In dogs, dry heaving or gagging is an emergency or cause for concern. Typically, this type of coughing happens in large breeds of dogs such as labradors, German shepherds, or Great Danes. Your dog’s cough is nothing to worry about.

However, if ignored for a long time, it can lead to serious problems.

Gagging and coughing in dogs have no predictable cause. There are some dogs who gag when their diet changes or their exercise routine changes. A visit to the vet should be scheduled as soon as possible for the dog.

Is Gagging a Problem?

You can hear your dog gagging before or after he coughs. Your dog might be vomiting and coughing at the same time. Coughing usually occurs when a dog has eaten too much. Maybe the food had begun to come up from the stomach. It is possible that the food came up into the throat due to overeating.

Dogs tend to vomit up on the floor when they overeat. It is important to identify the reason for the gagging of your dog.

What Causes Gagging In Dogs?

If the dog coughs up saliva or mucus after coughing, there is nothing to worry about. If your dog gags but produces a little mucus, then the problem should go away on its own. It’s concerning if your dog hasn’t passed stool for more than three to four days. You should give your dog stool softeners if they have irregular bowel movements.

It can even cause heart disease and bronchitis sometimes. In case your dog is over two weeks old and coughing, you should consult a vet. There can be a lot of reasons to know why does my dog keep gagging but not throwing up.

Kennel Cough

Dog gagging is also caused by a viral infection, which can cause health problems in young dogs if they are not vaccinated. However, as dogs get older, the condition usually lasts one to two weeks without any treatment.

Gagging Is Alarming If Your Dog Is Young

It may not be easy to diagnose your pup’s gagging symptoms, and they will not be specific. A puppy that is not energetic and refuses to eat or drink should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. A stomach infection, parasites, or a serious health issue can cause this behavior change.

A mild to severe seizure may result, and sometimes respiratory problems may occur. In young dogs, respiratory problems can be life-threatening.

A Collapsing Trachea

Poodles and Pomeranians are two breeds of dogs that have weak tracheas. Windpipe blockages can be caused by hereditary weakness. Dogs can have severe coughing and gagging if they have blocked airways in their windpipes or lungs.

Bilious Vomiting Syndrome (BVS)

Dogs’ stomachs contain bile, which helps them digest food. The stomach acids cannot dissolve the bile when your dog is hungry in the early morning and late at night. Acid formation makes your dog feel nauseated because of stomach discomfort.

Don’t let your dog’s plate go empty at night. Make sure that your dog is fed sufficiently. Continuous underfeeding can cause lethargy, drooling, pale gums, and dehydration in dogs, which can lead to gagging.

Dogs Suffer From Bloating

There are many types of bloating in dogs. Dogs may bloat when they eat too quickly, swallowing a lot of air. Gastric dilatation (bloating) causes the abdominal area to swell in some cases. The stomach becomes twisted and causes your dog great harm. The signs of restlessness and rapid breathing that your dog may exhibit include abdominal pain and restlessness can be causes of gagging.

Motion Sickness or Nausea

A dog might experience motion sickness if they have traveled long distances in a car with you. Symptoms of nausea can include whimpering, diarrhea, or drooling. An ear infection can also cause nausea in dogs. Medications for other illnesses have also caused nausea in dogs. Nausea can also cause breathing discomfort and gagging in your dog.

Blockage in the Throat Can Also Lead to Gagging

Curiosity often leads dogs to eat, chew, or consume strange objects. In addition to bones and food wrappers, they swallow rocks, sticks, and other non-edible things. Before a dog starts to gag, it might pace, paw at the face, whine, drool, or bark. You should take your dog for an x-ray if you are sure that they swallowed something strange.

Obesity Is a Leading Cause of Gagging in Dogs

The fat in obese dogs puts a great deal of pressure on the trachea, causing them to cough a lot. Even one pound of excess fat can be hazardous to a dog’s health. Make sure that your pet eats healthy foods and exercises regularly. Weight issues can cause your dog health problems such as arthritis and heart failure if you ignore them.

What Do I Do When My Dog Is Gagging?

If you are not a health professional, it can be challenging to treat gagging dogs at home. A gagging dog can only be treated by taking it to the veterinarian. You might be worried and thinking, why does my dog keep gagging but not throwing up? In case your dog is gagging, there are a few things that should be done.

Limit Your Dog’s Movement

Dogs should be restrained in their normal activities. However, dogs are naturally active, so it can be difficult to limit them. Gagging and coughing can be caused by physical strain. It is best to tie your dog to a harness rather than a leash.

Keep Your Dog Away From Other Pets

It is contagious if your dog’s cough and gag are left untreated. Don’t let your dog spend much time at a dog daycare or dog training facility if they are in one. They may have picked up an infection from other dogs there. Otherwise, they could transmit something to them.

Keep Your Dog Warm

You may find that your dog is more prone to sickness when the weather is cold. The approaching winter may cause your dog to cough and gag more, so regulate his temperature to be warmer. A humidifier may even be helpful.

Clean Your Dog’s Kennel Regularly

When your dog is in an unclean shelter, it may be more susceptible to illnesses. Your dog’s kennel should also be kept dry. Dogs can get cold and ill from damp shelters.

Watch Your Dog

Checking your dog’s behavior can be a good idea. When you take your dog to the veterinarian, mention all the actions you took to keep track of your dog.

Monitor Your Dog’s Bowel Movements

Your dog’s bowel movements should be checked to determine if they are healthy. Providing the veterinarian with all information you know your dog has swallowed can be very ideal. You can tell your vet everything beforehand if they suggest a fecal examination.