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My dog keeps coughing like something is stuck in his throat. Why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog acts like something is stuck in his throat, and tries to cough it up. What's wrong?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on August 8th, 2015

There could be several reasons why your dog is [coughing](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/coughing-1/). He could very well have something stuck in his throat or is trying to vomit something up and can't and will need medical intervention. If the symptoms continue, he needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible. If you know your dog has ingested something and is indeed [choking](https://www.petcoach.co/article/what-to-do-if-you-think-your-dog-is-choking), you can perform the Heimlich maneuver if you feel comfortable doing so. A dog who is choking should also be taken to a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. A dog may also be coughing as a result of a viral respiratory infection, like canine parainfluenza, canine adenovirus, or [kennel cough](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/kennel-cough). The most common symptoms of viral infections in dogs can include lethargy, decreased appetite, coughing, exercise intolerance and an increased breathing rate. If you believe your is showing any of these symptoms in addition to coughing, it is important for him to be evaluated by a veterinarian. Finally, a condition known as "reverse sneezing" might also sound like a cough and can be alarming for pet parents to witness. Reverse sneezing is very common in pets and is usually not a cause for concern. When a dog reverse sneezes, it will often pull its head back and inhale forcefully through the nose and mouth, making a cough-like sound. It is thought to have an [allergic](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/canine-allergies/) component as the back portion of the nasal passages work to expel an irritant.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 21st, 2018

    He could have a respiratory infection, collapsing trachea, or he could be reverse sneezing. If it continues, he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. He may need an antibiotic, cough suppressant, bronchodilator, or other medications and your vet can prescribe.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 13th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Could it be a reverse sneeze? If it is it is likely due to allergies or an infection. Sometimes it could be due to something foreign under the soft palate (grass for example). You can try an antihistamine but if there is no improvement I’d have your vet examine her. Video tape the episodes so they can see what he is doing. Good luck

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 28th, 2018

    Poor guy. Unfortunately we cannot tell based on a description alone if your pets cough is due to infection or something stuck in the throat. She needs to be physically examine to determine which is likely. You can try to look in the back of her throat to see if you can locate something lodged there, but this is not common. If she is coughing and not pawing at her face, then she likely just has a bacterial infection. Visit your vet to get her seen and she will likely need a short course of antibiotics to clear things up. Having her updated on her Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine once every 6 months can help to protect her from future bacterial infection in the future, if this is the suspected cause for her coughing. I hope that your fur baby Tats is able to make a full and speedy recovery! Best wishes and take care.

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