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Dog Gagging: Why & When To See A Vet
Written By Alex Olsson
Published: 05/01/2017Updated: 10/17/2024
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is gagging in dogs?
Dog gagging is a common reflex caused by irritation or a blockage in the throat or respiratory system. When a dog gags, they tend to open their mouth wide and make a retching sound, without actually producing any vomit.
It’s important to distinguish gagging from vomiting and coughing, as each has different causes and implications. Unlike vomiting, gagging doesn’t result in expulsion of stomach contents. Typically, only small amounts of mucus are produced instead.
Understanding these differences helps you recognize when your dog’s gagging is a concern, and when it comes time to call the vet.
Dog gagging is often a symptom of something bigger at play. So why does this happen, and how do you know when it’s something serious? Let’s explore why your dog might gag from time to time, what you should do, and even how to prevent it in the future.
Why does gagging occur in dogs?
Gagging can be caused by a variety of factors, from minor irritations to serious medical conditions.
Here are some common reasons:
Here are some common reasons:
- Throat irritation: Dust, allergens, or swallowing something incorrectly can cause a temporary bout of gagging.
- Respiratory infections: Conditions like kennel cough can lead to gagging, typically following a dry cough.
- Sinus infections and other nasal issues: Sinusitis (sinus infection) and rhinitis (nasal infection) can both cause your dog to experience postnasal drip, leading to gagging or vomiting. These infections can develop from a variety of causes, including dental problems or blockages in the nasal passages.
- Laryngeal paralysis: This condition, common in older dogs like Labradors, causes the muscles of the larynx to fail, leading to gagging, panting, and difficulty breathing.
- Tracheal collapse: Small breed dogs like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are prone to this condition, where the trachea flattens, making it difficult to breathe. This often results in a characteristic honking cough followed by gagging.
- Intestinal parasites: Intestinal parasites are common in dogs, especially in puppies (they’re born with them, which is why all puppies need deworming). Roundworms, in particular, are known to migrate to the lungs, causing irritation that results in chronic coughing and gagging. If roundworms invade the lungs, they can affect the air sacs, making breathing difficult. You may also notice worms in your dog’s stool or vomit.
- Heart disease: In older dogs, especially those with heart problems, gagging can be a symptom of fluid buildup in the lungs due to congestive heart failure.
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When to worry about your dog’s gagging
While occasional gagging in dogs can be harmless, persistent or severe episodes call for further investigation. By understanding the potential causes and taking steps to prevent and address the symptoms, you can help make sure your furry friend remains healthy and comfortable.
Remember, though, always consult your vet if you’re unsure about your dog’s gagging, especially when symptoms persist or worsen.
Remember, though, always consult your vet if you’re unsure about your dog’s gagging, especially when symptoms persist or worsen.
What should you do if your dog is gagging?
Is your dog experiencing frequent or prolonged gagging? It’s important to monitor the symptoms closely, regardless of how long it’s been happening.
Here are steps to take based on different scenarios:
- Short-term gagging: If the gagging is brief and your dog otherwise appears to be healthy, the issue may be minor, such as something stuck in their throat. Keep an eye on their behavior to make sure the symptoms pass.
- Persistent gagging: If your dog keeps gagging without producing anything for a longer period of time, seek vet attention as soon as you can. Persistent gagging can signal an obstruction, infection, or even tracheal collapse.
- Gagging in older dogs: If your old dog is coughing and gagging, it may be linked to chronic conditions like heart disease or laryngeal paralysis, which require medical intervention. Make sure to contact your vet ASAP in this case.
Diagnosing gagging in dogs
Your vet may perform a physical exam and may require additional tests to pinpoint the cause of the gagging. This could involve:
- X-rays to check for signs of tracheal collapse or foreign objects.
- Blood tests to identify infections or other underlying health issues.
- Laryngoscopy: For dogs suspected of having laryngeal paralysis, the vet may examine the larynx under sedation to assess its function.
How can you prevent gagging in dogs?
Preventative care is essential to minimizing the risk of gagging. Here are a few practical steps to take as a pet parent to keep your dog safe:
- Vaccinations: Keep your dog up to date on vaccinations, especially for kennel cough, which is a common cause of coughing and gagging. Also, ensure you keep up to date with your dog’s deworming treatments as a preventative measure.
- Avoid small objects: Prevent your dog from chewing on small toys or bones that could easily get lodged in their throat.
- Dietary management: Dogs that gulp their food too quickly are more likely to gag. Using a slow feeder can help reduce the likelihood of gagging like something is stuck in their throat.
- Weight control: For breeds prone to tracheal collapse, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial - especially since obesity can exacerbate breathing difficulties.
