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Why is my dog making honking noises and gagging but not throwing up?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 4 months old | 42 lbs

Last night my dog woke me up making honking noises, followed by a gag. Nothing came up. Did it about 5 times. After breakfast, he hasn't done it since. He is a 1 year old, NM Basset Beagle Mix.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 9th, 2017

Hi there. Sorry to hear Timber is having this issue. It sounds like he may have kennel cough based on what you are describing. It is an inflammation of the trachea and upper airway. Even if he has been vaccinated for kennel cough he can still get it. It is not usually life threatening/serious but you should definitely take him in to your vet for an exam as soon as your vet is open. Keep him calm and quiet as to not to get him to excited - that will make him cough more. Keep him away from other dogs because if he has kennel cough it is very contagious. Take him to your vet as soon as you are able as he will need some medication (usually an antibiotic and a cough suppressant). Usually this is not a life threatening problem but if not treated sometimes it can turn into a pneumonia. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you and Timber. Dr. Amber

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 13th, 2018

    Hello. You are describing the classic goose honk cough associated with tracheobronchitis, an infection that significantly irritates the trachea. There really is not much you can do at home, but your veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis & start Gizmo on the appropriate antibiotics. We will also often include some steroids to calm the irritation, but even with medications, it can still take up to 3 weeks for the entire infection to clear. You can help by keeping him cool & calm, walking him with a harness rather than a collar, & giving him a teaspoon of honey every few hours. This will calm a cough a little, but Gizmo should be seen by a veterinarian because in some cases this can worsen to pneumonia. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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