Why is my dog retching like a hairball but acting completely normal?

Question

Preface: My dog eats everything. He’s recently been retching similar to cats when they have a hairball, like he has something stuck In his throat. He did it now and has done it about once a day for the last three days. Eating/drinking/stooling/peeing normally. What should I do? (It’s not like kennel cough or anything viral, it’s like a choke hairball.) He’ll like “retch/cough” then after 10 seconds repeat it then it will stop completly after 2-3 minutes. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | 4 months and 12 days old | 3 lbs

Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH · Accepted Answer

Hi and thanks for your post on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is good to hear Oliver has been normal otherwise despite this new cough/retch you describe. Sometimes in smaller breed dogs, they can have a collapsing trachea that sounds that retching and may mimic a goose honk. I would have Oliver checked out by his veterinarian soon to determine if this is a collapsing trachea or another something else (such as kennel cough). If it is a collapsing trachea, it can be managed medically or if severe enough, surgical correction is also possible I hope this helps and I wish you and Oliver the best!

Why is my dog retching like a hairball but acting completely normal?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?

Share