What Should I Do If My Dog is Coughing & Gagging

Dogs can cough or gag for a variety of reasons. To help your pup in times of scratchy throats or stuck objects, it’s essential to pay attention to the type of cough they are producing.

Why Do Dogs Cough?

Just like their human counterparts, dogs cough or gag to move something out of the airway in their throat. Whether it can be grass, dust, or their entire bone, your pet comes into contact with lots of throat scratchers. An occasional cough is nothing to fret about, but repetitive coughing is when a red flag should be raised.

Types of Dog Cough

Kennel Cough

• Deep, dry, hacking cough

Kennel cough is described by the AKC as tracheobronchitis, which is a contagious pet disease caused by a number of bacteria or viruses from doggy daycare or boarding facilities. This is not always a serious disease but can spread to the lungs and cause more detrimental illnesses. Your vet will prescribe some general antibiotics for Fido and have them social distance until the infectious stage is over!

Sore Throat

• High-pitched, gagging cough

A doggy sore throat is just as common as humans. A high-pitched cough can be an indicator of upper airway irritation/infection or a blockage, or in some cases, the second stage of mouth disease. Check with your vet to have them either properly remove the object or check for infections.

Lung Problems

• Wet, phlegmy moist cough

If you’re hearing your pet make more phlegmy noises around the house, there’s a chance they have fluid in their lower airways. This cough will be paired with labored breathing. If your pet is coughing like this, get immediate vet care ASAP.

Tracheal Collapse

• Deep, honking cough

Unfortunately, tracheal collapse is pretty common in toy-sized breeds and one of the most noticeable symptoms is a goose-like honking cough. To avoid hurting your pet’s throat and trachea, avoid tugging on their leashes and avoid hot temperatures when exercising.

Heart Disease

• Coughing while sleeping/laying down

When your heart is not properly pumping blood through it, fluid can build up in the lungs. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of pet fatalities, and coughing can either be a sign or a side effect. This cough will be most prevalent when they’re laying down, if this occurs call your vet to make an appointment.

Other Causes

• Temperature
• Heartworm
• CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Cancer

Should I Call the Vet?

If the cough is repetitive or when they’re laying down, call the vet. If they sound like something is lodged in their throat, ask your vet whether to induce vomiting or bring them into the office. Catching a cough early can improve your pet’s health and happiness.

Check out this article if your pup has a grass-eating problem that’s making them cough!