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Why is my dog hacking and gagging like he's trying to throw up?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 9 months and 12 days old | 65 lbs

Since last night, my dog has been coughing and then gagging. He's had kennel cough before but this seems different to me. I suppose it's more of a hack then a cough, followed with him lurching his back and gagging as if he's about to throw up. When it happened last night, my mom and I just thought he got really excited and swallowed his saliva wrong. I tried to check his mouth but couldn't see anything physically lodged in there. I don't know if he's sick or if there's something stuck in his thr

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 14th, 2018

If Brody exhibits this gagging and retching behavior consistently (without stopping) then I would recommend taking him in to be examined by your veterinarian. If there is something stuck in the throat or the back of the mouth the behavior will be continuous until whatever is stuck is removed. If this behavior is only intermittent and/or only occurred the one time then I would not be too concerned. Brody could have swallowed something wrong or could be suffering from allergies or the beginning of a respiratory infection. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 13th, 2020

    Hello, sorry to hear about Donte, it sounds like he may have a dry cough. Most often this is associated with kennel cough (tracheobronchitis). Multiple causes for this diseases, however, the most common is an infection with Bordetella which is easily treated with antibiotics. This is an infectious diseases and is most commonly transmitted with direct contact or contact with the environment in places such as dogs parks, boarding facilities, or other facilities where multiple dogs may be found. Please have Donte evaluated by his primary care veterinarian soon so that he may be treated as recommended. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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    Answered By Rosemary Barber, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 7th, 2017

    Hi! Poor Darwin! I'm glad you had him checked out. Sometimes, they look like they are trying to vomit, but are actually coughing. He could have kennel cough, or some other type of cough. Or, something could be caught in his throat. If he is eating and drinking, and playful, I wouldn't worry too much. But, if he is acting sick, having trouble breathing, or having trouble eating/drinking, or, if the choking sounds continue, I would suggest getting him rechecked at his vet clinic.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 13th, 2018

    It sounds like your dog is suffering from severe coughing, most probably due to an upper respiratory infection also known as kennel cough. this condition usually lasts 2 weeks and resolves without treatment, if the cough is too severe- take him to the vet in order to get checked and your vet will prescribe a course of antibiotics and cough meds.

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