Why Does My Dog Hack After Drinking Water? Learn How to Help Your Pup

It’s a common sight for many dog owners: their furry friend drinks water and suddenly starts hacking, coughing or gagging. This behavior can be alarming and can make you wonder if there’s something wrong with your pup. The truth is that frequent coughing after drinking water isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, but it’s important to understand why it happens and how you can help your dog.

There are several reasons why dogs may hack after drinking water. One possibility is that they drank too quickly and got a bit of water down the wrong tube, causing them to cough. Another reason could be an underlying medical condition such as kennel cough, pneumonia, or heart disease. If your dog’s hacking persists or becomes more severe, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian.

Fortunately, in many cases, the reason why dogs hack after drinking water is harmless and easily preventable. By making simple changes to your dog’s drinking habits and environment, you can minimize the risk of them coughing or choking when drinking water. For example, giving your dog enough space to drink or using a slow-feed bowl can help them to drink slower and avoid accidentally ingesting air or excessive amounts of water.

“To help your pup stay healthy and comfortable, it’s essential to learn more about why they might be coughing after drinking and what you can do to prevent it.”

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why dogs may hack after drinking water and give you practical tips on how to help your furry friend. Whether you’re a new dog owner or have been taking care of pups for years, this information will come in handy and make your dog’s life much more enjoyable.

Understanding the Causes of Hacking in Dogs

Dogs are known for their unique behaviours and habits, but hacking or coughing after drinking water is a common concern among pet owners. Several triggers can cause this behaviour, ranging from environmental factors to underlying health conditions. Understanding the causes of hacking in dogs can help you identify potential issues and provide appropriate care to your furry friend.

Common Triggers for Hacking in Dogs

Sometimes, your dog may hack after drinking water due to common triggers that are not usually serious. These triggers include:

• Licking too fast: When dogs drink water too quickly, they may ingest air along with it. This causes them to gag or cough as their body tries to expel the extra air.
• Tension on collar: Pulling too hard on your dog’s collar can put pressure on your dog’s neck, leading to spasms in the respiratory system, which produces a hacking sound.
• Inhalation of foreign objects: Sometimes, dogs accidentally inhale small items during playtime or exploration. These objects can lodge themselves in the throat or lungs and cause hacking or coughing sounds.

“Hacking after drinking is often normal and nothing to worry about if there are no other symptoms.”

Health Conditions that may Lead to Hacking

If your dog hacks or coughs more frequently than usual, it could be an indication of an underlying health issue. Some medical conditions that can lead to hacking including:

• Respiratory infections: Kennel cough and pneumonia are two common infections that affect dogs’ respiratory systems. These illnesses can cause persistent coughing and hacking noises.
• Allergies: Just like humans, dogs can develop allergies to a variety of things, such as pollen or dust. When they inhale these irritants, their bodies produce excessive amounts of mucus, leading to coughs or hacks.
• Chronic conditions: Heart disease and bronchitis are two chronic illnesses that can lead to recurrent hacking in dogs. These conditions require long-term management and care from your veterinarian.

“If your dog is consistently coughing after drinking water, it is best to have them evaluated by a vet to determine if there’s an underlying issue.”

Environmental Factors that can Cause Hacking

Dogs also hack after drinking water due to environmental factors including:

• Polluted air: Exposure to polluted air can cause irritation to the respiratory system resulting in coughing and hacking sounds.
• Cigarette smoke: Secondhand cigarette smoke affects both human and animal health. Dogs who live with smokers may experience chronic cough and hacking noises.
• Dry air: Dry air indoors can irritate your dog’s throat and cause them to hack especially during winter months when humidifiers aren’t used.

“It is essential to keep the environment clean and pollutant-free for your furry friend’s overall well-being.”

Hacking in dogs occurs due to various factors, including environmental triggers, common causes, and underlying medical conditions. A persistent cough should not be ignored, as it could indicate a serious health problem. Owners must always monitor their dog’s behaviour closely and seek veterinary attention if needed.

How to Prevent Hacking in Dogs

Keep Your Dog’s Environment Clean and Dust-Free

If your dog is hacking or coughing after drinking water, it could be due to environmental irritants. Dust, pollen, and other airborne particles can trigger respiratory problems in dogs. Make sure your home is clean and dust-free by vacuuming regularly and wiping surfaces with damp cloths. You may also want to consider using air purifiers to remove pollutants from the air specifically designed for pets.

Dry air can also lead to irritation in your dog’s respiratory system and cause them to hack. To increase humidity levels in your house, use a humidifier made especially for dogs. Adding moisture to the air helps reduce dry skin, nosebleeds, and respiratory issues in dogs.

