Why is my dog coughing & dry heaving?
If your dog keeps coughing and dry heaving like he's choking, it could be due to several reasons. One common cause is kennel cough, a contagious respiratory disease that results in a dry, hacking cough. Other potential causes include respiratory infections, foreign objects lodged in the throat, or even heart disease. Monitoring your dog's symptoms and seeking veterinary advice if the coughing persists is essential.
What does it mean if my dog keeps dry heaving?
When a dog keeps dry heaving, it usually indicates irritation or obstruction in the throat or esophagus. This can be caused by something as simple as eating too quickly or more serious conditions, such as laryngeal paralysis, where the muscles that open and close the larynx weaken. Allergies, infections, and gastrointestinal issues can also lead to frequent gagging.
What exactly causes dry heaving in dogs?
Many different illnesses and conditions can result in dry-heaving dogs. These are:
Kennel Cough (Bordetella)
Bordetella is a contagious condition that mainly affects dogs that spend time in social situations or boarding. If your dog contracts kennel cough, it will experience a runny nose and a loud, honking cough. Dry heaving can be one symptom of kennel cough. Since kennel cough is highly contagious, dogs displaying signs of the condition should be isolated from other dogs to limit the spread. If you are worried your dog may have contracted kennel cough, call your vet immediately.
Bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus)
Bloat can be fatal to dogs that do not receive emergency veterinary care immediately.
This complex medical condition occurs when the dog's stomach fills with air, increasing pressure and preventing blood from the dog's hind legs and abdomen from returning to the heart. In some cases, the stomach flips, cutting off even more blood flow and causing the pancreas to produce toxic hormones, which can cause the dog's heart to stop. Signs of bloat include dry heaving, an enlarged abdomen, increased salivation, restlessness, and signs of pain if you touch the belly.
Without treatment, dogs suffering from bloat will likely go into shock, experience increased heart rate, lose strength, and the condition will become fatal. Call your vet immediately if you see any signs of bloat in your dog.
Object Lodged in Throat
If your pup has something caught in its throat that is causing a partial obstruction, it could result in gagging, retching, and dry heaving as the dog works to force the object out. Anytime you think your dog has an object stuck in its throat, you should immediately call your nearest emergency vet to clear your dog's airway.
Tonsillitis, Sore Throat, or Throat Infection
When your dog experiences a throat infection or illness, it can result in breathing, swallowing, and gag reflex difficulties. If your dog has swollen tonsils, it could lead to repeated gagging and dry heaving. Contact your vet if you suspect that your dog has swollen tonsils.
Tumor Causing a Blockage
Any growth in the back of your dog's throat could cause breathing and swallowing issues, resulting in gagging or dry heaving. If your dog has a growth in the back of its throat, it must be surgically removed to clear the airway and stop your pup from dry heaving. If you spot any growth in your dog's throat, contact your vet to schedule an examination.
What should you do if your dog is dry heaving?
If your dog is dry heaving, it could be a sign of a serious underlying issue, such as an obstruction in their throat or gastrointestinal tract. It is important to monitor your dog closely and seek immediate veterinary attention if the dry heaving persists or if they show other symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.
In the meantime, you can try to soothe your dog by offering them small amounts of water to drink and keeping them calm in a quiet and comfortable environment. Avoid giving them any food until you have consulted with a veterinarian to prevent exacerbating any potential issues. Remember that early intervention is key to ensuring the health and well-being of your furry friend.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.