Dog Coughing and Gagging: Essential Tips for Easy Relief

Your dog suddenly starts hacking like they’ve got something stuck in their throat. You panic. Is it serious? Can you help at home, or do you need an emergency vet visit right now? The truth is, dog coughing and gagging can range from totally harmless to genuinely urgent—and knowing the difference can save you money, stress, and potentially your dog’s life.

I’ve been a vet tech for over a decade, and I’ve seen every variation of this issue. Some dogs cough because of a piece of kibble. Others are dealing with kennel cough, heart disease, or a foreign object lodged in their airway. The good news? Most cases of dog coughing and gagging are manageable at home once you understand what’s actually happening.

Let’s break down the causes, when to panic, and what you can actually do to help your dog feel better.

What Causes Dog Coughing and Gagging?

Dog coughing and gagging happens for roughly a dozen different reasons, and context matters. Is your dog coughing after drinking water? During play? In the morning? At night? These clues help narrow things down fast.

The most common culprits are:

• Kennel cough (contagious respiratory infection)
• Foreign objects (toys, sticks, food stuck in throat)
• Heart disease (especially in older small breeds)
• Allergies (environmental or food-related)
• Tracheal collapse (common in toy breeds)
• Pneumonia or other respiratory infections
• Postnasal drip (from allergies or sinus issues)
• Obesity (puts pressure on airways)

The key is paying attention to the pattern. Is it a one-time thing or happening multiple times a day? Does it happen at specific times? Is your dog otherwise acting normal, or are they lethargic and not eating?

Pro Tip: Record a video of your dog coughing to show your vet. Seriously. It helps them identify the type of cough way faster than trying to describe it.

Kennel Cough and Infectious Causes

Kennel cough is the classic culprit. It’s caused by a virus (usually parainfluenza) and is incredibly contagious between dogs. If your dog was recently at a groomer, boarding facility, dog park, or dog show, kennel cough is high on the suspect list.

The cough sounds like your dog is trying to hack up a hairball—dry, honking, sometimes followed by gagging. It can last 1-3 weeks, and honestly, it’s annoying for everyone involved but usually not dangerous for healthy adult dogs. Puppies and senior dogs are at higher risk for complications.

According to the American Kennel Club, kennel cough spreads through respiratory droplets, so isolation from other dogs is important. Keep your dog home for at least a week, even if they seem fine.

Other infectious causes include:

• Canine influenza (dog flu—more serious than kennel cough)
• Pneumonia (bacterial or viral)
• Bordetella bronchiseptica (bacterium involved in kennel cough)

If your dog has a fever, is lethargic, or stops eating, these aren’t just kennel cough. Get to your vet. These conditions can escalate quickly, especially in young or immunocompromised dogs.

Safety Warning: Never assume “it’s just kennel cough.” If coughing lasts more than 2 weeks or worsens, a vet visit is non-negotiable.

Foreign Objects and Choking

This is the scenario that keeps me up at night. A dog swallows something they shouldn’t, and now they’re gagging and coughing, trying to dislodge it. The object might be stuck in the throat (you can see/feel it) or further down in the esophagus or stomach (you can’t).

Common culprits:

• Toy pieces or rubber
• Sticks or wood chips
• Bones or bone fragments
• String or thread
• Socks or clothing
• Corn cobs
• Rawhide chews

If your dog is actively choking (can’t breathe, blue gums, panicked), perform the canine Heimlich: Stand behind your dog, place your fist just below the ribcage, and thrust upward 5-6 times. Then check the mouth. If the object comes out, great. If not, get to an emergency vet immediately.

If your dog is gagging but still breathing normally, don’t panic—but don’t wait either. Call your vet or emergency clinic. Some objects can pass on their own; others need extraction via endoscopy or surgery. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of perforation or infection.

Check out our guide on Why Is My Dog Acting Weird? for other behavioral signs that might accompany choking or distress.

Heart Disease and Coughing

This one sneaks up on owners. Your senior dog (or middle-aged small breed) starts coughing, especially at night or when lying down. You might think it’s kennel cough or allergies. But it could be congestive heart failure.

