Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog is gagging and coughing but not throwing up. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | 4 months and 30 days old

Hi, my dog has been acting as if he needs to throw up but doesn't, he looks like he's gagging or coughing hard but doesn't ever throw up Just coughs

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on August 22nd, 2016

It sounds like Maximus may have a respiratory infection such as kennel cough, which often causes coughing and gagging without anything coming up. Or, he could be feeling nauseous and trying to vomit - if his stomach is empty, sometimes this gagging can be non-productive. If he is acting normal otherwise and this problem just started today, you can try withholding food for the rest of the day and offering a small amount of plain boiled chicken and rice this evening to help settle his stomach. If this doesn't help, or if he continues to have repeated episodes of coughing or gagging throughout the day, then I would recommend having him examined by a vet - he/she can determine whether Maximus has a respiratory infection or a stomach problem and get him started on appropriate medication to treat it.

Vote icon

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    He could have a respiratory infection, like canine kennel cough. The best thing would be to have him examined by a vet to determine the exact cause and best treatment. If he has kennel cough your vet can prescribe medications to help treat.

    Vote icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 16th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Dookie! Since Dookie is young and still eating, drinking, and happy it is likely that he has kennel cough. If he has been around other dogs, boarded or kenneled or goes to doggie day care then it even makes it more likely. If he had something stuck in his throat he wouldn't be eating, he'd be hard swallowing and drooling. Kennel cough is causes by 6-7 different bacteria and viruses. It causes a dry goose honking cough that sometimes causes the cough to be so hard it triggers the gag reflex. This makes it sound like they are trying to bring something up and sometimes they do. Kennel cough is self limiting in a healthy dog. It may take up to 2 weeks for it to go away. Most Vets put dogs with kennel cough on antibiotics and anti-cough medication. If he becomes lethargic, stops eating, starts having nasal discharge and the cough becomes wet he should be seen by your Vet. I wish Dookie the best!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 7th, 2018

    Poor girl. It sounds like he may have an upper respiratory infection (kennel cough) causing us coughing. It can appear like he is trying to clear his throat, but that is usually caused by mucous in the airway. A short course of antibiotics will likely clear things up. I hope that Raina feels better soon. Best wishes and take care.

    Vote icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 16th, 2021

    Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like upper airways inflammation / infection or throat irritation. It could be kennel cough, which is an infection of the trachea and throat. If that is the case, the symptoms are self-limiting and Iggy should be back to normal within 7-10 days from the beginning of the symptoms. Sometimes, gagging and coughing like this is related to trauma to the throat (caused by eating dry food too fast, chasing sticks, chewing / swallowing sharp objects). These problems usually require a visit at the vets. Summing up, if Iggy's symptoms are bothering him or they last for longer than 7-8 days, you should take him to your vets for an appointment. Your vet may want to check his throat under sedation to make the final diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment. Iggy may require antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications or cough suppressants, depending on the findings.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?
Is your degu struggling to breathe, coughing, or have nasal discharge? A trusted vet offers vital guidance on respiratory issues like pneumonia and how to help.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My 4-week-old chick is sick and sleeps standing. What should I do?
Is your 4-week-old chick ill, sleeping standing? A Licensed Vet Tech offers expert advice on immediate care, feeding, and why a vet visit is crucial for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my chicken pale, tired, not laying, and pooping neon yellow?
Is your pet chicken pale, tired, or pooping neon yellow? A Licensed Vet Tech shares vital steps for your hen's concerning symptoms. Get expert guidance now!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My sick small pet is breathing mouth open. Did I drown her feeding?
Is your pet ill, struggling to breathe, or showing stroke signs? A certified vet addresses syringe feeding worries, discusses causes, and outlines treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored