Dog Gagging: Causes, Remedies, and When to See a Vet

It’s normal for a dog to gag from time to time. Dogs can swallow small objects while playing, which can cause them to gag. Often, the object stuck in their mouth comes out in the form of vomit. Other times, the dog may need to be taken to a veterinarian to resolve the issue.

However, you don’t always need to visit the veterinarian every time your dog gags. By going through this article, you will be able to assess why your dog gags, when it normally gags, whether the gagging is frequent or not, and if it is the onset of a serious condition.

You must know that your veterinarian needs all the information to diagnose your dog’s actual physical state. Hence, if you feel that your dog’s gagging has been continuing for a while, you need to start observing and taking notes.

Table of Contents

• Causes of Your Dog Gagging
• Remedy for Gagging
• When to See a Vet
  • • What to Expect at the Vet
• Dog Gagging Throwing Up
  • Final Thoughts

Causes of Your Dog Gagging

Gagging in dogs can be alarming for pet owners, but it’s important to understand that there are various reasons why this might occur. Here are some common causes:

1. Kennel Cough:
   • Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause persistent gagging and coughing. It is often accompanied by a hacking sound and can be contracted from other dogs in kennels, dog parks, or grooming facilities.
2. Tightness of the Leash:
   • Moreover, make sure your dog’s leash is not bound too tight around its neck, as that can also be the reason behind your pooch’s constant gagging.
3. Foreign Objects:
   • Dogs are curious creatures and may accidentally swallow or inhale foreign objects such as toys, sticks, or even food particles. This can lead to gagging as the body tries to expel the object.
4. Reverse Sneezing:
   • Reverse sneezing occurs when a dog rapidly pulls air into its nose, which can cause a gagging or honking sound. It is usually harmless and can be triggered by excitement, allergies, or irritants in the air.
5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):
   • Just like humans, dogs can suffer from acid reflux. This condition can cause irritation in the esophagus and lead to gagging, especially after eating or drinking.
6. Tracheal Collapse:
   • Common in small breed dogs, tracheal collapse occurs when the trachea (windpipe) becomes weakened and collapses, leading to coughing and gagging. It often worsens with exercise or excitement.
7. Heart Disease:
   • Certain heart conditions can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to coughing and gagging. This is more common in older dogs and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy and difficulty breathing.
8. Allergies:
   • Environmental allergies, food allergies, or reactions to medications can cause irritation in the throat and airways, leading to gagging. Identifying and eliminating the allergen can help alleviate symptoms.
9. Infections:
   • Respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, can cause gagging as the dog attempts to clear mucus from its throat. These conditions often come with other symptoms like fever and lethargy.
10. Laryngeal Paralysis:
    • This condition occurs when the nerves controlling the larynx (voice box) become paralyzed, leading to difficulty breathing, coughing, and gagging. It is more common in older, large breed dogs.
11. Tumors:
    • Tumors in the throat, esophagus, or lungs can cause gagging due to obstruction or irritation. This is a serious condition that requires veterinary attention.

Remedy for Gagging

If your dog is experiencing gagging, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying cause. Here are some remedies and steps you can take to help alleviate your dog’s gagging:

1. Remove Foreign Objects:
   • If you suspect your dog is gagging due to a foreign object lodged in their throat, carefully try to inspect and remove it if visible. If the object is not easily accessible, seek veterinary assistance immediately.
2. Humidify the Air:
   • Use a humidifier in your home to keep the air moist, which can help soothe your dog’s irritated airways, especially if they are suffering from kennel cough or other respiratory conditions.
3. Honey and Warm Water:
   • For mild throat irritation, giving your dog a small amount of honey mixed with warm water can help coat and soothe their throat. This is particularly effective for temporary relief from coughing and gagging.
4. Adjust Their Diet:
   • If your dog has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding fatty or spicy foods can help reduce symptoms. Elevating their food and water bowls may also prevent gagging caused by acid reflux.
5. Medications:
   • For conditions like kennel cough or respiratory infections, your vet may prescribe antibiotics, cough suppressants, or anti-inflammatory medications to help alleviate gagging and other symptoms.
6. Allergy Management:
   • If allergies are the cause, identifying and removing the allergen is crucial. This may involve changing their diet, using air purifiers, or providing antihistamines as prescribed by your vet.
7. Maintain a Healthy Weight:
   • Ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight can help prevent tracheal collapse, especially in small breed dogs. Overweight dogs are more prone to respiratory issues and gagging.
8. Regular Exercise:
   • Regular, moderate exercise can help improve your dog’s overall health and reduce the likelihood of respiratory and digestive issues that can lead to gagging. However, avoid strenuous activities if your dog is currently experiencing gagging.
9. Avoid Irritants:
   • Keep your dog away from smoke, strong perfumes, or other airborne irritants that can trigger gagging. Ensure their living environment is clean and free from dust and mold.
10. Professional Grooming:
    • Regular grooming, especially for breeds with long hair, can prevent hairballs that might cause gagging. Keeping your dog’s coat clean and well-maintained helps avoid such issues.
11. Veterinary Care:
    • Persistent or severe gagging warrants a visit to the vet. They can diagnose conditions like heart disease, laryngeal paralysis, or tumors, and provide appropriate treatment or surgical interventions if needed.

