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My dog is sick, coughing, gagging, and won't eat. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Labrador | Female | unspayed | 6 months and 2 days old | 7.5 lbs

my dog started to feel sick about 2 days ago and started coughing and gagging the whole night through but not vomiting and she wont eat her food unless I hand feed her bit by bit and i have to bring her water bowl to her then she just takes a few licks and goes back to sleep...it is lockdown and i cant get her to a Vet so how can i help her feel better or what can i buy her to make her better?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2020

Poor Lucy. Feed her a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If she refuses to eat the bland diet, she vomits the bland diet, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away. Vets will see pets for illnesses during this time. I hope this helps!

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