sure to maintain an environment smoke safe. It also helps to provide your dog a complete and balanced diet, along with regular grooming to reduce allergy-related coughing.

Finally, be patient. Your Pomeranian can live a happy, cough-free life with love and regular care.

Disclaimer:

This content does not provide substitute professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis or treatment. For medical questions regarding your dog, please consult your veterinarian. Do not take any website information as professional advice and avoid or delay paying for professional advice.