When to See a Vet

It’s crucial to recognize the signs that indicate your dog’s gagging needs veterinary attention. Here are key scenarios when you should see a vet:

1. Persistent Gagging:
   • If your dog’s gagging persists for more than a day or is getting worse, it’s time to consult a vet. Persistent gagging can be a sign of a serious underlying condition that needs treatment.
2. Difficulty Breathing:
   • If your dog is struggling to breathe, with symptoms like wheezing, rapid breathing, or blue gums, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. This could indicate a severe obstruction or a serious respiratory issue.
3. Frequent Episodes:
   • Recurrent gagging episodes over a short period should be evaluated by a vet. Frequent gagging can be a symptom of conditions like GERD, allergies, or infections that require medical intervention.
4. Accompanied by Other Symptoms:
   • If gagging is accompanied by symptoms such as lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, or coughing up blood, it indicates a more serious issue that needs prompt veterinary attention.
5. Foreign Object Ingestion:
   • If you suspect your dog has swallowed a foreign object, seek veterinary help immediately. Objects lodged in the throat or esophagus can cause serious damage and need professional removal.
6. Chronic Coughing:
   • Chronic coughing alongside gagging could point to heart disease, tracheal collapse, or respiratory infections. A vet can diagnose and treat these conditions effectively.
7. Changes in Voice or Bark:
   • Changes in your dog’s voice or bark, along with gagging, can signal laryngeal paralysis or other throat issues that require veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
8. Sudden Onset:
   • Sudden and severe gagging without an obvious cause should be checked by a vet to rule out acute conditions like infections or obstructions.

What to Expect at the Vet

When you take your dog to the vet for gagging, they will perform a thorough examination, which may include:

• Physical Examination: Checking the throat, mouth, and chest.
• X-rays or Ultrasound: Imaging to look for obstructions, tumors, or fluid in the lungs.
• Blood Tests: To check for infections, allergies, or underlying health issues.
• Endoscopy: In some cases, an endoscope may be used to view the esophagus and airways directly.

Dog Gagging Throwing Up

Dog gagging and throwing up can be alarming symptoms that indicate a variety of underlying issues. These symptoms often occur together when a dog is experiencing gastrointestinal distress, such as from ingesting something toxic or indigestible, or due to more common issues like motion sickness, overeating, or dietary indiscretion.

Other potential causes include infections, inflammatory conditions, or more serious ailments like pancreatitis or kidney disease. It’s important for pet owners to observe their dog’s behavior closely and take note of any additional symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea, or changes in appetite.

If the gagging and vomiting persist or are accompanied by other worrisome signs, seeking veterinary care promptly is crucial to diagnose and treat the underlying cause, ensuring the health and well-being of the dog.

Final Thoughts

It is heartbreaking to watch your favourite pet suffer from a painful health condition. Despite all the measures you can take to keep your dog safe, and healthy, you never know what the future holds.

Even so, don’t get disheartened to find out that your dog has been diagnosed with a mortifying illness. Fortunately, none of the diseases mentioned above are fatal in nature. Hence, it is possible for your dog to recover from the situation as quickly as possible.

Then again, it is always better to be safe than sorry. That’s why we believe that a thorough overall health check-up of your dog once a month can give you a peace of mind.

So, don’t worry too much if your dog is gagging, and also if it is doing it often. Your vet will fix it!