Why is my dog coughing like something is stuck in his throat and throwing up

Q: Why does my dog keep trying to cough something up?

Its 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 its vital that you contact your vet or, out of hours, your nearest Vets Now, immediately.

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. Some dogs have coughing fits every few minutes, while other dogs are constantly coughing throughout the day. The cough usually sets in 5 to 10 days after initial infection and can last up to 3 weeks.

Table of Contents Show

What Are Other Signs of Kennel Cough?
What Causes Kennel Cough?
Kennel Cough Treatments
What can I give my dog for coughing and gagging?
Why does my dog keep trying to cough something up?
Why is my dog coughing like something is stuck in his throat and not eating?

Kennel cough, or Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex, is an upper respiratory infection that affects dogs of all ages. Caused by a range of different viruses and bacteria, kennel cough’s main symptom is inflammation of the dog’s upper respiratory tract, including the larynx and windpipe. This inflammation leads to the most well-known symptom: the cough.

What Are Other Signs of Kennel Cough?

Though the signature cough is the main symptom of kennel cough, there are other symptoms that can serve as warning signs of the infection, such as:

Fever
Runny nose
Eye discharge
Sneezing
Lowered of appetite
Lethargy
Watery eyes

In some cases, usually in puppies or older dogs with compromised immune systems, kennel cough can lead to a more serious infection that manifests as pneumonia and secondary bacterial infections. Serious symptoms like the following are signs of these severe cases:

High fever
Loss of appetite
Moist or productive cough
Thick yellow or white nasal discharge
Disinterest in normal activities

What Causes Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is caused by a range of different viruses and bacteria that are inhaled by the dog into its respiratory tract. Sometimes the infection is a combination of both a virus and a bacterium.

The most common kennel cough bacteria strain is Bordetella bronchiseptica, and the most common kennel cough viral strains are canine adenovirus, canine distemper virus, canine herpes, parainfluenza virus, and canine reovirus. These viruses are generally seen in conjunction with a second bacterial infection, as the viral infection weakens the immune system, making it easier for the bacteria to take hold.

Kennel Cough Treatments

Kennel cough generally resolves all on its own without any treatment. Most cases clear up in 3 weeks, with dogs returning to their normal behaviors, eating habits, and personalities. However, there are a few home remedies that can ease symptoms to keep dogs more comfortable for the duration of the infection.

For example, keeping the dog in a humid environment can help soothe the dry cough and reduce the frequency of coughing fits. Try using a portable humidifier to add more moisture to the air if necessary.

If the dog exhibits serious symptoms or the infection doesn’t seem to be clearing on its own, it’s time to see the veterinarian. Be sure to call the office before coming by so the vet can prep their exam table and minimize infection exposure for other dogs and animals. Most vets prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. They can also prescribe cough medicine to calm the cough.

While occasional gagging is not necessarily something to worry about, recurring or non-stop gagging can be cause for concern. Have your dog thoroughly checked by your veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog’s gagging.

Foreign Object in the Throat, Esophagus or Mouth

Small objects such as toys and sticks can easily become lodged in the back of your dog’s throat. These types of objects can also enter the esophagus and throat. You must closely monitor your dog when they are playing with certain toys and do not encourage chewing on sticks or rocks. Your dog will gag, claw that their mouth, drool and possibly vomit.

Kennel Cough

This is an illness that is contagious to other dogs. Your dog will have a hacking cough that is dry and many times accompanied by gagging. As the illness runs its course the gagging and coughing will become worse. Your veterinarian will prescribe medications to alleviate your dog’s cough and gagging. There are vaccinations to prevent this disease, as well.

Sinusitis and Rhinitis

Sinusitis is a sinus infection and rhinitis is a nasal infection. The postnasal drip from these infections may cause your dog to gag and retch. Infected teeth or problems with the nasal passages are common causes of these infections. These infections will require medications from your veterinarian.

Intestinal Parasite Infestation

All puppies are born with intestinal parasites and therefore de-wormings will be necessary. It is easy for dogs to pick up intestinal parasites without you realizing it. Gagging and coughing can be a sign that your dog is suffering from a roundworm infestation. The larvae can migrate to the lungs and then penetrate the capillaries in the lungs and move into the air sacs. Your dog will suffer from chronic gagging if the roundworms are in the air sacs. You may see worms in your dog’s stool or in their vomit.

Heart Disease

Gagging can be a sign that your dog is suffering from heart disease, especially in senior dogs. Chronic or non-stop gagging accompanied by fast breathing, exercise intolerance, lethargy and a bluish tint to their tongue are signs that your dog may be suffering from cardiovascular disease.

Tracheal Collapse

Tracheal collapse is common in smaller breeds such as the Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier. Your dog might have recurring gagging and the collapse can worsen over time and may require medical or surgical intervention. Tracheal collapse can be congenital, or a birth defect, or it can be acquired at some time in your dog’s life.

What can I give my dog for coughing and gagging?

Honey can be a great home remedy for kennel cough as it can help soothe your dog's throat and minimize coughing. You can give your dog 1/2 tablespoon to 1 tablespoon of honey mixed with a little warm water in a bowl. This can be offered up to three times a day depending on how often your dog is coughing.

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.

Why is my dog coughing like something is stuck in his throat and not eating?

A dog coughing like something is stuck in their throat is usually caused by kennel cough, a highly contagious but also usually self-limiting infection. This is generally not a cause of big concern in dogs that do not present other symptoms.