When the heart doesn’t pump efficiently, fluid backs up into the lungs. This triggers a dry, persistent cough. It’s often worse in the evening or when your dog is resting because gravity isn’t helping fluid drain.

Red flags for heart disease:

• Coughing that worsens with activity or at night
• Lethargy or reluctance to exercise
• Rapid breathing
• Difficulty breathing (especially when lying down)
• Fainting or collapse
• Abdominal swelling

Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Dachshunds are predisposed to heart disease. If your dog fits this profile and is coughing, a vet visit is essential. A chest X-ray and possibly an ultrasound can confirm heart issues.

The good news? Heart disease in dogs is manageable with medication. Many dogs live comfortably for years with proper treatment. But you have to catch it.

Related reading: Can Dogs Get a Cold? breaks down respiratory issues in more detail.

Allergies and Environmental Triggers

Seasonal allergies in dogs often manifest as coughing and gagging, not sneezing like in humans. Pollen, mold, dust mites, and even smoke can trigger an irritated throat and coughing fits.

If your dog coughs more during certain seasons or after being outside, allergies are likely. You might also notice:

• Itchy skin or excessive scratching
• Red or watery eyes
• Ear infections
• Paw licking

Food allergies can also cause postnasal drip, which leads to gagging and throat clearing. Common culprits are chicken, beef, dairy, and wheat.

Management options:

• Environmental control: Keep windows closed during high pollen days, use air filters, bathe your dog regularly
• Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) can help, but dosing requires vet guidance
• Prescription medications: Apoquel or Cytopoint for severe allergies
• Diet change: Elimination diet to identify food triggers

Allergies are chronic, not emergencies, but they’re uncomfortable. Work with your vet to identify the trigger and find relief.

Home Remedies That Actually Work

Not every cough needs antibiotics or expensive diagnostics. If your dog is otherwise healthy and the coughing is mild, here’s what actually helps:

A teaspoon of raw honey can soothe an irritated throat. It’s not just an old wives’ tale—honey has antimicrobial properties and coats the throat. Give it straight or mixed into a little warm water. Don’t give honey to puppies under 1 year (botulism risk).

Run a hot shower and let your dog hang out in the steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes. The moisture helps loosen congestion. It’s especially useful for kennel cough or upper respiratory infections.

A bedroom humidifier at night can reduce nighttime coughing. Aim for 40-60% humidity. Too much humidity breeds mold, so don’t overdo it.

Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water. Dehydration thickens mucus, making coughing worse. Offer water frequently, and consider bone broth (unsalted, no onions) as a tasty, hydrating treat.

Limit exercise and playtime while your dog is coughing. Activity irritates the throat further. Keep things calm and quiet.

Over-the-counter dextromethorphan (found in some cough syrups) can help, but dosing is tricky and it’s not appropriate for all causes. Ask your vet before giving anything.

Pro Tip: Skip the human cough medicine with acetaminophen or ibuprofen—these are toxic to dogs. Stick to honey, steam, and hydration unless your vet prescribes something.

These remedies work best for mild, viral coughs. If symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks or worsen, a vet visit is necessary.

When to Call Your Vet (or Emergency Clinic)

Not all dog coughing and gagging requires emergency care, but some does. Here’s the decision tree:

• Coughing has lasted more than a week
• Your dog has a fever or seems lethargic
• Coughing is getting worse, not better
• Your dog was recently at a boarding facility or dog park
• You suspect allergies or a mild respiratory infection

• Your dog is choking or can’t breathe
• Gums are pale or blue
• Your dog is gasping for air
• Severe coughing fits that don’t stop
• Your dog collapsed or fainted
• Coughing up blood
• You suspect a foreign object lodged in the throat

When you call the vet, mention how long the coughing has been happening, what it sounds like, and any other symptoms. This helps them decide if it’s urgent.

According to PetMD, imaging (X-rays or ultrasound) is often needed to rule out serious causes like pneumonia, heart disease, or foreign objects. Expect to pay $300-$1,000+ depending on what’s needed, but it’s worth it for peace of mind and proper diagnosis.

