My dog is choking, gagging, and not eating or drinking. What's wrong?

It sounds like DanDan may be in a bit of distress and may have something stuck in his throat. Other causes could include irritation of the throat or lungs either from eating something, infection, etc. If he seems in distress and is continually trying to vomit, cough, or gag without results, bringing him to a vet ASAP for an exam is best, especially if he is also lethargic and not acting himself.

Hello. Unfortunately, this does sound like a problem that should be sorted out by your veterinarian. This could be an infection like tracheobronchitis, or even more serious like pneumonia. I would have Crystal seen as soon as convenient. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, at 5 months of age the most common reason for coughing/choking is kennel cough. I suggest you get him to a vet for an exam and medications. This can progress to a pneumonia quickly and in a small 2# dog this can be extremely serious. I am very worried about this as you stated he was weak and lost his appetite. I don't suggest that you continue to perform any "first aid" for choking on a dog this small as you can easily injury him. I assure you that it is very unlikely he has something stuck in his throat. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Coughing can be a respiratory issue, heart disease, foreign body in his throat, laryngeal paralysis etc. I would recommend Jack Beck see a vet especially if it seems to be tiring him out. He needs an exam and possibly X-rays

Hello! This can be a sign of a problem such as a tracheal collapse, but that typically occurs in small breed dogs. I see that Joker is 45 pounds, which makes a tracheal collapse unlikely, but it doesn't sound normal that this is happening. Given that this is a new thing that hasn't happened before, I do think it's best to get him checked out by a vet to be safe. Give his vet a call today to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!

He likely aspirated some food. If it's just one day of hacking, then it's OK to wait and see if it clears in the next day or two. However, we always worry about aspiration pneumonia, which can be more serious. If the hacking persists for more than two days and is not getting better, then it's best to take him to the vet. If your dog has always done this, then I would not be too worried about a condition causing him to gag when eating. However, if this gagging is recent (within the last year), then I would get him checked-out by a vet. I'm particularly concerned about laryngeal paralysis, which can happen in older dogs and cause them to aspirate their food and water. I hope that helps and Anubis gets better soon.

Small breed dogs can sometimes have an issues with the trachea, and if they drink too quickly it can sometimes cause them to choke and sputter. It is a good idea, however, to schedule a vet check if you haven't already to make sure there isn't a more serious cause behind it. The licking and chewing at air could be a stress response, however if he is choking and gagging while doing this, there may be something else going on that should be checked out by your vet.