If a solid object is lodged at the back of the throat (e.g. rawhide or a pig's ear), one person should hold the mouth open extremely carefully (try to press their lips over their teeth to protect your fingers) and another reach into the dog's mouth with tweezers or forceps to grasp the item and remove it.
So it's easy for dirt, grass, or unwanted materials to enter your dog's nose or throat that cause irritation — and then coughing. However, if your dog has a cough they cannot shake, there may be something more going on. Your pup could have a virus, bacterial infection, or another underlying health condition.
Just like you, a dog might cough to clear his or her throat. Since your dog explores the world mostly with the mouth and nose, it's easy for dust, dirt, grass, and other foreign materials to enter the throat and cause a cough.
Most dogs with something stuck in their throat will not want to eat and if they do will not be able to swallow. Some make repeated gulping movements. If the object is not completely blocking the oesophagus it may be present for several days before other signs are noticed.
Two very common things that can cause gagging in dogs are infectious problems and laryngeal paralysis. Kennel cough, which is a type of respiratory infection, is a common cause of dog gagging, which results in a harsh, goose-like cough, sometimes followed by a gag.
Sudden and excessive drooling, gagging, regurgitation, and repeated attempts to swallow are signs of an esophageal foreign object. A partial obstruction may allow fluids but not food to pass. If an obstruction is not treated, loss of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy may occur.
However, if your dog is dry heaving repeatedly or their dry heaving is recurrent, it is essential to contact your vet immediately to schedule an examination for your pup, because this could be a sign of a serious health issue.
If your dog is frequently coughing or gagging after eating, drinking, or playing with toys it may be cause for concern. See your vet for an exam to rule out a blockage or a tumor that could be causing things to get stuck.
If you've had a dog with kennel cough, you've heard the sound: a dry hack often followed by retching or gagging. Some people describe it as sounding like a cat hacking up a hairball. Kennel cough is usually mild and self-limiting, but sometimes it causes more severe illness.
The most obvious symptom of kennel cough is a forceful, hacking cough, which will often sound like your dog has something stuck in their throat. The cough can be dry and hoarse or productive, in which case it can be followed by a gag, swallowing motion or the production of mucus.
Persistent coughing can irritate the throat. At home, you can help to soothe your pup's throat with honey. Add a spoonful of honey to a bowl of water, up to three times per day. A small humidifier placed near the dog's bed can keep your pet's throat from drying out.
If your dog has eaten something that has upset his stomach, he may retch and attempt to expel the noxious material. Eating too much food, or too quickly, can also cause your dog to retch. Certain medications may cause nausea, as can infections in the ear.
One sign that a dog is getting ready to vomit is a series of contractions of the stomach, better known as heaving, retching, or gagging. (It's a lot like what humans do before getting sick.) On the other hand, when a dog regurgitates, there is no abdominal heaving.
Dogs will dry heave in an attempt to release some of the trapped gas but are unable to because the stomach is twisted. Other symptoms of GDV include a swollen and tender abdomen, labored breathing, and an increased heart rate.
When dogs vomit, they are forcefully ejecting the contents of their stomach and upper small intestine, bringing food, fluid, and debris onto your carpet. Prior to this unpleasant display, they usually exhibit signs of nausea, such as excessive drooling, retching, and contractions of the abdomen—rather like we do.
Kennel cough is rarely severe, and uncomplicated kennel cough will usually go away on its own. However, medications are commonly given to help your dog recover quicker and prevent the condition from worsening. If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, take them to the vet for an examination.
The most obvious symptom of kennel cough is a forceful, hacking cough, which will often sound like your dog has something stuck in their throat. The cough can be dry and hoarse or productive, in which case it can be followed by a gag, swallowing motion or the production of mucus.
If you've had a dog with kennel cough, you've heard the sound: a dry hack often followed by retching or gagging. Some people describe it as sounding like a cat hacking up a hairball. Kennel cough is usually mild and self-limiting, but sometimes it causes more severe illness.
Adequate rest is one of the best remedies for kennel cough. If your dog gets plenty of sleep, it will give his body a chance to fight the virus and recover properly. Put your dog in a room by himself, away from kids and other pets. This way, he will not be disturbed while trying to rest.
Persistent coughing can irritate the throat. At home, you can help to soothe your pup's throat with honey. Add a spoonful of honey to a bowl of water, up to three times per day. A small humidifier placed near the dog's bed can keep your pet's throat from drying out.
Canine infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in dogs. Fortunately, the majority of cases are not serious, resolving on their own in 1 to 2 weeks.
Common clinical signs include a loud cough often describe as a 'goose honk', runny eyes and nose, swollen tonsils, wheezing, lack of appetite, and depressed behavior. Most dogs with infectious tracheobronchitis will cough when the throat is rubbed or palpated, or during and after exercise.
Causes of Kennel Cough
A healthy dog can get kennel cough by inhaling aerosolized bacteria or viruses from an infected dog. The bacteria and/or virus can be spread from an infected dog through coughing or sneezing, and dogs can also get it from infected objects (toys, food/water bowls).