Why Does My Dog Sound Like He Has Phlegm?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A wet, phlegmy cough that sounds moist could indicate dog flu or pneumonia. If it sounds like your dog is gargling or coughing up phlegm,

this suggests an issue in the dog’s lower airway (or lungs)

. If you hear this cough, it is best to seek medical attention for your dog right away.

Can dogs get mucus in their throat?

Infected dogs usually have a harsh, hacking cough that people interpret as the dog trying to clear something out of its throat.

The dog may cough up foamy white phlegm, especially after exercise or pulling against a collar

.

How do I know if my dog has phlegm?

The most obvious symptom of kennel cough is

a forceful, hacking cough, which will often sound like your dog has something stuck in their throat

. The cough can be dry and hoarse or productive, in which case it can be followed by a gag, swallowing motion or the production of mucus.

Why does my dog’s breathing sound wheezy?

Wheezing in dogs

occurs when something impairs or blocks the flow of air in the windpipe

, causing stridor (a whistling sound). This can be caused by swelling and inflammation in the airways, something getting stuck in the windpipe, or a number of medical issues.

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.

Why is my dog wheezing and gagging?


Wheezing is caused when something blocks the normal flow of air in and out of the airway

, resulting in a whistling sound as a dog breathes. The blockage can be in either the trachea (windpipe) or large bronchi. Constricted airways from asthma, allergies, mucus, foreign bodies, or infection can all result in wheezing.

Why does my dog keep coughing gagging like he’s choking?

If you observe a cough that involves a choking sound coming from your dog, then the chances are that

some sort of disease has infected your dog

. Common causes of this symptom include reverse sneezing, pneumonia, kennel cough, heart disease, collapsing trachea, or a foreign object in the throat.

Do dogs get congested?


Yes, dogs can get lung congestion, too

. Don’t worry, your dog cannot contract an illness causing congestion from you, but they may still develop respiratory trouble from coming in contact with something they are allergic to, they may inhale smoke, or become infected with a bacteria or virus.

How do I know if my dog is struggling to breathe?

  1. Open mouth breathing.
  2. Abdomen heaves with every breath.
  3. Fast and short breaths (hyperventilating)
  4. Breathing is noisy (raspy or congested)
  5. Nostrils flare open when breathing.
  6. Gum color is grey or blue instead of pink.
  7. Tongue is blue or purple instead of pink.

How can I tell if my dog is having trouble breathing?

Breathing Problems

When your dog has difficulty breathing, you may notice

fast, laboured breaths, a wide-open mouth and an extended tongue

. You may also notice pale or bluish gums, panting, or your dog coughing a foamy, frothy liquid.

Why does my dog sound like he can’t breathe?

It sounds like the dog is trying to inhale a sneeze, and it is therefore known as

reverse sneezing

. Reverse sneezing is often caused by irritation of the palate/laryngeal area. It causes a spasm in the muscles of the pharynx. Reverse sneezing is characterized by honking, hacking or snorting sounds (gasping inwards).

Why does my dog keep trying to cough something up?

It’s

typically caused by a foreign object getting stuck in the throat, or by objects getting wrapped tightly around the neck

. Choking can be life-threatening so it’s vital that you contact your vet or, out of hours, your nearest Vets Now, immediately.

Why does my dog sound raspy?

Dogs can get hoarse.

It can be a sign that they have barked so long their larynx has become irritated

. At the same time, it can be an indication that they are suffering from periodontal disease, gingivitis, pharyngitis, or laryngitis. Your veterinarian can examine your dog and check for these conditions.

Why does my dog throw up phlegm in the morning?

The cause: Some of the causes of vomiting in dogs include

digestive issues, diabetes, and kidney failure

. If your dog solely vomits foam or a yellow or clear liquid, it could indicate acute gastritis, pancreatitis, intestinal blockage, or other issues.

What does a collapsed trachea in a dog 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

.

Why does my dog sound like he has something in his nose?


During a reverse sneeze

, the dog will make rapid and long inspirations, stand still, and extend his head and neck. A loud snorting sound is produced, which may sound like the dog has something caught in his nose or throat. A reverse sneezing episode can last for several seconds to a minute.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.