Dog gagging and vomiting causes and treatments

Dog gagging is usually a sign of an underlying issues, usually an infection or a foreign substance or irritant in the dog’s body, particularly the respiratory tract. It is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, heavy breathing, vomiting, and sneezing. These vary depending on the underlying cause. Gagging may also occur throughout the day or at certain times of the day, for example after barking, after eating or drinking water, in the morning, or at night. Below we explore common causes of gagging in dogs.

Is Your Dog Gagging, Sneezing, or Reverse Sneezing? – How to Tell the Difference

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Dog gagging, sneezing and reverse sneezing are often confused for each other even though they are different in not only their manifestation but also the underlying triggers.

Sneezing is a dog’s natural way of removing irritants from the respiratory system and is a common symptom of allergy, foxtail and other respiratory tract problems. It involves forceful expulsion of air through the nasal cavity with the mouth closed. During sneezing, the dog’s head makes a sudden downwards head movement, with the head sometimes hitting the ground.

Reverse sneezing on the other hand is a reflex action that draws air into the body to eliminate irritants from the area behind the nostrils. During a reverse sneezing, the dog’s head moves backwards with the mouth closed but the lips drawing in air.

Lastly, dog gagging helps a dog to take out irritants trapped in the larynx and is often confused for vomiting. During gagging, a dog will typically prolong its neck and open its mouth before swallowing.

What Causes A Dog To Cough And Gag?

You are probably concerned, “Why does my dog keep gagging at night, in the morning, all the time, or after drinking water or eating. You are not alone. Thousands of dog owners experience the same problem every year. Amongst the most common causes of dog gagging and other associated symptoms such as coughing are:

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is one likely cause of dog coughing and gagging. This is a common infection of the respiratory tract that involves bacteria, viruses, or both. Kennel cough is highly contagious and is spread from one dog to another in public places such as dog parks, shelters, playgrounds, and at the groomer.

A dog suffering from kennel cough will typically have a dry, hacking cough that is followed by gagging. It may also involve sneezing and/or vomiting. Think of a “cough, cough. Cough, -ack” sound as the DogzHealth.com website describes the dog hacking sound.

What is the common treatment for dog gagging and cough due to kennel cough? Well, although kennel cough is easily transmitted from one dog to another, it goes away on its own without treatment, usually over the course of 1 to 3 weeks and sometimes longer especially for older dogs and puppies. Provided your dog is eating well and acting fine, there is no need for treatment.

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If deemed necessary, however, your vet may however prescribe antibiotics or cough suppressants for your canine companion. You may also find several home remedies for kennel cough e.g. raw honey and garlic helpful in keeping your dog more comfortable as it recovers.

An Object Stuck In the Throat

Dog gagging can also be a sign that something is stuck in your dog’s throat and it is trying to clear it. This is usually a small object such as a small rubber ball, a hairball, a grass seed, or a bone.

You should suspect that something is caught up in your dog’s throat if he keeps coughing and gagging in addition to licking his lips, drooling, pawing at the mouth, and swallowing hard. This is especially true if your dog has just come from outside. The dog may also appear anxious. If the esophagus is particularly closed by the offending object, the dog may also find it difficult to swallow and keep regurgitating.

If the dog cannot bring up the offending object, it is advisable to take her to your veterinarian immediately. If ignored, such objects could lead to a respiratory tract infection, including pneumonia.

Tracheal Collapse

According to Dr. Becker of Mercola.com, gagging in dogs could also be a manifestation of a collapsing trachea (windpipe). This is especially likely if your dog is a small breed such as a Chihuahua. These breeds are more prone to tracheal problems especially collapse. Tracheal collapse is chronic and worsens over time. It can be a birth defect (congenital) or acquired at some point of a dog’s life.

In addition to gagging while eating or drinking, the affected dog may have exercise intolerance. If dog gagging is determined to be caused by tracheal collapse, an appropriate treatment will be adopted. This usually involves medical management, which is effective for up to 70 percent of the cases, but if necessary surgical intervention will be adopted.

Heart Disease

According to VetInfo.com, dog gagging, especially at night may also be a sign of cardiovascular problems. This is particularly true for old dogs. Your best course of action is to take the affected dog to your vet and have him or her rule out heart problems as a possible cause for the problem.

Other than gagging, heart disease is associated with other signs and symptoms such lethargy, loss of appetite, bluish-looking tongue, fast breathing (and sometimes slow breathing), difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance (getting tired from exercises too quickly).

The appropriate treatment for heart disease and the related gagging vary depending on factors such as age and degree of the problem. Your veterinarian will also advise on natural ways to support your dog’s cardiovascular system.

Worm Infestation

Puppy gagging and coughing could as well be a sign of roundworm infestation. This happens when roundworm larvae invade the lungs. Once there, they penetrate through the capillaries and ultimately end up in the air sacs.

In addition to dog gaging, roundworm infestation is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea and periodic vomiting. You may also notice roundworms in dog’s stool or vomitus. Roundworm infested puppies also tend to have a dull coat, a distended stomach (pot belly), and stunted growth.

My Dog Keeps Gagging And Coughing, What Should I Do?

If your dog gags and coughs momentarily and occasionally, and shows no signs of serious medical conditions, you may wait a week or so to see if the symptoms go away. If they still persist, take your dog to a veterinarian for evaluation and appropriate treatment. You should see your veterinarian immediately if your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms.

• Persistent coughing and gagging: say for hours, every minute, or every night or morning.
• Red, bluish or swollen gums
• Bluish-tongue
• Nasal discharge lasting more than a couple days
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
• Lack of appetite/difficulty swallowing
• Repeated pawing at the mouth
• Extreme drooling
• Panting
• Persistent halitosis (bad breath)
• Persistent diarrhea
• Fever
• Anxiety

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