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My dog is coughing like something is stuck. Should I take her to the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 4 years and 5 months old

My dog is coughing/hacking like she's got something stuck in her throat occasionally. She's only doing it a couple times a day and it started a day and a half ago. She is eating like normal and acts like herself, but if she starts playing hard it triggers her cough. She hasn't vomited or coughed anything up so far. Should I take her to the vet or is there something I can give her?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 4th, 2016

It sounds like Zoey may have an upper respiratory infection such as kennel cough. This is a very contagious disease and she may have picked it up while walking outside, or when sniffing another dog. This is usually a self-limiting disease and will go away by itself within 4 weeks. If she gets a purulent discharge (nose and/or eyes), has trouble breathing or coughs more than a couple of times a day, you need to take her to the vet for an exam, antibiotics and cough medicine.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 15th, 2018
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The signs you describe can be due to irritation, an upper respiratory infection, heart enlargement or a deeper infection. I recommend keeping a close eye on Finley, as the occasional cough is totally normal. If she continues coughing, develops nasal discharge, loss of appetite, or is not acting like herself, she should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. Your vet can perform x-rays and take blood work to determine what is going on. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on February 10th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Zoey!

The most common cause of coughing in a puppy is kennel cough. They can develop pneumonia if it is severe. When they cough hard they can stimulate the gag reflex and vomit white foam or even food. I recommend taking Zoey to a Vet for an exam. They may prescribe antibiotics and a cough suppressant.

I hope this helps and I wish Zoey a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 13th, 2017
That's quite a while for Zoey to have a cough! I'm not sure how old she is, but this cough could be caused by something serious such as cardiac disease, heartworms, or cancer in addition to a respiratory infection. I would have her seen by a vet today or tomorrow for a physical exam, blood tests, urinalysis, and x-rays. Using these tests, the vet can diagnose what is causing Zoey's cough and can discuss treatment options with you.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog keeps coughing like something is stuck in his throat. Why?

There could be several reasons why your dog is [coughing](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/coughing-1/). He could very well have something stuck in his throat or is trying to vomit something up and can't and will need medical intervention. If the symptoms continue, he needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible. If you know your dog has ingested something and is indeed [choking](https://www.petcoach.co/article/what-to-do-if-you-think-your-dog-is-choking), you can perform the Heimlich maneuver if you feel comfortable doing so. A dog who is choking should also be taken to a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. A dog may also be coughing as a result of a viral respiratory infection, like canine parainfluenza, canine adenovirus, or [kennel cough](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/kennel-cough). The most common symptoms of viral infections in dogs can include lethargy, decreased appetite, coughing, exercise intolerance and an increased breathing rate. If you believe your is showing any of these symptoms in addition to coughing, it is important for him to be evaluated by a veterinarian. Finally, a condition known as "reverse sneezing" might also sound like a cough and can be alarming for pet parents to witness. Reverse sneezing is very common in pets and is usually not a cause for concern. When a dog reverse sneezes, it will often pull its head back and inhale forcefully through the nose and mouth, making a cough-like sound. It is thought to have an [allergic](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/canine-allergies/) component as the back portion of the nasal passages work to expel an irritant.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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