Why Does My Dog Sound Like She Has Croup?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

What does a dog coughing sound like? The most obvious symptom of

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 is my dog coughing like something is stuck in his throat after barking?

If your dog is hacking away or constantly making noises that make it sound like they are choking on something, they may have a case of

kennel cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis

.

How can I treat my dogs kennel cough at home?


Encourage Your Dog to Rest

Adequate rest is one of the best remedies for kennel cough. If your dog gets plenty of sleep, it will give his body a chance to fight the virus and recover properly. Put your dog in a room by himself, away from kids and other pets. This way, he will not be disturbed while trying to rest.

How do I know if my dogs cough is serious?

You can usually tell if a dog cough is caused by heart disease

if their cough is soft and continuous

. If your dog is coughing due to heart disease, their cough will likely be worse at night or when they're resting on their side and may be accompanied by a decrease in energy and stamina.

Why does my dog hack and gag?

Sometimes dogs may inhale foreign objects or material that gets lodged in their airways. Coughs that become suddenly violent or sound like gagging, possibly including attempts to swallow and frequent lip licking could be a sign that

something has become stuck in your dog's throat

.

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 does my dog sound like he has a hairball?

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 does my dog keep coughing and gagging at night?


Heart Disease

Pericardial effusion is the buildup of fluid around the heart and can cause your dog to produce a “wet” cough or a gagging sound. Be sure to notice if this cough occurs mostly at night or when your dog is lying down as this can be a sign of fluid gathering in the lungs.

How can I tell if my dog has kennel cough?

  • a strong cough, often with a “honking” sound – this is the most obvious symptom.
  • runny nose.
  • sneezing.
  • lethargy.
  • loss of appetite.
  • low fever.

What's kennel cough sound like?

What does a dog coughing sound like? 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.

Does kennel cough go away by itself?

Kennel cough is rarely severe, and

uncomplicated kennel cough will usually go away on its own

. However, medications are commonly given to help your dog recover quicker and prevent the condition from worsening. If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, take them to the vet for an examination.

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

.

Can dogs have a cough from allergies?

In the dog, the most common symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin, either localized (in one area) or generalized (all over the body).

In some cases, the symptoms involve the respiratory system, with coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing

. Sometimes, there may be runny discharge from the eyes or nose.

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 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.

How do I get my dog to stop coughing and gagging?

Treatment for Coughing or Gagging

If your dog is diagnosed with a disease or illness that requires short-term treatment,

medications including antibiotics, steroids, and cough suppressants

are likely to be prescribed.

Can humans catch kennel cough?

Kennel cough is caused by a number of bacteria and viruses.

Most of them can't be passed on to humans

. The main bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica) can infect humans, but only those with weakened immune systems. Even then, it's very rare.

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.

Why does my dog keep making heaving noises?

Non-productive retching, or dry heaving, in any breed dog is always considered an emergency due to the concern for a process called

gastric dilation and volvulus

(frequently referred to as GDV, or gas bloat).

Why is my dog making weird breathing noises?

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).

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.