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Why is my senior pug coughing, gagging, not eating, and lethargic?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 8 years and 6 months old | 40 lbs

Hi my name is Tamara I have a 9 year female pug that's been coughing, gagging, makes weird sounds when she sleeps. She won't eat dog food her tail is down band her ears. She walks around slouchy.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on December 16th, 2019

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a tracheitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). Other possible differentials would include heart problems. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. X rays of her chest may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on December 1st, 2016

    From your profile information I can see Ella is about 6 years old, and a Pug. Certainly Pugs are prone to respiratory difficulties, and you've mentioned here that this is something you've dealt with pretty chronically in her for a while. However, I'm worried that the nature of this current problem is more about her gastrointestinal tract, since she's got no interest in food. It's a bit concerning to me that she's retching without bringing anything up. This can be a confusing sign, and often dogs are actually coughing when we think they're trying to vomit. If there's any chance she could have been exposed to a dog that had kennel cough (especially if she's not vaccinated against it) I would potentially be concerned that she has that. One simple test that you can try at home is to massage her throat with your hand and see if you can stimulate her to cough/retch. This is a common sign of kennel cough, because the trachea is very sensitive with this disease. If she is truly trying to vomit (and not cough) it's also worrisome from the standpoint that she's not actually bringing anything up. I don't know if she chews on rawhides, but these can become stuck in the esophagus, and it's nearly impossible for a dog to bring them up with vomiting - they have to be removed with an endoscope. As it sounds to me like you're concerned, if I were you I would be inclined to try to call your vet back and voice your concerns regarding waiting until tomorrow to have her seen, and see if they will agree to see her this afternoon, or refer you to an emergency practice.

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