Check our article on How to Tell If a Dog Has Rabies for other serious conditions that can present with respiratory symptoms.

Prevention Strategies

The best cure is prevention. Here’s how to reduce your dog’s risk of coughing and gagging:

Keep your dog up to date on vaccines, especially kennel cough (bordetella) and canine influenza. These aren’t part of the core vaccine series, but they’re crucial if your dog spends time around other dogs.

• Limit exposure to unknown dogs if your dog is unvaccinated or immunocompromised
• Avoid boarding facilities with poor hygiene practices
• Skip dog parks during peak illness seasons (winter and spring)
• Be cautious with grooming facilities—ask about their cleaning protocols

Obesity puts pressure on the airway and lungs. Keep your dog at a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise. Overweight dogs are at higher risk for coughing, especially small breeds with naturally narrow airways.

• Avoid smoking around your dog (secondhand smoke irritates airways)
• Use air filters to reduce dust and allergens
• Keep your dog away from strong perfumes, candles, or cleaning chemicals

Poor dental health can lead to infections that spread to the respiratory system. Regular brushing and professional cleanings matter.

• Choose toys appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing strength
• Avoid rawhide, cooked bones, and other choking hazards
• Supervise your dog with new toys or treats

Related: Why Is My Dog Vomiting White Foam? covers other GI and respiratory issues that can overlap with coughing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dog coughing and gagging always serious?

– No. Many cases are mild and resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks. However, persistent coughing (lasting more than 2 weeks), coughing with other symptoms (fever, lethargy, difficulty breathing), or choking are red flags that need vet attention.

Can I give my dog cough medicine from the pharmacy?

– Not without vet approval. Many over-the-counter cough medicines contain ingredients toxic to dogs (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen). Honey and steam are safer home options. If medication is needed, your vet will prescribe something safe and properly dosed.

How long does kennel cough last?

– Typically 1-3 weeks. Most dogs recover without treatment, though cough suppressants or antibiotics (if secondary bacterial infection develops) can speed recovery. Keep your dog isolated from other dogs during this time to prevent spread.

What’s the difference between coughing and gagging?

– Coughing is a reflex to clear the airway, usually producing sound from the lungs. Gagging is the throat constricting, often triggered by something irritating the back of the throat. Dogs with kennel cough cough; dogs with a foreign object in the throat gag. Both can happen together.

Can allergies cause dog coughing and gagging?

– Absolutely. Environmental allergies (pollen, dust, mold) and food allergies can trigger postnasal drip and throat irritation, leading to coughing and gagging. If it’s seasonal or happens after eating certain foods, allergies are likely. Work with your vet to identify the trigger.

Is coughing a sign of heart disease in dogs?

– It can be, especially in older or small-breed dogs. Heart disease causes fluid to back up into the lungs, triggering a dry, persistent cough (often worse at night or when lying down). If your senior dog is coughing, a vet visit is important to rule out heart issues.

What should I do if my dog is choking?

– Stay calm. If your dog is conscious and you can see the object, try to remove it carefully. If not visible or your dog is unconscious, perform the canine Heimlich (thrust upward just below the ribcage 5-6 times). Then get to an emergency vet immediately. Don’t wait to see if it passes on its own.

Can I prevent kennel cough?

– Vaccination reduces risk significantly. The bordetella and canine influenza vaccines aren’t part of the core series, but they’re highly recommended if your dog is around other dogs. Even vaccinated dogs can catch it, but symptoms are usually milder. Good hygiene at boarding facilities and limiting exposure to sick dogs also helps.

When should I be worried about dog coughing and gagging?

– Worry if: your dog is struggling to breathe, coughing up blood, has pale or blue gums, is lethargic or not eating, or if coughing lasts more than 2 weeks. These warrant immediate vet attention. Mild coughing in an otherwise healthy, active dog is usually manageable at home with monitoring.

Is dog coughing and gagging contagious to other pets?

– It depends on the cause. Kennel cough and canine influenza are highly contagious to other dogs. Allergies, heart disease, and foreign objects are not. If your dog has kennel cough, keep them away from other dogs for at least a week.