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Remedies for dog coughing and gagging
If your dog is coughing and gagging frequently, there are a few steps you can take to provide relief:
- Humidifiers: For dogs with throat irritation, adding moisture to the air may ease discomfort.
- Medication: Your vet may prescribe cough suppressants, antibiotics for infections, or anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling around the larynx or trachea.
- Elevated feeding: For dogs with laryngeal paralysis or tracheal collapse, raising their food and water bowls can reduce pressure on the airway.
What is the cost of treating dog gagging?
The cost of treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. For simple causes like a mild infection, the costs may range from $100 to $300, covering exams and medication.
However, in more severe cases, such as tracheal collapse that requires surgery or long-term management, expenses can rise into the thousands. Procedures like stent placement for tracheal reconstruction can cost upwards of $3,000.
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Gagging Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
malshi
One Year
30 found this helpful
30 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Gagging
Anytime he is playing he makes a gagging noise or reverse sneezing. Right now while he is trying to sleep, anytime he moves he gags or starts panting hard. He also has runny nose
Dec. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
30 Recommendations
Thank ou for your question. It is possible that he may be having some allergies or there may be something irritating his throat. If it is something that does not seem to be getting better, and it is causing him problems, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian. They will be able to examine him, see what might be causing this, and get treatment for him.
Dec. 26, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Mal-shi
One Year
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Gagging
Anytime he is playing or gets too excited, he makes a gagging sound or reverse sneezes. Right now why he's trying to sleep, anytime he moves, he makes a gagging noise or starts panting.
Dec. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
10 Recommendations
Thank ou for your question. It is possible that he may be having some allergies or there may be something irritating his throat. If it is something that does not seem to be getting better, and it is causing him problems, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian. They will be able to examine him, see what might be causing this, and get treatment for him.
Dec. 26, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Lab Mix
Five Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hacking
About a month ago, my dog coughed up 2 socks. I had him x-rayed but they didn’t see anything else in his system. Today he has gagged/hacked about 19 separate times, but nothing is coming up. He has normal energy, he’s eating fine. I haven’t noticed any mucus either. He has been itching for a few weeks (he usually gets allergies during the winter). I did notice that his expired flea collar had tightened itself (I’m assuming from where he has been scratching and causing it to tighten). Underneath the collar has gotten irritated, I removed it. Now he’s steadily gagging every couple minutes.
Dec. 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
0 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this.
The first consideration would be irritation/bruising/swelling from the collar. I would have him examined as he may need some anti inflammatories for this.
Dec. 19, 2020
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French Bulldog
1 Year
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
Hello, my French bulldog has developed a gag she will do constantly, especially when excited, as well as little bumps that started forming (mainly) on her head. We were told to try giving her aa acid reducer once a day and it seemed to help immediately but now (whether related or not?), she is having an increase in eye discharge and a cluster of bumps on her head seem to become an open sore now? Maybe she scratched them off? But all this is worrisome and now she is acting swallowing hard or gulping and seems lethargic. Please help!
Dec. 8, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
2 Recommendations
Hello so sorry to hear about your dog. You can try Benadryl. The dosage is 1mg/pound. There is also hot spot spray that you can use. You can get this from the local pet store.
Dec. 22, 2020
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Golden Retriever
Four Years
12 found this helpful
12 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Gagging
Everytime my dog gets excited she starts gagging and then she'll throw up it started yesterday
Oct. 7, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
12 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
It is possible that she has kennel cough, or something irritating her throat or esophagus. If this continues, it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, as they will be able to examine her and see what might be going on, and see what can be done to help her.
I hope that all goes well for her!
Oct. 9, 2020
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Great Pyreneese
Cheyanne
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Gaging After Eat
5 year old female Great Pyraneese has been gagging 2-3 times a day for last 7 weeks, usually after eating
Usually gagging roaring sound 2-3 times several times a day, often after eating
Beagle/Basset
Cooper
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Gagging While Asleep
My 2 year old beagle/basset mix appears to have gagged a couple of times while asleep. Today was the first time it happened. It woke him up and it took a moment or two for him to recover. Needless to say it scared us both. His eating and drinking are normal and there has been nothing new in his diet. No new shampoos or lotions or powders either. He is about 3-5 pounds overweight. Apnea perhaps?
terrier
Honey
9 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Gagging
Coughing
My dog has been coughing and it’s dry she tends to not do it too often when I walk her on her harness she begins to cough I’m worried that maybe it’s something bad. And she just started coughing 4 months ago She tends to eat whatever she finds on the floor which is what people tell me is the reason but I don’t really have the money to go to a vet so I don’t really know what to do
