Dog Experiencing Coughing and Gagging: Insights from Rhiannon Koehler, DVM, MPH
Dogs, like humans, can experience coughing and gagging, which can be signs of various health issues. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the common causes, symptoms, and treatments for coughing and gagging in dogs.
Respiratory conditions such as kennel cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, and tracheal collapse are frequent causes of coughing and gagging. Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis or canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), is a common cause, especially in puppies and unvaccinated dogs. Tracheal collapse, a condition where the windpipe narrows as an animal ages, is more common in small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers or Chihuahuas.
Heart conditions like congestive heart failure and heartworm disease can cause coughing due to fluid buildup in the lungs. When a dog has congestive heart failure (CHF), the cough is usually deep and wet, and the dog may cough up foamy liquid.
Foreign objects or blockages in the throat or airway can lead to gagging or coughing that sounds like choking. Swelling or external pressure on the airway, such as an enlarged heart or a tight collar, can also trigger coughing and gagging.
Eating behaviors, such as gulping food or water too quickly, can cause coughing or gagging as food or liquid irritates the throat. Anxiety or competition during feeding may also contribute.
Treatment varies by cause. For kennel cough, mild cases may resolve without treatment, but antibiotics and cough suppressants may be needed. Bronchitis often requires anti-inflammatory medications. Pneumonia demands immediate veterinary care and likely antibiotics and supportive treatment. Tracheal collapse may require medical management or surgery in advanced cases. Heart conditions need timely veterinary intervention, including medications to manage heart failure or heartworm prevention. For coughing due to gulping or eating too fast, slowing down feeding with lick mats or separate feeding areas can help.
If a dog shows persistent coughing, gagging, or signs of respiratory distress, especially with wet coughs, lethargy, fever, or difficulty breathing, prompt veterinary evaluation is essential to determine the underlying cause and begin appropriate treatment. Choking is an emergency and is characterized by a high-pitched, whistling noise and panicked behavior, as the airway is obstructed.
For dogs with chronic conditions like CHF, ongoing management involves giving daily medications at home, such as Vetmedin (pimobendan) to help the heart contract more effectively, furosemide to reduce fluid build-up, and enalapril to dilate blood vessels and make it easier for the heart to pump blood.
To protect your dog from coughing and gagging, keep them up to date on their vaccinations, keep them on year-round parasite prevention, don't smoke inside the house with your dog, and for dogs with tracheal collapse, use a chest harness rather than a collar around the neck.
In some cases, hospitalization or surgery may be required. If your dog shows any signs of coughing or gagging, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Science has revealed that respiratory conditions such as kennel cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, and tracheal collapse are common causes of coughing and gagging in dogs. Additionally, health-and-wellness problems like heart conditions, particularly congestive heart failure and heartworm disease, can also cause coughing due to fluid buildup in the lungs.
