Dog Coughing And Gagging? When You Should Be Concerned

Is your dog coughing and gagging more often than usual? It can be a little startling when your pet suddenly starts hacking or sounds like they’re trying to clear something from their throat. While occasional coughing and gagging can be normal, especially after drinking water or during excitement, consistent or severe episodes may signal an underlying issue. Below, we’ll explore what might be causing these symptoms, when to reach out to your veterinarian, and how Veterinary Village can help. If you’re located in or near Plymouth Meeting, PA, read on to better understand what your dog may be trying to tell you.

What Causes Dog Coughing And Gagging?

Coughing and gagging in dogs can stem from a variety of conditions. These symptoms don’t always point to a serious health problem, but they do act as signals that something isn’t quite right.

Respiratory Infections

One of the more frequent causes of coughing and gagging in dogs is a respiratory infection. Kennel cough, caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria or a combination of viruses and bacteria, is particularly common in social dogs that visit daycare, boarding facilities, or the dog park. The cough often sounds dry, honking, or hacking and may lead to gagging afterward. Other respiratory infections such as canine influenza or pneumonia can cause a moist or productive cough and leave your dog feeling lethargic.

Throat Irritation or Foreign Objects

Dogs explore the world with their mouths, and sometimes they inhale dust, dirt, or even grass, leading to throat irritation. When this happens, you might notice a sudden bout of coughing and gagging, which usually passes quickly. However, if the coughing persists, it could mean that something is lodged in your dog’s throat or airway, requiring immediate attention.

Collapsing Trachea

Small breed dogs, especially older ones, are more likely to develop tracheal collapse. This condition causes the trachea to weaken and collapse when the dog breathes in, leading to chronic coughing and occasional gagging. The cough typically sounds like a goose honk and can become more pronounced during excitement or physical activity.

Heart Disease

Heart disease can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, leading to persistent coughing and gagging. Dogs with heart-related coughing may also show signs of fatigue, exercise intolerance, or difficulty breathing. If your dog’s symptoms seem to worsen over time or they appear winded after mild activity, a veterinary evaluation is important.

When to Worry About Your Dog Coughing And Gagging

While not all cases of coughing and gagging need urgent care, some signs should prompt you to call your veterinarian right away. These signs may indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate intervention.

Difficulty Breathing or Blue Gums

If your dog is struggling to breathe, gasping for air, or you notice their gums turning blue or gray, seek veterinary care immediately. These signs suggest oxygen deprivation and could point to a blocked airway, severe infection, or advanced heart or lung disease.

Sudden and Persistent Episodes

A single cough here and there isn’t typically a reason for concern. But if your dog suddenly starts coughing and gagging frequently over a short period, especially without any known cause like recent boarding or exposure to other dogs, it’s best to have them examined. Acute coughing could indicate something lodged in the throat, a sudden onset of illness, or even toxic inhalation.

Coughing Up Blood or Mucus

Coughing that produces blood or colored mucus is not normal. This symptom might indicate pneumonia, trauma, or a more severe respiratory infection. Any discharge coming from the mouth or nose during a coughing spell should be evaluated by your veterinarian.

Chronic Coughing And Gagging: What It Might Mean

If your dog’s coughing and gagging episodes seem to persist for weeks or months, it’s time to take a closer look. Chronic symptoms often suggest an ongoing issue that needs a tailored treatment plan.

Allergies and Environmental Irritants

Dogs can react to pollen, smoke, cleaning chemicals, and even fragrances in much the same way people do. Seasonal allergies or consistent exposure to irritants can lead to coughing and gagging as your dog tries to clear their airways. In some cases, the problem may be related to inflammation in the airways, such as chronic bronchitis.

Bronchitis and Chronic Airway Disease

Chronic bronchitis is more common in older dogs and results in a dry, persistent cough. It usually worsens with exercise or excitement. Over time, inflammation can lead to scarring in the airways, which prolongs the condition. Dogs with chronic airway disease may cough more in the mornings or during cooler weather.

Parasites

Some parasites, like heartworms or lungworms, affect the lungs and can cause coughing and gagging. These parasites don’t always show other signs right away, but persistent respiratory issues could point to an internal parasite problem. If your dog is not on parasite prevention or missed a dose, a screening might be necessary.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Dog Coughing And Gagging

When you bring your dog to Veterinary Village for coughing and gagging, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your dog’s recent behavior, activities, and environment. From there, additional tests may be recommended to find the root cause.

Physical Exam and History

The physical exam helps identify signs of illness such as nasal discharge, wheezing, or abnormal lung sounds. Your vet will also take a detailed history to learn when the symptoms began, how often they occur, and whether any patterns have emerged.

Diagnostic Testing

Depending on the suspected cause, your veterinarian may suggest:

• Chest X-rays to check for heart enlargement, fluid in the lungs, or a collapsed trachea
• Bloodwork to evaluate for infection or heartworm disease
• Tracheal wash or bronchoscopy to look for inflammation or foreign bodies
• Heart evaluations like echocardiograms if heart disease is suspected

What You Can Do Next

As a pet owner, it’s difficult to watch your dog coughing and gagging without knowing what’s wrong. While you can’t diagnose the issue at home, you can take the first step by contacting your veterinarian. If you live in or around Plymouth Meeting, PA, Veterinary Village is here to support you. Our team provides thorough evaluations and diagnostics to get to the bottom of persistent coughing and gagging. Whether the cause is minor or more serious, early detection can make a significant difference in your dog’s comfort and long-term health. Call us at (484) 820-1700 or schedule an appointment online to have your dog examined. You know your pet best. If something feels off, we’re ready to listen.