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What to do if my pug is coughing, gagging, and spitting white foam?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | 3 years and 6 months old | 22 lbs

Hello, since evening my pug (3 years old) has been coughing and gagging randomly and sometimes spits out a white foam like substance. Most of the time I think he swallows it but sometimes he coughs up the white foam like substance. Please tell me what to do?? It's worth mentioning that he had been chewing on a toy bone sometime ago (not evening), and that our family has the flu now (mild) and that he barked a lot before.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Keay, DVM

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 21st, 2018

I am sorry to hear about Bubu. I would recommend bringing him in to the vet for an examination (particularly because he is a pug so he already has a compromised respiratory system due to his conformation so it is best for any possible respiratory problem to be seen as soon as possible). This could be an issue with the respiratory tract such as kennel cough, or it could be a gastrointestinal issue. The vet will listen to his heart and lungs, palpate his throat, and may recommend x-rays based on their exam. It is not likely related to your family's illness as dogs do not normally catch human flu virus.
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