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My dog coughs and gags when excited, but doesn't vomit. Why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 11 years and 5 months old | 88.185 lbs

My dog retches and coughs allot, it seems like he is vomiting but he doesn't. He tends to cough when he is excited. He is a 11 year old Labrador,

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on February 16th, 2017

Cough can be caused by an infection, heart problem or lung condition, it is important to first know the cause before treating it as treatment is different from condition to another. The most common disease causing cough is a viral infection called Kennel cough, this disease usually resolves without treatment within a couple weeks but if the cough is too severe it is recommended to go to the vet in order to get cough medicine and antibiotics.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 18th, 2017

    Cough can be caused by an infection, heart problem or lung condition, it is important to first know the cause before treating it as treatment is different from condition to another. The most common disease causing cough is a viral infection called Kennel cough, this disease usually resolves without treatment within a couple weeks but if the cough is too severe it is recommended to go to the vet in order to get cough medicine and antibiotics. in this case i believe it can wait unless he is becoming very distressed or lethargic

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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