Why is My Dog Coughing and Gagging?

1. Kennel Cough

Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a contagious respiratory illness in canines. It is a dry, hacking cough that has a goose honk-like sound. Dogs will also gag or retch as they cough. Kennel cough is typically caused by combined viral and bacterial infections, and it normally transmits itself in close-contact settings like vet offices or pet clinics.

Symptoms:

• Persistent dry cough
• Gagging after coughing
• Watery eyes
• Mild nasal discharge

Treatment:

Kennel cough tends to heal by itself in a matter of a few weeks, but a visit to a veterinarian’s clinic for a correct diagnosis is nonetheless advisable. Your veterinarian can prescribe a suppressant to minimize irritation as well as antibiotics in case a secondary infection is suspected. Your dog needs sufficient rest along with proper hydration to recover. In extreme cases, nebulization therapy can be advised to ease inflamed airways. If your dog is in close contact with other animals, get them vaccinated to avoid subsequent infections.

2. Heart Disease

Dogs suffering from heart disease, especially those with congestive heart failure, can develop a cough as well as a gag. Coughing is most commonly caused by fluid in the lung or constricted airway because of a weaker heart. This happens in older canines as well as in specific breeds such as small breeds like Dachshunds and Cavaliers.

Symptoms:

• Persistent cough, especially at night or after exercise
• Gagging or retching
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Fatigue or lethargy

Treatment:

Tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, and echocardiograms will be carried out by a veterinary hospital to diagnose heart disease. Treatment may involve drugs such as diuretics to minimize fluid accumulation, ACE inhibitors to decrease pressure in the blood, as well as beta-blockers to enhance heart function. Your dog also needs a low-sodium diet and management of its body weight to prevent putting undue pressure on the heart. Routine check-ups at a vet clinic Dubai will help your dog’s heart condition be kept in check, enabling on-time changes in medication if required.

3. Collapsing Trachea

A collapsing trachea refers to a condition where the cartilage rings in the trachea weaken and collapse, leading to partial airway obstruction. This condition is especially prevalent in small breeds of dogs, like Chihuahuas and Yorkies. The condition is made worse by coughing, gagging, excitement, exercise, or pressure on the neck.

Symptoms:

• A dry, honking cough
• Gagging or retching after coughing
• Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity

Treatment:

Collapsing trachea is treated by medications including cough suppressants, and bronchodilators, along with surgery in extreme cases. A vet clinic or veterinary clinic nearby will conduct tests like X-rays to determine the severity of the condition and advise on the course of treatment.

4. Allergies

Like human beings, canines can develop environmental or seasonal allergies, which can lead to sneezing, gagging, or even a cough. Their common allergens are pollen, dust mites, mold, as well as food. Dogs also develop highly itchy skin, watery eyes, or ear infections.

Symptoms:

• Frequent coughing or gagging
• Sneezing and watery eyes
• Itchy skin or ear infections
• Nasal discharge

Treatment:

Dogs’ allergies are commonly treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, or allergy shots. Identifying and removing allergens eliminates the cause, so a trip to a pet clinic for a test can be beneficial.

5. Foreign Objects in the Airway

Dogs are naturally inquisitive and tend to swallow foreign bodies or inhale things, leading to situations of choking, gagging, and coughing. It can be risky since the foreign body could close the airway, which can cause trouble in breathing as well as life-threatening emergencies.

Symptoms:

• Gagging or retching immediately after ingesting or inhaling something unusual
• Excessive coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling or pawing at the mouth

Treatment:

If your dog is gagging or choking on something stuck in their system, speedy action must be taken. If the foreign object is small enough, it will naturally pass through the digestive tract, although a veterinary hospital or a vet clinic Dubai will need to be contacted. Surgery can be performed in extreme situations to take out the object.

6. Infections and Pneumonia

Bacterial or fungal infections, in particular, can result in coughing as well as gagging in canines. Pneumonia causes lung inflammation, leading to labored breathing for canines as well as difficulty in removing mucus. It is prevalent in puppies, older canines, as well as those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms:

• Coughing with thick mucus or phlegm
• Labored breathing or rapid breathing
• Fever
• Lack of appetite and lethargy

Treatment:

Immediate veterinary treatment is needed for treating pneumonia. Your veterinary clinic Dubai can prescribe antibiotics or antifungals based on the nature of the infection. Hospitalization along with oxygen therapy may be necessary in extreme situations. Keeping your dog hydrated and resting in a stress-free environment can help your dog recover. Pneumonia can be prevented by keeping vaccinations current and limiting exposure to cold, wet climates.

7. Canine Influenza

Dog flu is caused by a virus that affects the respiratory system. The signs of dog flu are a cough, a gag, discharge from the nasal passages, and a fever. It is extremely contagious and can spread very quickly, particularly in such locations as dog parks, veterinary clinics, and kennels.

Symptoms:

• Persistent cough (dry or moist)
• Gagging or retching after coughing
• Nasal discharge and fever
• Lethargy

Treatment:

Supportive therapy including fluids, medication for a cough, and antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections can be indicated. Your veterinarian close to my location can recommend treatment as well as quarantine to avoid transmission of the virus.

Conclusion

Coughing and gagging in canines are brought about by different causes, ranging from mild irritants to life-threatening conditions such as heart failure and pneumonia. It is critical to diagnose and treat these issues early on to control their symptoms as well as your dog’s overall well-being. If your dog is gagging or coughing, reach out to a nearby vet clinic or visit a veterinary clinic Dubai for a comprehensive check-up.

For professional treatment in Dubai, turn to Modern Vet Hospital, whose staff includes highly trained veterinarians who provide extensive diagnostic procedures as well as treatment. Give your dog the optimum care by making a visit today.