That honking sound from your dog, especially at night, can be unsettling. Often followed by a dry, retching noise, it’s natural to wonder what’s causing your dog to cough and gag. While occasional gagging might be harmless, understanding the reasons behind it is crucial to ensure your furry friend’s well-being and know when a vet visit is necessary.
Coughing, Gagging, and Vomiting: Understanding the Differences
Dog owners often use “coughing” and “gagging” interchangeably, but they are distinct actions, different from vomiting. Being able to differentiate these actions is important for accurately describing your dog’s symptoms to your veterinarian. A video recording of the episode can be incredibly helpful for your vet to diagnose the issue.
Generally, a dog cough is characterized by a forceful expulsion of air from the lungs. It might be accompanied by a spray of saliva or mucus, which is usually quickly swallowed. Coughing is often a reflex to clear the airways.
Vomiting in dogs is unmistakable. It involves the forceful ejection of stomach contents, often including undigested food, onto the floor. Vomiting is a clear sign of gastrointestinal upset or other systemic issues.
Gagging, on the other hand, often occurs in conjunction with a cough. When a dog gags, they might open their mouth wide and make a retching sound, similar to the sound just before vomiting. However, unlike vomiting, gagging typically doesn’t expel stomach contents. You might see a small amount of mucus, which may or may not be swallowed. Gagging is often a response to irritation or inflammation in the throat or upper airway.
Common Reasons for Dog Coughing and Gagging
Gagging in dogs is frequently triggered by inflammation in or around the larynx (voice box). Several factors can lead to this inflammation, and pinpointing the exact cause often requires a veterinary examination.
Two of the most prevalent causes of gagging in dogs are infections and laryngeal paralysis.
Kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection, is a frequent culprit behind dog gagging. It’s characterized by a harsh, goose-honk-like cough, which can be followed by gagging. Kennel cough, despite its name, can be contracted anywhere dogs congregate, not just in kennels.
Other infectious respiratory diseases, including more serious conditions like pneumonia, can also manifest with gagging. Pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs, can sometimes cause gagging as a secondary symptom in dogs.
Laryngeal paralysis is another significant cause, particularly in older dogs, and is commonly seen in breeds like Labrador Retrievers. This condition occurs when the nerves controlling the larynx malfunction, preventing the vocal cords from opening fully during breathing. This can lead to food or fluids entering the airway, triggering coughing and gagging. A hallmark of laryngeal paralysis is also noisy, labored panting. The onset of laryngeal paralysis can be gradual, worsening over time.
Sometimes, a forceful cough, regardless of the initial cause, can lead to further irritation. The act of coughing can inflame the throat and increase mucus production, creating a cycle of coughing and gagging. The mucus itself can trigger the gag reflex, and you might even notice a tinge of pink in the mucus due to throat irritation.
When Should You Worry About Your Dog’s Coughing and Gagging?
Just like humans, dogs can occasionally cough or gag due to minor irritations, like swallowing something the wrong way. Isolated incidents of coughing and gagging are not always cause for immediate alarm.
If your dog is otherwise behaving normally – bright, alert, breathing easily, eating and drinking, and generally acting like themselves – it’s usually safe to monitor the situation for 48 to 72 hours.
However, if the coughing and gagging persist beyond this timeframe, or if other symptoms develop, it’s important to seek veterinary attention.
Seek immediate veterinary care if you observe any of the following:
- Distress or anxiety: If your dog appears unusually worried, restless, or agitated, this could indicate significant respiratory distress.
- Difficulty breathing: Labored breathing, rapid breathing, or obvious struggling to inhale or exhale are serious signs.
- Noisy breathing: Wheezing, raspy breathing sounds, or loud breathing noises can signal an airway obstruction or severe respiratory issue.
Diagnosing the Cause of Coughing and Gagging
Diagnosing the underlying cause of your dog’s coughing and gagging requires a thorough approach, tailored to their specific symptoms. In every instance, a comprehensive physical examination by your veterinarian is the first and most crucial step.
In some cases, the physical exam alone might provide enough information for a preliminary diagnosis. However, often, further diagnostic tests are necessary to pinpoint the exact cause.
Common initial tests often include blood work, which can help detect signs of infection or other systemic illnesses. Radiographs (X-rays) of the neck and chest are also frequently performed to evaluate the lungs, trachea, and surrounding structures for abnormalities.
If laryngeal paralysis is suspected, or if there’s a possibility your dog might have swallowed a foreign object, your veterinarian may recommend sedation to allow for a complete and safe examination of the larynx and upper airway. This allows for direct visualization and can help rule out obstructions or confirm laryngeal paralysis.
Treatment Options for Dog Coughing and Gagging
Fortunately, most cases of dog gagging are treatable. Even more serious underlying causes, such as pneumonia or laryngeal paralysis, have available treatments to alleviate symptoms, reduce gagging, and improve your dog’s comfort and quality of life.
Once your veterinarian establishes a diagnosis, they will recommend a specific treatment plan targeting the root cause of the coughing and gagging. This might include antibiotics to combat bacterial infections like kennel cough or pneumonia. Cough suppressants or other medications may be prescribed to reduce the severity of the cough and gagging reflex itself.
In certain situations, lifestyle adjustments can be beneficial. For dogs with laryngeal paralysis, elevating food and water bowls can help minimize the risk of aspiration and reduce gagging episodes.
If a collapsing trachea is suspected, or to reduce strain on the neck in general, switching from a collar and leash to a harness can be recommended. Harnesses distribute pressure more evenly across the chest, avoiding direct pressure on the trachea.
Ultimately, the most effective treatment strategy will depend on the precise diagnosis and the underlying reason for your dog’s coughing and gagging.
Preventing Coughing and Gagging in Dogs
While not all causes of coughing and gagging are preventable, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize your dog’s risk.
Ensuring your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations is paramount. This includes the Bordetella vaccine, which specifically targets a major cause of infectious upper respiratory disease and kennel cough in dogs.
For dogs considered high-risk – those that frequent boarding facilities, doggy daycare, or participate in dog shows – veterinarians may recommend more frequent Bordetella vaccinations, sometimes multiple times a year, to provide enhanced protection.
If your dog tends to eat rapidly and gulp down their food, consider using food puzzles. These interactive feeders slow down eating, which can help prevent coughing and gagging associated with eating too quickly.
While occasional coughing is normal, persistent or severe coughing and gagging warrants a veterinary examination. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing the underlying issue and ensuring your dog’s long-term health and well-being. By understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek help, you can be a proactive advocate for your dog’s respiratory health.