Use a Humidifier to Keep the Air Moist

The lack of moisture in the environment is often one of the leading causes of hacking and coughing spells in dogs. These symptoms are usually more intense during winter months when we rely heavily on heating systems that tend to drain the air of all its natural humidity. A great way to address this issue is to invest in a good quality humidifier and keep it running at an optimal level throughout the year. Keeping your dog’s living areas moderately moist will provide lasting relief from various persistent health conditions and lend support during treatment.

“A characteristic sign of canine bronchitis includes frequent coughing bouts, particularly after activity or upon waking up. In cases when respiratory infections go untreated, they can progress to pneumonia.” -Dr. Richard Goldstein

Keep Your Dog Away from Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke can become a significant source of discomfort and lung diseases, causing your dog to hack excessively if exposed to it. It is always better to keep your dog entirely away from cigarette smoke, pipes, or cigars. In case you are a smoker yourself and cannot eliminate smoking in the house completely, designate one specific area indoors where you can step out for a quick puff without exposing your pet.

You will be helping your four-legged friend immensely if you can trade tobacco cigarettes for e-cigarettes or vaporizers when inside the home. These devices generate far fewer toxins than traditional combustible cigarettes and do not emit any noxious smells that could cause discomfort to pets.

“Secondhand smoke may have even more profound health effects on pets because of their smaller lung capacity and an inability to move away from the source.” -Dr. Carol McConnell

Ensure Your Dog Gets Regular Exercise

Lack of exercise often leads to weight gain and puts immense pressure on internal organs like lungs and heart. Your dog’s breathing rate must increase during physical exertion to improve circulation and oxygen intake. Daily exercise helps maintain vital organ functions, strengthens respiratory muscles, reduces coughing fits, and promotes overall lung health. Be sure to give your dog plenty of opportunities throughout the day to run, play fetch, take walks, and engage in interactive games!

“Physical activity is also critical as it increases oxygen flow to all tissues of the body, including those involved in immune response. As a result, regular, moderate exercise contributes significantly to overall health in dogs of all ages.” -Dr. Jennifer Coates

In conclusion, hacking and coughing after drinking water could be due to several factors such as environmental irritants, lack of moisture, exposure to secondhand smoke, and obesity-induced pressure on vital organs. Regular exercise, maintaining a clean environment, using humidifiers, and avoiding unnecessary smoke inhalation can alleviate these symptoms, promote optimal respiratory function, and help your furry companion lead a long, healthy life!

When to See a Vet for Your Dog’s Hacking

There are different reasons why your dog may hack after drinking water, and not all of them require a visit to the vet. However, there are certain situations when it is best to seek professional help.

When Hacking is Accompanied by Other Symptoms

If your dog is hacking and has other symptoms such as fever, lethargy, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition that requires medical attention. For example, Kennel Cough is a respiratory infection that causes hacking cough, sneezing, runny nose, and sometimes fever. It can easily spread between dogs, especially if they spend time in close proximity with each other, like at a boarding facility or dog park. Another possible cause for concern is congestive heart failure, which can cause coughing, wheezing, weakness, and fatigue. This condition occurs more commonly in elderly dogs, overweight dogs, and those with preexisting heart disease.

If you notice any concerning symptoms along with your dog’s hacking, make sure to get them checked out by a veterinarian right away. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and improve your dog’s prognosis.

When Hacking Persists for More than a Week

Occasional coughing is normal for dogs, but prolonged hacking can indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. If your dog’s hacking persists for more than a week, even if it is not accompanied by other symptoms, it is best to have them evaluated by a vet. Some common causes of persistent coughing in dogs include allergies, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and lung tumors. A thorough physical exam, diagnostic tests, and imaging studies may be necessary to determine the root cause of your dog’s hacking and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

If Your Dog is Having Trouble Breathing

Hacking after drinking water can sometimes progress to difficulty breathing, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention. If you notice your dog gasping for air, struggling to breathe, or panting excessively, take them to the closest animal hospital right away. Some potential causes of respiratory distress in dogs include choking on food or foreign objects, lung infections, allergic reactions, heart failure, or trauma.

If Your Dog’s Appetite and Energy Levels are Decreasing

In addition to coughing and breathing difficulties, some health conditions can cause a decrease in appetite and energy levels in dogs. Therefore, if your pet is not eating well, seems lethargic, or demonstrates any unusual behavior alongside their hacking post-water consumption, it could be an indication of an underlying issue like liver disease, kidney problems, cancer, pancreatitis, depression or other chronic illnesses.

“Many diseases of the lungs may lead to coughing, but dogs affected with these diseases will typically have other symptoms as well.” -Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM

Remember, as a pet owner, you know your dog best; if there are any indications that they are uncomfortable, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. By seeing your Vet and getting professional help early enough, you protect your furry friend from aggravation, reduce pain and ensure recovery quickly. With keen observation and determination, protecting your canine companion should always be reachable.

