Respiratory Red Flags: Coughing, Sneezing, and Wheezing in Pets

When your pet suddenly starts coughing, sneezing, or wheezing, it’s natural to feel alarmed. These sounds often signal more than just irritation- they can be early warnings of infection, inflammation, or even systemic disease. At Emerald Animal Hospital in Los Angeles, California, we help pet owners understand what’s normal, what’s not, and what steps to take when something seems off.

What That Sound Might Mean

Respiratory sounds in pets are easy to dismiss- until they persist or worsen. Each type of sound can signal a different part of the respiratory tract is affected:

  • Coughing is often associated with lower airway or pulmonary disease. It may originate in the trachea, bronchi, or lungs and result from irritation, infection, tracheal collapse, or cardiac enlargement compressing the airways. Chronic cough can also be an early indicator of heart disease, parasitic infection (like lungworm or heartworm), or even pulmonary tumors.
  • Sneezing typically reflects upper airway involvement. While it may start with a simple irritant like dust, recurring episodes often indicate feline upper respiratory infections, allergies, or environmental triggers. In the Los Angeles area, foxtails are a common cause of violent sneezing and nasal discharge due to their ability to lodge deep in the nasal cavity.
  • Wheezing suggests narrowed or inflamed airways, commonly seen in asthma, chronic bronchitis, or allergic airway disease. Feline asthma is a common cause in cats, while small-breed dogs may wheeze due to dynamic airway collapse or tracheal malformations.
  • Reverse sneezing occurs when soft palate irritation causes a sudden inhalation reflex. While benign in many cases, chronic episodes may indicate post-nasal drip, allergies, or elongated soft palates- especially in brachycephalic breeds.
  • Snoring, although common in flat-faced breeds, shouldn’t be ignored when it develops suddenly. Nasopharyngeal masses, polyps, or dental disease can all contribute to new-onset stertor (noisy breathing) in both dogs and cats.

When to Worry- and Why

Because respiratory symptoms can stem from many causes- some benign, others life-threatening- it’s important to assess the context and progression. A mild upper respiratory infection may resolve with rest and hydration, while a sudden onset of labored breathing or cyanosis (bluish gums) can signal a medical emergency like pulmonary edema or a foreign body obstruction.

Even low-grade symptoms can reduce your pet’s oxygen intake, lead to chronic inflammation, or predispose them to secondary infections like pneumonia. Respiratory distress can escalate quickly, especially in brachycephalic breeds, geriatric pets, or those with preexisting heart conditions.

Know when to act. Signs like open-mouth breathing (especially in cats), pale or blue gums, collapse, or sudden increased effort to breathe require immediate intervention. Visit us for urgent care or head to your nearest emergency veterinary clinic.

What Happens During Diagnosis

Identifying the root cause of a respiratory issue begins with a detailed physical exam and patient history. Depending on your pet’s symptoms and risk factors, we may recommend:

  • Thoracic imaging (X-rays or ultrasound) to evaluate lung patterns, check for cardiac enlargement, detect fluid buildup, or visualize masses or airway collapse.
  • CBC and chemistry panel to assess white blood cell counts, organ function, and signs of systemic inflammation or infection.
  • Heartworm testing, especially in dogs not on year-round prevention.
  • Tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage for cytology and culture if infection or neoplasia is suspected in the lower airways.
  • Echocardiography to evaluate cardiac function when heart disease is suspected.

In cats, additional testing may include FeLV/FIV screening, as viral immunosuppression can predispose them to chronic respiratory disease.

How We Treat Respiratory Conditions

Treatment is guided by diagnosis, severity, and species. Dogs and cats often respond differently to therapies, and caution must be used with certain medications.

  • Infectious diseases are typically managed with antimicrobials and supportive care, including fluids and nutritional support.
  • Allergic airway disease or asthma may require bronchodilators, corticosteroids (oral or inhaled), and environmental modifications.
  • Heart-related cough often improves with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or other cardiac medications that reduce fluid buildup and ease breathing effort.
  • Surgical options may be considered for airway obstructions, severe tracheal collapse, or nasal foreign bodies like foxtails.
  • Oxygen therapy and nebulization are used in acute cases to stabilize patients in respiratory distress.
  • Integrative care, such as nutritional support and acupuncture, may also be part of long-term management for chronic conditions.

Year-round parasite prevention remains essential, especially in temperate zones. See how Los Angeles compares on the Canine Heartworm Prevalence Map and talk to us about customizing your prevention plan.

Supporting Your Pet at Home

Managing a pet with respiratory issues involves more than medication. Environmental control can significantly reduce flare-ups:

  • Use humidifiers to reduce airway dryness, especially during colder months or when indoor heating is running.
  • Avoid secondhand smoke, incense, air fresheners, and aerosol sprays. These are common respiratory irritants, and many contain volatile organic compounds that pets are highly sensitive to.
  • Use low-dust or unscented litter for cats prone to sneezing or asthma symptoms.
  • Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help reduce airborne allergens and fine particulate matter- especially helpful during wildfire season in Southern California.
  • Replace collars with harnesses in dogs prone to tracheal sensitivity, and keep walks gentle and short during poor air quality days.
  • Feed from elevated bowls to decrease neck strain and encourage easier breathing during meals.

Preventing Respiratory Trouble

Prevention focuses on minimizing infectious exposure, controlling environmental risks, and maintaining good overall health:

  • Stay up to date with vaccinations against infectious agents like parainfluenza, adenovirus, and Bordetella.
  • Follow the Canine Preventive Guidelines to ensure heartworm prevention, parasite screening, and routine wellness care.
  • Avoid tall, dry grasses with known foxtail infestations.
  • Keep your home free from strong chemical cleaners, plug-in air fresheners, and smoking indoors.
  • Monitor your pet’s weight- obesity can worsen respiratory symptoms and increase anesthetic risk if future procedures are needed.

Early detection and prevention are your best defenses against chronic respiratory disease.

We’re Here for Every Breath

At Emerald Animal Hospital, we believe that every breath matters. Whether your pet has a lingering cough, occasional wheezing, or sudden trouble breathing, we’re here to guide you through it with clear answers and compassionate care. Schedule an appointment or meet our team today- we’re proud to be your partner in lifelong respiratory health.