Top 7 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Coughing And Gagging

By Author: Safari Veterinary Care Centers
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One of the most concerning noises you’d hear from your dog is a coughing sound. Or should we say, a gagging sound. Well, nonetheless, whether it is a coughing or gagging sound, either one is a cause for concern. Many instances of laryngeal paralysis in dogs start with coughing and gagging as initial symptoms. However, a professional diagnosis is encouraged to avoid treating something entirely different.

Although gagging in dogs can be harmless, it’s important to pay attention early to know when to intervene or even visit an animal vet quickly. In this post, we have discussed the top 7 reasons why your dog is coughing and gagging and what to do to help the poor animal get some relief.

Coughing and Gagging

When a dog is coughing, most times it’s simply a sound and the action brings out only saliva and mucus. But gagging on the other hand, the dog behaves like it’s struggling to take swallow something in its mouth. A retching sound can be heard when it’s gagging, but with no stomach content expulsion. Coughing is often dry, with mouth open and a hacking sound can be heard.

Should I Be Concerned ...
... About Coughing and Gagging in My Dog?

In some cases, a one-off cough or gag could simply be food going the wrong way. Or it could be the dog has swallowed something it’s not supposed to. When coughing and gagging are constant, it could be laryngeal paralysis in dogs’ symptoms. This condition needs urgent veterinary attention so it doesn’t become fatal.
Observe your dog carefully if coughing and gagging are persistent. An obstruction in a dog larynx can cause coughing and gagging. If the development lasts longer than 48-72 hours, then it might be time to visit an animal hospital for professional diagnosis and treatment.

7 Reasons Why Your Dog is Coughing and Gagging
There are about 7 reasons why a dog could be coughing and gagging and here they are:

1. Laryngeal Paralysis

This is separate from dog paralysis, which is a broader condition. Laryngeal paralysis focuses on the larynx and concerns the collapse or weakening of the muscle tissue of the larynx. This part of a dog’s body controls the flow of air which helps in vocalization and breathing. Laryngeal paralysis can impact a dog’s ability to vocalize properly or process air. Coughing and gagging can become the outcome of this condition.

The treatment for laryngeal paralysis in dogs is often surgery through a procedure called stent placement for laryngeal paralysis. It has a high degree of success when done by a professional and reputable animal clinic like Safarivet. Please check your options to know what’s ideal for your dog then make an informed choice.

2. Heart Disease

Yes, a cause of coughing and gagging can be from heart disease. When the heart is affected by a disease condition, it can lead to poor pumping of blood to the chest region and fluid accumulates in the chest or abdominal area causing increased pressure. In a bid to reduce fluid buildup, coughing can ensure.

3. Chronic Bronchitis

If a cough has lasted for months without any probable cause then it could be chronic bronchitis. This condition is usually as a result of inflammation in the lungs caused by allergens, infections or trauma. Over time, chronic bronchitis can become problematic and require serious veterinary intervention to tackle it completely. Please visit a vet for proper examination and treatment to ensure your dog gets relief.

4. Lung Cancer

As much as we pray against it, cancer of the lungs is a condition that can cause coughing and gagging in our beloved pups. Cancer is the abnormal replication of cells in malignant fashion causing damage internally. Only a professional examination from a vet can detect if your dog’s cough or gagging is due to lung cancer and the likes. Safari Veterinary Care Centers can help with diagnosis and treatment options to relief your dog of pain and manage the condition if complete treatment is impossible.

5. Collapse of the Trachea

Air passes mainly through the trachea into your dog’s body. If this structure is obstructed or affected in some way, coughing and gagging are some of the outcomes to expect. With age, trauma and ill health, the trachea cartilage shrinks making it more difficult to breathe in air. Any dog can experience collapsed trachea regardless of age. This condition is closely-related to laryngeal paralysis in dogs. Treatment procedure for it involves therapy, medications, weight loss management and change of diet. However, in severe cases laryngeal paralysis surgery is the only way out.

6. Allergies

Allergies from different sources can lead to coughing and gagging. Sometimes, it’s not that serious and your dog is simply reacting to food or something in the air. In fact, even medications can cause allergic reactions in pets. In cases where your dog keeps coughing and gagging for breath, it’s crucial to visit a vet as soon as possible. A dog struggling to breathe can be fatal so such situations require urgent medical intervention. Allergic reactions can be treated by either removing the source of the allergens or treating the condition directly with medication.

7. Respiratory Tract Infections

Infections of the respiratory tract can cause coughing and gagging in dogs. Laryngeal paralysis in puppies is sometimes, mistaken for respiratory infections because of how common it can be. If coughing and gagging persists, please visit a pet specialist to ascertain its cause and start treatment.
Kennel cough, pneumonia and other respiratory infections have coughing and gagging as part of their symptoms. It’s not just laryngeal paralysis in dogs, so visit Safari Veterinary Care Centers for a professional assessment and treatment.

Treatment of Coughing and Gagging in Dogs

Coughing and treatment as a condition is not difficult to treat. Where the problem lies is in resolving the main cause of the symptom. Please ensure a diagnosis has been made to know the cause of the coughing and gagging so that treatment can commence.

Treatment can be lifestyle changes, medication, weight control or in severe cases, laryngeal paralysis surgery. We recommend being an attentive pet parent as it will help you to notice any unusual behavior or developments in your pet. Early detection and treatment increases the chances of treating many health concerns in dogs.

Learn more about Safarivet treatment options here - https://www.safarivet.com/veterinary-services/dog-laryngeal-paralysis/

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