Here's Why Your Dogs Cough And Gag And What You Can Do To Help Them

Here's Why Your Dogs Cough And Gag And What You Can Do To Help Them

Dogs coughing or gagging a lot can be very concerning for dog owners. Here are three probable causes.

Fungal Infection

Fungal infections are pretty rare, with the most cases occurring in the Midwest, but repeated gagging and coughing can be a sign of such an infection. The airborne condition requires vet diagnosis and is typically treated with medication.

Kennel Cough

A dog who spends a lot of time around other dogs – especially if you got them from a breeder or shelter, or if you left them in a boarding facility for a while – may develop kennel cough. Hacking, coughing, and gagging in a hard manner can point to this condition.

This illness is highly contagious but can often go away on its own in about a week, but a vet visit is usually needed for antibiotics and cough suppressants.

Heartworm

A serious heart condition can cause gagging and coughing. The most common issue that dogs face that could lead to this is heartworm. Usually spread from mosquitoes, if your dog does not have preventative care against heartworms, repeated coughing can be a big symptom. Other symptoms include:

  • Weight loss
  • Allergic reactions
  • Lack of appetite
  • Expanded chest
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of consciousness

Untreated heartworm can be fatal. Bring your dog to a vet immediately if you think they have heartworm.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay

Back to blog