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Dog gagging and licking a lot: Is it a hairball? When to worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | 10 lbs

Dog is gagging on something.he licks a lot can it be Hairball? What to do

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 24th, 2017

It sounds like Biggy (love his name!) is nauseous and may be dry heaving. This sounds most like an intestinal issue to me, but take a quick look in the roof of his mouth to make sure there isn't a toy or stick stuck there. He could have a foreign body, a functional or mechanical blockage, irritation from intestinal worms or eating some different/bad, stress, toxin, or other issue. If he looks like he's trying to throw up and nothing happens, I would recommend taking him an emergency clinic for an exam and x-rays. If he's not retching and he's eating, it may not be an emergency, but I would want him to be evaluated first thing on Tuesday. Any change in appetite, vomiting or trying to vomit, diarrhea, or lethargy means he needs to go sooner. I hope Biggy is back to normal soon!

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Biggy! If he looks like he is in distress or if his gums are grey or purple then he could have something stuck in his trachea and not getting enough oxygen. This is a medical emergency and I would take him to your local emergency clinic now. If his gums are still pink and he is still eating normally and acting normal other that the coughing/gagging, he could have some allergies or an upper respiratory infection. Dogs don’t commonly get hair balls but it is possible. You could try some Benadryl to see if this helps (see link below). If he isn’t improving, I would have your vet take a look at him. Your vet will be able to listen to his heart and lungs and even do X-rays if needed. Your vet will be able get him started on some antibiotics and even some medicine to help with the cough and help him feel better. I hope this helps! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/

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