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Why is my dog hacking like a cat and struggling to breathe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Female | spayed | 14 years and 7 months old | 25 lbs

Beagle with wheezing, hacking-like cough, similiar to cat hacking a hair ball, then gurgling sound as if she’s going to vomit, then nothing. Retracting in her abdomen as if she can’t catch her breath. Not overweight. Congestive heart failure?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 20th, 2018

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The signs you are describing can be caused by bloat, or dilation of the stomach, which can be a veterinary emergency and require surgery. This can also be caused by lung disease, a mass, or a foreign body in the throat - heart failure typically presents as rapid breathing and coughing, and usually develops over time. I recommend having Jersey seen by a vet as soon as possible, as it sounds like she may be developing trouble breathing. I hope all is well and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!

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