Winter Respiratory Risks: Why Cold Air Triggers Coughing in Some Dogs

Written By Arturs Gorenko

Some dogs develop coughing or breathing discomfort during cold walks, especially flat-faced breeds or those with pre-existing conditions.

Main Winter Respiratory Risks

  • Cold air drying out the upper airways

  • Increased sensitivity in trachea and bronchi

  • Tightened air passages in brachycephalic dogs

  • Higher risk of respiratory infections

  • Exacerbation of chronic conditions like collapsing trachea

Symptoms to Watch

  • Coughing after walks

  • Breathing louder than usual

  • Exercise intolerance

  • Gagging or retching

  • Nasal discharge

How to Reduce Winter Coughing

  • Use a harness (not a collar) for dogs with tracheal sensitivity

  • Keep walks moderate during extreme cold

  • Use protective winter clothing for small or short-coat breeds

  • Avoid sudden sprints in freezing air

Because respiratory health is deeply linked to airway anatomy — from nasal turbinates to bronchi — veterinary students increasingly use realistic VR airway models (such as those in VETVR) to understand why some dogs struggle more in cold conditions.

Arturs Gorenko
Next

Winter Nutrition: How Your Dog’s Calorie Needs Change in Cold Weather