PET42 guide
My dog is coughing and gagging: causes and warning signs
Coughing and gagging in dogs have many possible causes. These observations help your vet, while these warning signs require immediate help.
A dry cough, gagging after drinking or coughing attacks at night can have very different causes. In autumn, dogs have more contact indoors, at training classes and in boarding kennels. Infections are possible, but are not the only explanation.
Coughing is a symptom, not a diagnosis
Coughing helps clear the airways. It can result from a contagious respiratory infection, irritation, a foreign body, lung or heart disease, parasites or changes in the windpipe. The sound alone cannot reliably distinguish the cause.
Kennel cough describes a complex involving different infectious agents. A dry, often honking cough that may worsen with activity is typical. Some dogs gag up mucus afterwards. Infection is particularly common where many dogs gather, such as boarding kennels, daycare, training classes, shows or dog parks.
Observations that help your vet
Note when the cough started and when it occurs. A short video can be valuable. Consider these questions:
- Does coughing begin at rest, at night, when excited or after drinking?
- Does it sound dry, wet, honking or rattling?
- Does mucus or foam come up?
- Is there nasal or eye discharge?
- Is your dog tired or eating less?
- Has your dog been around many other dogs?
- Does breathing seem faster or more laboured?
Go straight to a veterinary clinic for breathing difficulty
Open-mouth breathing without heat, strong abdominal breathing, bluish or grey mucous membranes, collapse, marked weakness or a foreign body lodged in the airways are emergency signs. Puppies, elderly dogs and animals with heart or lung disease should also be examined early.
Even a mild cough without breathing difficulty warrants prompt veterinary assessment, especially if it persists, worsens, is accompanied by fever or your dog's general condition declines. Avoid close contact with other dogs until the cause is clear. Use separate bowls and toys and inform carers or the training school.
What to avoid at home
Do not give human cough medicines, painkillers or cold remedies. Many ingredients are unsuitable or poisonous to dogs. Do not pull on the collar. A well-fitting chest harness may irritate the windpipe less during short, calm walks. Provide rest, fresh water and smoke-free air. Steam, essential oils and home remedies are not safe treatment without a diagnosis.
Monitor appetite and feeding
Respiratory problems can reduce appetite. Measure the amount actually eaten and report significant changes. A complete dog food meets nutritional needs when eaten in an appropriate amount. Extra vitamins do not cure a cough or replace diagnostic assessment.
Note: go straight to a veterinary clinic for breathing difficulty, blue mucous membranes or collapse. A persistent cough needs veterinary assessment.
Sources
- Reference: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Bordetellosis
- Reference: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Canine respiratory disease outbreaks
- Reference: VCA Animal Hospitals: Testing for Cough
Advice tailored to your dog
Review your dog’s individual diet
Take the independent PET42 food check now: once your vet has established the cause, we assess whether the food type, daily amount and meal sizes suit your dog and current needs.
Questionnaire, checkout and feeding advice are provided in German.
