Why Is My Dog Coughing And Gagging Non Stop
It can be alarming when your dog starts coughing and gagging without stopping. You may wonder if they are choking, have something stuck in their throat, or if a serious illness is brewing. While occasional coughing is normal, a non stop episode of coughing and gagging demands attention. This guide will help you understand the common causes, what you can do at home, and when a trip to the veterinarian is necessary.
Quick Q&A: Common Questions
Question: Why is my dog coughing and gagging non stop as if something is stuck in their throat?
Answer: This behavior often mimics choking but can be caused by several conditions. Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) produces a harsh, honking cough followed by a gag. Reverse sneezing, a spasm of the soft palate, sounds like a goose honking and can be mistaken for a cough. However, if your dog is truly choking, they will show signs of distress, pawing at the mouth, and blue gums. Always check the mouth if you suspect a foreign object.
Common Causes of Non Stop Coughing and Gagging
Identifying the root cause is the first step in helping your dog. Here are the most frequent culprits behind persistent coughing and gagging.
Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)
This is a highly contagious respiratory infection, similar to a human cold. It causes inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. The hallmark sign is a dry, hacking cough that often ends with a gag or retch as the dog tries to clear mucus. It is commonly picked up in boarding facilities, dog parks, or training classes. While often self-limiting, it can be severe in puppies or older dogs.
Reverse Sneezing
This is a common, harmless spasm of the soft palate. It sounds like a loud, rapid snorting or honking, often mistaken for a cough. The dog will stand still, extend their neck, and make a choking sound. It is usually triggered by excitement, allergies, or irritation. Unlike a true cough, reverse sneezing stops as quickly as it starts.
Collapsing Trachea
Common in small breed dogs like Yorkies, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas, this condition involves the trachea flattening during breathing. This causes a goose-honk cough, especially when excited, pulling on a leash, or eating. The cough can be persistent and often leads to gagging.
Foreign Object or Obstruction
If your dog is chewing on a toy, stick, or bone, a piece can become lodged in the throat or esophagus. This causes immediate, violent coughing and gagging. Unlike other causes, this is a true emergency if the object is blocking the airway.
Heart Disease
In older dogs, heart disease can cause fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or an enlarged heart that presses on the trachea. This leads to a soft, persistent cough, especially at night or after exercise. Gagging may occur as the dog tries to clear fluid.
Other Causes
- Pneumonia: A lung infection causing a deep, productive cough with fever and lethargy.
- Allergies: Environmental allergens like pollen or dust can trigger coughing and gagging.
- Bloat (GDV): A life threatening condition where the stomach twists. The dog will retch non stop without producing anything, along with a distended abdomen and restlessness.
Home Care and What to Do
Before you panic, try these steps to assess the situation and provide comfort.
- Stay Calm: Your dog will sense your anxiety. Speak in a soothing voice.
- Check the Mouth: Gently open your dog's mouth and look for any visible objects, swelling, or redness. Do not stick your hand in if the dog is aggressive or in distress.
- Use a Humidifier: Dry air can worsen a cough. Run a humidifier near your dog's resting area or take them into a steamy bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Limit Activity: Rest is crucial. Avoid walks, play, and excitement, which can trigger coughing fits.
- Offer Water: Ensure fresh, clean water is available. Gagging can be caused by a dry throat.
- Avoid Collar Pressure: Use a harness instead of a collar to prevent pressure on the trachea.
What to Expect at the Vet
If the coughing and gagging does not stop or worsens, a veterinary visit is necessary. Here is what your vet will likely do:
- Physical Exam: Listen to the heart and lungs, palpate the trachea, and check for fever.
- Chest X-Rays: To look for pneumonia, fluid in the lungs, an enlarged heart, or collapsing trachea.
- Blood Work: To check for infection, heartworm disease, or organ function issues.
- Tracheal Wash or Bronchoscopy: In chronic cases, a sample of fluid from the airways may be taken to identify bacteria or cancer cells.
- Treatment: Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include antibiotics (for bacterial infections), cough suppressants, bronchodilators, steroids, or diuretics (for heart failure). For bloat or foreign objects, emergency surgery is required.
Prevention Tips
You can reduce the risk of non stop coughing and gagging with these strategies:
- Vaccinate: Keep your dog up to date on the kennel cough (Bordetella) vaccine, especially if they socialize with other dogs.
- Use a Harness: For small breed dogs or those prone to tracheal issues, a harness is safer than a collar.
- Avoid Irritants: Limit exposure to smoke, dust, perfume, and other airborne irritants.
- Monitor Chewing: Supervise your dog with toys and bones to prevent choking hazards.
- Routine Checkups: Annual vet visits can catch heart disease or other issues early.
When to Seek Emergency Care
While many causes are manageable, some situations require immediate veterinary attention. Go to the emergency vet if your dog:
- Is unable to breathe or has blue gums.
- Is collapsing or extremely lethargic.
- Has a distended, hard belly and is retching non stop.
- Has a known heart condition and the cough is new or severe.
- Is coughing up blood or foam.
A dog coughing and gagging non stop is a clear signal that something is wrong. By understanding the potential causes and acting quickly, you can ensure your furry friend gets the relief they need. Always err on the side of caution and consult your veterinarian if you are unsure.