Why Is My Dog Coughing And Gagging?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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

.

What can I give my dog for coughing and gagging?

If your dog is coughing up a storm, you may consider giving him

a cough suppressant such as Robitussin

. This medicine is only intended to be used for a short time period and should only be given under a veterinarian’s approval. A veterinarian will determine the correct dosage of Robitussin for your dog.

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 is my dog 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 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.

When should I take my coughing dog to the vet?

Contact your vet

if your dog has a cough that hasn’t cleared up within a few days or they seem unwell in themselves

. Keep an eye out for, and call your vet if you notice any symptoms such as difficulty breathing, sneezing, a runny nose or weepy eyes.

How does a dog get kennel cough at home?

Causes of Kennel Cough

A healthy dog can get kennel cough by

inhaling aerosolized bacteria or viruses from an infected dog

. The bacteria and/or virus can be spread from an infected dog through coughing or sneezing, and dogs can also get it from infected objects (toys, food/water bowls).

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.

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.

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.

Do dogs 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.

What to do if dog is coughing?

Kennel cough is contagious. If you think your dog might have the condition, you should keep them away from other animals and

contact your veterinarian

. Although most cases of kennel cough will resolve without treatment, medications may speed recovery or minimize symptoms during the course of infection.

How do I know if my dog has Covid?

  1. Fever.
  2. Coughing.
  3. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
  4. Lethargy (unusual lack of energy or sluggishness)
  5. Sneezing.
  6. Runny nose.
  7. Eye discharge.
  8. Vomiting.

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.

What natural remedy can I give my dog for coughing?


Honey and Coconut Oil

The most common natural remedy for dogs with a kennel cough, or canine tracheobronchitis, is honey. Manuka honey, which is usually imported from New Zealand, is the most preferred type of honey.

How did my dog get kennel cough without being around other dogs?

Kennel cough is

spread through the air and by improper hygiene

. Therefore, it could be spread to a dog that has no contact with other dogs if a human in the household was touching an infected dog and didn’t wash up afterward, or by the dog being housed in an area where and infected dog had been recently.

How do you get rid of kennel cough without going to the vet?

  1. Add probiotics to your dog’s diet. …
  2. Try treating your dog’s cold with honey. …
  3. You can treat kennel cough with coconut oil. …
  4. Cinnamon can help treat kennel cough. …
  5. 45 thoughts on “Kennel Cough Treatment: 4 Home Remedies for Kennel Cough”

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.

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.