Why Does My Dog Act Like He Has A Hairball?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Kennel cough

is a dry, hacking, persistent cough that can sound like the dog has something stuck in its throat. This dry hack is often followed by gagging or retching that sounds like the dog is coughing up a hairball, like a cat.

Why is my dog coughing like something is stuck in his throat?

Conclusion. A dog coughing like something is stuck in their throat is

usually caused by kennel cough

, a highly contagious but also usually self-limiting infection. This is generally not a cause of big concern in dogs that do not present other symptoms.

Why does my dog sound like he’s choking but isn t?

Reverse sneezing (Pharyngeal Gag Reflex) is a sudden, rapid and extreme forceful inhalation of air through the nose causing the dog to make repeated snorting noises, which may sound like he is choking. It sounds like the dog is trying to inhale a sneeze, and it is therefore known as reverse sneezing.

Why is my dog making a weird gagging noise?

Two very common things that can cause gagging in dogs are

infectious problems and laryngeal paralysis

. Kennel cough, which is a type of respiratory infection, is a common cause of dog gagging, which results in a harsh, goose-like cough, sometimes followed by a gag.

Why does my dog keep gagging but not throwing up?

When your dog tries to vomit but nothing comes up, this is known as

dry heaving

. It will often look as though they are experiencing a whole-body spasm, beginning in the stomach and undulating out the throat. Retching and dry heaving are essentially the same thing, simply two different terms for it.

What does a dog with tracheal collapse sound like?

The sound of the cough of a dog with a collapsed trachea makes is very distinct. It is most often described as

a harsh, dry cough that sounds similar to a honking goose

.

How does a dog get kennel cough at home?


It’s caused by being exposed to a very common bacteria, Bordetella bronchispetica, or an equally common parainfluenza virus

. It can occur in both adult dogs and puppies. Unfortunately, many people think only dogs that spend time in a kennel can catch it.

How can I clear my dog’s throat?

If you have a friend or someone to help, they can

hold the dog to their chest while you open his mouth and look down his throat

. Gently gripping your dog’s tongue and pulling it outwards will make it easier to see and may dislodge the stuck object.

How did my dog get kennel cough?

Kennel cough, scientifically known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is easily spread from dog to dog

through aerosol droplets, direct contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces like food and water bowls, toys, or kennel runs

— a bit like how the common cold is spread in grade schools.

Why is my dog dry heaving and eating grass?

Many dogs eat grass, and since they can’t digest it, they’ll often retch trying to bring it back up. If your dog’s unable to vomit all the grass back up, you’ll likely find it in their poop in a day or so.

Some dog retching is caused because they’re feeling hungry

.

Why is my dog trying to throw up but can t?

Contact your vet immediately if your dog is repeatedly trying to vomit but not bringing anything up, especially if they have a bloated tummy – these are

symptoms of a twisted stomach/GDV

.

Why does my dog make grunting noises when I pet him?

It’s generally understood to be

an expression of contentment

. Dogs grunt when they are relaxed, when they are being petted or hugged, or when their human finally sits down on the couch next to them. While flat-faced dogs typically grunt more often than other dogs, grunting is a common thing that all dogs do.

Why does my dog gag when he yawns?

So what are the possible causes for when your dog keeps gagging? Your dog may be gagging because a foreign object is trapped in their airways, diseases such as kennel cough (Bordetella), infections such as Sinusitis and Rhinitis, heart disease, tracheal collapse, bloating, or intestinal parasites.

Why does my dog keep gagging and throwing up white foam?

White, foamy vomit is often caused by

excessive production and swallowing of saliva

, which can be a symptom of nausea. Ingesting grass, plant material, or other things that are unusual or difficult for a dog to digest can cause vomiting. Toxins can cause GI irritation and worse, often leading to vomiting.

Why does my dog keep gagging and licking?

Poor Bam Bam!

Licking lips is a sign of nausea in dogs, and the gagging could be him trying to throw up

. It’s not good when dogs aren’t drinking water, so I recommend taking him into your vet today for a health check. He may have severe GI illness, have eaten something rotten, or may have a foreign body.

Why does my dog keep gulping and licking?

If the licking and swallowing last more than 24 hours, it’s time to call the vet.

Licking and swallowing may also indicate mouth issues, such as a foreign object stuck there, or teeth or periodontal problems

. If possible, open your dog’s mouth and inspect it, but take precautions so he can’t bite you.

What is dog tracheitis?

The terms laryngitis and tracheitis refer to

inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and the trachea (windpipe)

, respectively. Because they are located close to each other, the larynx and trachea may become inflamed at the same time; this is called laryngotracheitis.

What does a collapsed lung sound like in a dog?

Symptoms of Pneumothorax in Dogs

Abnormally rapid breathing. Labored breathing. Shallow breathing.

Dull breathing sounds

.

How do you tell if your dogs trachea is damaged?

What are the clinical signs? The most common clinical sign is a

persistent, dry, harsh cough

. It is sometimes described as a ‘goose honk’ cough. The cough may worsen at night, with excitement, with pressure on the trachea – such as from a collar, during hot or humid weather, or immediately after eating or drinking.

How can I tell if my dog has kennel cough?

  1. a strong cough, often with a “honking” sound – this is the most obvious symptom.
  2. runny nose.
  3. sneezing.
  4. lethargy.
  5. loss of appetite.
  6. low fever.

What is the fastest way to cure kennel cough?

If your pooch has kennel cough, it’s especially important to make sure he

drinks enough water

. It will flush out the toxins in his body, which may help get rid of the virus faster. If your dog does not want to drink water, have him chew on ice cubes.

What natural remedy can I give my dog for coughing?


Honey can be a great home remedy for kennel cough

as it can help soothe your dog’s throat and minimize coughing. You can give your dog 1/2 tablespoon to 1 tablespoon of honey mixed with a little warm water in a bowl. This can be offered up to three times a day depending on how often your dog is coughing.

How do I know if my dog’s airway is blocked?

When the airway is partially blocked

the animal may start retching, pacing back and forth and pawing at their mouth

. If their airway becomes totally blocked they may be unable to make any sound at all.

How can you tell if your dog has something stuck in throat?

  1. Gagging sounds.
  2. Excessive drooling.
  3. Repeated swallowing.
  4. Vomiting or regurgitation.
  5. Restlessness.
  6. Pawing at the mouth or throat.
  7. Hacking cough.
  8. Apathy or listlessness.
Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.