Dogs can be strange creatures. Usually, when a person guffaws repeatedly, they immediately throw up. However, that’s not always the case with dogs. It’s more common than you might think for dogs to gag without vomiting.
…but that doesn’t stop you from wanting to help your poor furry friend, right? In this article, we’ll talk about what might be causing this gagging problem and how to help.
Your main concern, I’m sure, is whether or not this warrants alarm. Although there’s a good chance it’s nothing to worry about, it’s probably best to take your dog to the vet just to be safe given the possibility that it could be something more serious.
After a brief “disclaimer,” let’s talk about what might be happening.
Retching is the term for a dog gagging but not throwing up. In other words, an attempt to vomit that fails (or fails to vomit)
It’s crucial to watch your dog closely to determine whether they are coughing or retching. This is because, despite the fact that they frequently have numerous different causes, the two can sound similar.
Something is Stuck in the Dog’s Mouth
Some dogs will chew on a stick or other objects. Your dog might vomit if these get stuck in their mouth or throat. Many times they will not vomit.
Drooling is one of the typical symptoms of a dog having something stuck in its mouth. The majority of dogs will paw at their mouths and drool a lot.
Laryngeal Paralysis occurs more commonly in older Labrador Retrievers. When the larynx does not close completely, food or liquid can get into your dog’s airways.
Common signs of a dog with Laryngeal Paralysis are:
Your dog will need to be sedated so that your veterinarian can examine their mouth if they believe your dog has laryngeal paralysis. They will be able to look at this region to determine whether their larynx is functioning abnormally.
There is surgery that can be performed to help the larynx function properly and help prevent your dog from allowing food or water to enter their trachea if they do have laryngeal paralysis.
A veterinary surgeon typically performs this type of surgery at a specialty hospital.
Why is My Dog Gagging But Not Vomiting?
These are just a few of the many potential causes of your dog’s gagging without vomiting.
Bloat is the common name for gastric dilation and volvulus. When this happens, your dog’s abdomen enlarges and turns over.
This might cause your dog to gag and try to vomit. Additionally, you might observe that your dog’s abdomen has significantly enlarged. You might even hear what it would sound like if you thumped on an air-filled balloon if you did so on your dog’s side. This is a classical sign of bloat.
The best course of action is to take your dog to the veterinarian right away if you suspect that he has developed bloat. If it happens at night, locate the closest emergency room and take him there.
Bloat requires urgent veterinary care because it cannot be treated at home. Your dog will require life-saving surgery to reverse their stomach and reduce air production in their abdomen.
Your veterinarian will perform a gastropexy, reattaching their stomach to prevent future stomach flips.
A dog who develops bloat has a prognosis of about 50%, even with the best care and prompt veterinary attention.
Your dog may cough and guffaw but not throw up if they have an upper respiratory infection. This infection typically begins in your dog’s sinuses, throat, and trachea, which are all parts of the upper respiratory tract.
As the condition worsens, the infection spreads deeper into your dog’s lungs and may result in pneumonia. Your dog will cough and sneeze if they do get pneumonia.
The following are typical symptoms of pneumonia or an upper respiratory infection in dogs:
It would be best to visit your veterinarian if you observe any of these symptoms or signs. To determine whether the symptoms you are experiencing are the result of an infection, they will want to perform blood tests and x-rays.
Different types of pain exist in dogs, and understanding them can help you better comprehend your pet.
If your dog licks metal objects, you might be curious as to what might be going through his mind. Learn about the various reasons why dogs may lick or chew on metal.
An emergency situation could arise if one side of your dog’s stomach is swollen. Please take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you can to be safe.
Antibiotics help many dogs with upper respiratory infections recover quickly.
Please consult your veterinarian if your dog continues to gag but not vomit.
What to do if your dog is gagging
If your dog does start gagging, pay close attention. If you believe they are choking, you may need to step in, and if your dog is frequently gagging, you may need to consult a veterinarian.
Keep an eye on their symptoms — your dog might throw up just once or frequently. After hearing your dog gag for the first time, keep an eye out for 24 to 48 hours and listen for any additional symptoms like bloating, nasal discharge, wheezing, coughing, or lethargic behavior. For ongoing gagging and additional symptoms, schedule a vet visit.
Check your dog for foreign objects because gagging can be dangerous if your dog swallowed something they shouldn’t have. Take them to the vet as soon as possible. The veterinarian will perform tests to rule out other potential causes of gagging and administer treatment, check for foreign objects and safely remove them, or both.
Consult your veterinarian again — If the gagging was a sign of a health issue, the vet will recommend a course of treatment for your dog. Be sure to adhere to the advice, and note how your dog feels about it. Make sure to check in with your veterinarian to see how your pet is doing, to discuss any new or developing concerns, and to ask any questions you may have.
Although you can’t always stop a dog from gagging, there are steps you can take to lower your risks. Always keep your dog away from choking hazards, such as sticks, small objects, cords and wires, sharp or cheap bones, and other perilous objects. To maintain your dog’s health, arrange routine preventative care visits with the vet so they can keep an eye out for conditions like kennel cough, larynx inflammation, or other infections and diseases. If you have a wellness plan, your pet insurance policy may cover routine care.
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FAQ
Why is my dog gagging but nothing is coming up?
Any breed of dog with non-productive retching or dry heaving is always treated as an emergency due to the risk of a condition called gastric dilation and volvulus, also known as gas bloat or GDV.
Why does my puppy keep acting like he’s going to throw up?
Nausea can be caused by many things. Your dog may retch and try to expel the poison if he has eaten something that has upset his stomach. Your dog might retch if they eat too much or too quickly. As well as ear infections, specific medications can make people feel sick.
What causes gagging in puppies?
Your dog may have an obstruction in their airway if they frequently cough or gag after consuming food, liquids, or playing with toys. To rule out a tumor or blockage that could be the cause of things getting stuck, have your pet examined by a veterinarian.
Why is my dog coughing like something is stuck in his throat?
Therefore, it’s simple for debris like grass or dirt to enter your dog’s nose or throat, causing irritation and coughing. But if your dog has a cough that won’t go away, there could be more going on. A virus, bacterial infection, or another underlying medical condition might be present in your dog.