Chronic Bronchitis in Dogs

Breeds documented
4
Published sources
3

Overview

Lasting inflammation of the breathing tubes can lead to a cough that keeps returning. Chronic bronchitis is diagnosed when coughing occurs on most days for at least two months without another identified cause. Mucus and secretions in these airways can trigger bouts of coughing. Although older small dogs are most commonly affected, larger dogs can also develop it.

Signs to watch for

  • Repeated bouts of coughing
  • Coughing that becomes worse after resting
  • Coughing at the start of exercise

Most often recognized in middle-aged or older dogs.

When to get help Book a vet visit when coughing keeps returning.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets review the cough history, examine the chest, and rule out other causes of coughing. Chest X-rays help assess the lungs and airways. Bronchoscopy, a camera examination of the airways, and testing of airway wash samples can reveal inflammation, infection, or another explanation for the cough.

Breeds with documented risk

4 breeds

By breed size
  • 1 Toy
  • 2 Small
  • 1 Medium

Inheritance

  • Not yet known

    None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.

Sources

  1. merckvetmanual.com
  2. ebi.ac.uk
  3. Dachshund: onlinelibrary.wiley.com