Pomeranian Coughing in Rainy Season: Causes and Prevention

When rainy season arrives, many Pomeranian owners report that their dogs start coughing—dry coughs, productive coughs, sometimes coughing until they vomit. This is a very common issue with small breeds like Poms, especially when the weather changes and humidity spikes.

Why Are Pomeranians Prone to Coughing in Rainy Season?

Pomeranians are small dogs with relatively narrow tracheas compared to larger breeds. When they encounter cold, humid air or sudden temperature changes, the mucous membranes of their respiratory tract become easily irritated and inflamed. On top of that, a Pom’s thick double coat holds moisture for a long time after getting wet in the rain, causing the body to lose heat and weakening the immune system.

In Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces of Vietnam, rainy season typically runs from May through November. During this time, temperatures can drop suddenly during heavy rain, but humidity remains extremely high. This damp environment is ideal for bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory infections to thrive.

Common Causes of Pomeranian Coughing During Rainy Season

Catching Cold from Temperature Changes

This is the number one cause. When hot sunny weather suddenly turns to heavy rain, the temperature can drop 9–13°F (5–7°C) in just a few hours. If your Pom is playing outside or has just been bathed and isn’t completely dry, the body goes into thermal shock. Early symptoms are usually sneezing and runny nose, followed by a dry cough.

Bacterial or Viral Tracheitis

When immunity drops, pathogens like Bordetella bronchiseptica (the bacteria that causes kennel cough) or canine influenza virus can invade. Your dog will cough continuously with a sound like choking, sometimes coughing until white foam comes up. If these symptoms last more than two days or your dog stops eating, take them to a veterinarian immediately.

Allergies to Mold and Indoor Dust

Rainy season is mold season. Walls, room corners, and floor rugs can all grow mold that’s invisible to the naked eye. Mold spores floating in the air cause respiratory allergies in Poms, manifesting as persistent dry coughing, especially in the early morning or when the dog lies in damp areas.

Tracheal Collapse

This is a genetic issue in many Pomeranian lines, especially tiny dogs under 4.4 lb (2 kg) as adults. The tracheal cartilage is weak, and when the weather is cold or the dog is stressed, the cartilage collapses and narrows the airway. The cough sounds like a goose honking and typically appears when the dog exercises hard or gets excited. Rainy season makes this condition worse.

How to Prevent Coughing in Pomeranians During Rainy Season

Keep Your Dog Warm, Especially After Bathing

After a bath, you must completely dry your Pom’s coat with a professional dryer, paying attention to the areas close to the skin. A Pom’s coat is very thick—if you only dry the surface, the undercoat stays damp and your dog will get cold. At our kennel, we always dry each adult dog for 20–30 minutes. If it’s been raining for several days straight, limit baths and just wipe down the necessary areas with a damp towel.

Limit Outdoor Time During Heavy Rain or Cold Wind

If you must go outside, dress your dog in a raincoat or warm sweater. Choose one that covers both the belly and back, not just the back alone. When you get home, use a dry towel to wipe the paws, belly, and any wet fur, then keep your dog in a draft-free area until completely dry.

Keep the Living Environment Clean and Dry

Many people overlook this, but it’s extremely important. Your dog’s crate, bedding, and rugs must be aired in the sun or machine-dried regularly. If there’s no sun, use a dehumidifier or fan to keep the room dry and well-ventilated. Mop floors with a pet-safe disinfectant solution at least twice a week.

• Wash bedding and floor rugs in hot water and dry in strong sun or a machine dryer
• Check wall corners and under cabinets for mold; treat immediately if found
• Don’t leave food and water out overnight—they easily become contaminated in humid conditions

Boost Immunity with Complete Nutrition

A balanced diet helps your dog’s immune system stay strong. In addition to high-quality dry kibble, supplement with boiled lean meat, plain boiled chicken liver (once or twice a week in small amounts), and hard-boiled eggs. Never feed cold food straight from the refrigerator or seasoned human food. If your dog has a poor appetite, ask your veterinarian about appropriate vitamin C or digestive enzyme supplements.

Keep Vaccinations Complete and On Schedule

Vaccines for respiratory diseases like kennel cough are very important, especially if your dog regularly interacts with other dogs or visits grooming salons and pet hotels. This vaccine comes in injectable or nasal forms and is usually recommended annually. In addition, the 5-in-1 or 7-in-1 vaccines need to be boosted on time to maintain immunity.

Don’t Let Your Dog Become Obese or Too Thin

Obese Poms have a higher risk of tracheal collapse because fat presses on the trachea and the heart and lungs must work harder. Conversely, Poms that are too thin lack the fat layer that insulates the body and catch cold easily. You should be able to feel the ribs lightly but not see them clearly through the coat—that’s the right condition.

When Should You Take Your Dog to the Veterinarian?

Mild coughing for one or two days may resolve on its own if you keep your dog warm and provide good care. However, take your dog to the vet immediately if you notice any of these signs:

• Coughing lasts more than three days without improvement or gets worse
• Cough produces yellow, green, or bloody mucus
• Wheezing, rapid breathing, or open-mouth breathing
• Loss of appetite, drinking little water, lethargy with no interest in play
• Fever (rectal temperature above 102.2°F / 39°C in dogs)
• Coughing until vomiting multiple times a day

These signs may indicate pneumonia, bronchitis, or heart disease and need to be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. Never buy human cough medicine and give it to your dog—the dosage and ingredients can be dangerous.

Real Experience from Bánh Bò Pomeranian Kennel

At our kennel, we care for over 20 Poms from breeding stock to puppies. Every rainy season, the first thing we do is prepare dehumidifiers to run continuously in the kennel rooms and thoroughly check the drainage system to prevent standing water. All sleeping mats are replaced with waterproof-cover types, washed and dried once a week.

In the early years, we also let a few dogs develop prolonged coughs because we were complacent, thinking it was just a mild cold. After taking them for exams, we learned it was tracheitis requiring antibiotics. Since then, we’ve learned that with small breeds like Poms, prevention is always much easier than treatment.

If you’re raising a Pomeranian and worried about your dog’s health this rainy season, don’t hesitate to chat with us on WhatsApp for specific advice based on your dog’s condition. Bánh Bò Pomeranian has been operating in Ho Chi Minh City since 2012, specializing in FCI-standard Pomeranians and always supporting our clients throughout the entire raising process.