As a dog owner, it can be concerning when your furry friend starts coughing and gagging. It’s natural to worry about your dog’s health and wellbeing, and you may be wondering what could be causing these symptoms. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of coughing and gagging in dogs and what you can do to help your pup.
Kennel Cough
One of the most common reasons dogs cough and gag is kennel cough. Kennel cough is an infectious respiratory disease that spreads easily among dogs. It is characterized by a dry, hacking cough and can be accompanied by gagging and retching. Kennel cough is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, and dogs who spend time in kennels or other crowded places, like dog parks, are most at risk.
If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, it’s essential to visit your vet. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help your dog recover. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
Heartworms
Another cause of coughing and gagging in dogs is heartworm disease. Heartworms are parasitic worms that live in the heart and lungs of dogs. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including coughing, gagging, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, heartworm disease can be fatal.
The good news is that heartworm disease is preventable. Your vet can prescribe medication to help prevent heartworms from infecting your dog. If your dog already has heartworms, your vet may recommend treatment with medication, surgery, or both.
Allergies
Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to a variety of things, including pollen, dust, and certain foods. Allergies can cause a range of symptoms, including coughing and gagging. If you suspect your dog has allergies, it’s important to visit your vet for a proper diagnosis.
Your vet may recommend allergy testing to identify what your dog is allergic to. Once the allergen is identified, your vet may recommend avoiding the allergen or treating your dog with medication to manage their symptoms.
Foreign Objects
Dogs are curious creatures, and they love to explore their surroundings with their mouths. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to them swallowing foreign objects, such as toys, bones, or even rocks. When a dog swallows a foreign object, it can become lodged in their throat, causing coughing and gagging.
If you suspect your dog has swallowed a foreign object, it’s essential to visit your vet immediately. Your vet may need to perform an x-ray or other diagnostic tests to determine the location of the object. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the object.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, can also cause coughing and gagging in dogs. These infections are caused by bacteria or viruses that affect the respiratory system. Dogs who have weakened immune systems, such as puppies or older dogs, are most at risk for respiratory infections.
If you suspect your dog has a respiratory infection, it’s essential to visit your vet. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help your dog recover. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse is a condition where the trachea, or windpipe, becomes weak and collapses in on itself. This can cause coughing, gagging, and difficulty breathing, especially when the dog is excited or exercising. Tracheal collapse is most common in small breed dogs.
If you suspect your dog has tracheal collapse, it’s important to visit your vet for a proper diagnosis. Your vet may recommend medication to help manage your dog’s symptoms, or in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that can affect dogs, just as it does humans. In dogs, asthma can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Asthma in dogs is often triggered by environmental factors, such as pollen or dust.
If you suspect your dog has asthma, it’s important to visit your vet for a proper diagnosis. Your vet may prescribe medication, such as bronchodilators or corticosteroids, to help manage your dog’s symptoms. It’s also essential to minimize your dog’s exposure to potential triggers, such as keeping their living space clean and free of dust and pollen.
Collapsing Trachea
Similar to tracheal collapse, collapsing trachea is a condition where the cartilage rings in the trachea become weak and collapse inward, causing coughing and gagging. This condition is more common in small breed dogs, such as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians.
If you suspect your dog has collapsing trachea, it’s important to visit your vet for a proper diagnosis. Your vet may prescribe medication, such as bronchodilators or cough suppressants, to help manage your dog’s symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the trachea.
Heart Disease
Heart disease can also cause coughing and gagging in dogs. When the heart is not functioning correctly, it can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, leading to coughing and difficulty breathing. Heart disease is more common in older dogs, but can affect dogs of any age.
If you suspect your dog has heart disease, it’s important to visit your vet for a proper diagnosis. Your vet may prescribe medication, such as diuretics or ACE inhibitors, to help manage your dog’s symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying issue.
Acid Reflux
Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. This can cause coughing and gagging, as well as other symptoms, such as vomiting and regurgitation.
If you suspect your dog has acid reflux, it’s important to visit your vet for a proper diagnosis. Your vet may recommend changes to your dog’s diet, such as feeding smaller meals more frequently or switching to a low-fat diet. Your vet may also prescribe medication, such as antacids or proton pump inhibitors, to help manage your dog’s symptoms.
Conclusion
The best way to prevent coughing and gagging in dogs is to maintain their overall health and well-being. This includes regular check-ups with your vet, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good hygiene practices, such as regular grooming and cleaning.
If you notice your dog coughing or gagging, it’s important not to panic. Many causes of coughing and gagging in dogs are treatable with proper veterinary care. By working with your vet and providing your dog with the care they need, you can help them recover quickly and get back to their happy, healthy selves.
In summary, understanding the common causes of coughing and gagging in dogs can help you provide the best care for your furry friend. By staying vigilant and seeking prompt veterinary care when necessary, you can help ensure your dog’s health and well-being for years to come.