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Why does my dog cough when the AC is on? Is it the air conditioner?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered

Chester developed a croup-like cough on Sunday night. He sleeps in our bedroom which has an air conditioner. His cough goes away when he is no longer in the AC. I turned on a humidifier last night I think it may have helped because he didn't cough as much. He still has a good appetite and plays with his brothers. His brothers do not have a cough. He is not around any other dogs. Can his cough be related to the AC & what can we do. Other than put him in a different room. Thank you.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 4th, 2018

Cough in dogs can be with primarily respiratory or cardiac in nature. The first step to treating the cough is determine where the problem is originating.

Coughs that are primarily respiratory in nature can be due to infectious causes (like lung worms, or bacterial, viral, or fungal infections) or due to airway disease (like asthma or a collapsing trachea).

Coughs that are due to cardiac (heart) issues include things like pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) and heartworm disease.

My best recommendation is for you to take Chester in to your vet to be checked out. Usually a physical exam performed by your vet can distinguish between the two causes. Sometimes X-rays are also needed.

I think it is unlikely that the cough is related solely to the A/C.

I hope this helps. Best of luck.
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