Home Remedies for Your Dog’s Hacking

Dogs are very prone to coughing or hacking, especially after drinking water. This happens because they may have accidentally inhaled some of the water while taking a drink. The sound produced by that action can be quite distressing and scary. However, there are several home remedies that you can use to help ease your dog’s discomfort.

Honey and Warm Water Mixture

Add honey to warm water and offer it to your dog as a remedy for their hacking. Honey is nature’s antibiotic and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also soothes an irritated throat and acts as a natural humectant, keeping the throat lubricated. This mixture can also assist with suppressing any further cough associated with respiratory infections.

Steam Inhalation Therapy

If the hacking seems to persist even when other remedies are tried, steam inhalation therapy may provide relief. Steam treatment helps by humidifying your dog’s nasal passages and calming down its inflamed airways. You can achieve this either through using a nebulizer device dedicated for small pets or holding them near a hot shower (ensuring no water hits them).

Eucalyptus Oil and Water Vapor

Eucalyptus oil mixed with hot water offers numerous benefits to dogs who consistently suffer from hacking. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities contribute significantly to clearing out chest congestion caused by kennel cough or acute bronchitis. Just like humans, animals respond well to aromatherapy provided by essential oils such as eucalyptus.

Herbal Supplements and Teas

Veterinarians recommend herbal supplements such as licorice root and mullein leaf, both of which act as expectorants, helping expel the phlegm effectively. Herbal teas may also assist in keeping your dog hydrated while providing additional health benefits. These can include botanical agents such as chamomile and green tea, offering a variety of health advantages given their anti-inflammatory and calming effects.

“Honey has antimicrobial properties that fight bacteria and other pathogens when it is used topically” -MedicalNewsToday

While most cases of hacking are not serious and resolve on their own after home remedies, pet owners should still keep an eye on your fur friend for symptoms related to kennel cough or respiratory infections. If hacking becomes persistent or you notice any accompanying symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

A few critical steps help address immediate concerns related to a hacking dog. However, if symptoms continue, veterinary intervention may become necessary. Try these remedies before recommended medication and keep them watered. Keeping up with medical checkups will keep detect and prevent future health problems from surfacing.

How to Keep Your Dog Hydrated Without Causing Hacking

Use a Water Fountain or Water Bowl with Clean Water

Most dogs are visibly excited when it comes to drinking water, but there may be instances where they tend to hack and cough after taking a drink. This may happen due to various reasons such as respiratory infection, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disorders or an obstructed airway. In some cases, dehydration can also be the primary cause of hacking, which brings up the question; how do we ensure that our furry friends remain healthy and hydrated without causing them discomfort?

The easiest way to keep your pup hydrated is by providing clean and fresh water at all times. Dirty water bowls or fountains can cause infections and illnesses in pets, hence the need for regular cleaning. You could use a water fountain since moving water tends to attract dogs and this encourages drinking.

“Fountains can stimulate more water intake because of the sound and constant movement,” says Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, staff veterinarian at New York City’s Animal Medical Center.

If you don’t have access to a water fountain, ensure that you place your dog’s water bowl away from their food bowl and refill it regularly throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is to allow around 1 oz of water per pound of body weight each day. However, note that individual needs vary depending on activities, weather conditions, size, and breed.

Offer Ice Cubes for a Cool, Refreshing Treat

Ice cubes can provide a refreshing treat while keeping your pet hydrated during hot summer days. These icy treats not only hydrate your pooch but also help cool them down and prevent overheating issues caused by high ambient temperatures.

Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC Chief Veterinary Officer, explains that the cool sensation produced by chewing ice helps to close down blood vessels in dogs’ mouths and throat which reduces swelling and discomfort. However, he cautions against giving your dog too many since they may cause mild diarrhea or upset stomachs.

If you decide to incorporate ice cubes into your dog’s diet, ensure that they are given in moderation and under supervision.

You could also blend frozen fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, watermelon slices, and bananas with water to create tasty Popsicles for your pets. These homemade treats are not only delicious but also provide vital nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants essential for your pet’s overall wellbeing.

• Blueberries – rich in Vitamins C & K,
• Bananas- high in fiber, potassium
• Watermelon – rich in Vitamin A and Water
• Strawberries – excellent source of Fiber and Antioxidants

“Offering beverages like these often infuses taste and nutritional variety into a pet’s diet – all while keeping them hydrated during hot weather.” – Dr. Jerry Klein

In Conclusion, ensuring proper hydration is critical to maintaining a healthy pooch. Failure to provide enough fluids to your furry friend can lead to dehydration, reduced immune function, organ failure, lethargy and even death. Always make sure to place clean water bowls/fountains in accessible areas and offer icy treats in moderation as this will keep your pet happy, healthy, and well-hydrated all year round.

Frequently Asked Questions