Dog Emergencies: What to Do If Your Dog Is Coughing and Gagging

It’s not uncommon for our canine companions to make coughing or gagging noises. Understandably, when a dog suddenly starts coughing or gagging it can be worrying. So what causes it, and what can you do? Let’s take a look.

Coughing vs gagging — what’s the difference?

They look very similar, and one can lead to the other — but they’re different. When a dog coughs, air is forced out of the lungs through the mouth and nose. Gagging looks more like a ‘retch’, with only phlegm, mucus (or nothing) coming up.

Why do dogs gag?

Gagging may happen from eating too fast (food going down the windpipe rather than the food pipe), or if a foreign object lodges in the food pipe. The latter can be an emergency — contact your vet immediately if your dog suddenly starts gagging and it doesn’t settle quickly.

Why do dogs cough?

Common causes include:

• Kennel cough — a contagious inflammation of the windpipe and lower airways causing a dry, hacking cough that can sound like something’s stuck in the throat. Spreads where dogs mix (kennels, parks, grooming parlours).
• Foreign body — an inhaled or swallowed object causes sudden, persistent coughing. Contact your vet if coughing starts suddenly and doesn’t stop.
• Allergies — to pollen, smoke, moulds and more; may be seasonal, sometimes with runny/red eyes, itching or tummy signs.
• Tracheal collapse — usually in toy/small breeds or obese dogs; sounds like a “honking goose”.
• Pneumonia — a lung infection causing a wet, phlegmy cough; serious and potentially life-threatening.
• Heart disease — fluid on the lungs causes coughing, especially lying down or on exercise, often with heavy breathing, low energy, weight loss or pale gums.
• Chronic bronchitis — airway inflammation causing a persistent cough lasting over two months, with wheezing and difficulty breathing.
• Parasites — lungworm, caught from eating slugs, snails or frogs, affecting heart and lungs.
• Cancer — sadly, lung tumours are a possible cause.

What should I do?

An occasional cough or gag is usually nothing to worry about. But contact your vet if your dog coughs or gags frequently, or you notice:

• Excessive coughing that won’t go away
• Changes to breathing, even without a cough
• Sudden coughing/gagging, especially if they may have swallowed something
• Loss of appetite, reduced energy or weight loss
• A suspected fever (warm to the touch)

Tip: video an episode to show your vet — it helps them tell the causes apart. Otherwise note whether it’s dry and hacking or wet and phlegmy, when it happens and how often.

How is it treated?

Your vet will take a history, then examine your dog — listening to the heart and lungs, checking gum colour, pulses and temperature. They may recommend chest X-rays, blood tests, a heart scan or ECG. Treatment depends entirely on the cause: antibiotics, steroids, cough suppressants, inhalers or parasite treatment.

Is there anything I can do at home?

Not a lot — always check with a vet first. A mild cough may be eased with a little honey, and rest is sensible. Steam (sitting with your dog in a bathroom with a hot shower running) may loosen mucus. If coughing starts suddenly, or there’s any breathing difficulty, seek veterinary advice immediately.

Can I prevent it?

Not all causes are preventable, but you can help by keeping up to date with the kennel cough vaccine and parasite treatment (especially lungworm), and with regular check-ups so conditions are caught early. For dogs that gag while eating too fast, slow them down with small portions, a puzzle feeder, or feeding from a height.

Summary

Coughing and gagging look alike but are different functions with different causes. An occasional one is usually fine — but if you’re worried about the frequency, or there are other signs of illness, contact your vet as soon as possible.