My pug is coughing, honking, and gagging frequently. What should I do?

Hey there. I would check him for a cleft palate, this could be causing the problems you are noticing. It could also be a respiratory issue but either way it would be good for your vet to check him out and make sure he’s okay. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Pet Coach.

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.

Based on Zuko's age, it can be a variety of things causing the honking and gagging. Usually a honking cough and gag is trademark for "kennel cough complex" a combination viral and bacterial, upper respiratory infection that dogs can get from socializing with other dogs. This can happen at any age. Other things to think about in a 16 year old dog, would be laryngeal paralysis, which occurs when the muscles of the larynx become paralyzed and the area doesn't remain open as it should. Sometimes it can cause a coughing and hacking when the dog gets excited. It can also sometimes cause the airway to become obstructed. It would be best for Zuko to see his veterinarian and have an examination. The vet can see if Zuko needs any medications for the coughing or even some antibiotics if he has an upper respiratory infection. He can also make sure nothing serious is going on, like a lower respiratory infection, a heart condition, or something cancerous that can occur in an elderly dog. If any of those things are suspected, the vet may recommend Xrays and even lab-work to evaluate Zuko. Best of luck!

You are correct that Kona likely has kennel cough, which is a highly contagious respiratory disease. I would take her into the vet tomorrow. Kennel cough is typically self limiting and can take up to three weeks for symptoms to completely resolve, but her symptoms may benefit from some medications such as antibiotics. Medications can lessen the severity of the symptoms, and may speed up recovery.

Goose honking tells me that she is coughing. There are a few different things that can cause a cough. With puppies, it's more likely to be an infection or parasite causing this. It's best to take her to the vet for an exam. They will be able to narrow-down the cause of this and can likely provide treatment that will stop the cough. I hope that helps and Marquessa gets better soon.

Hi, It sounds like your dog may have kennel cough. This sounds like honking cough. I’d recommend an exam with your vet as your dog may need some antibiotics. She’s is likely also contagious so avoid contact with other dogs until she’s better. Hope she feels better soon.

There are a few different reasons pets can make the sound. It could be related to a collapsing trachea, fluid in the lungs or laryngeal paralysis. Try to record a video of the coughing and then have your pup examined by the veterinarian. The doctor may recommend radiographs after the physical exam and watching the video. I hope this helps.