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My dog keeps coughing like something is stuck in his throat. Why?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
My dog acts like something is stuck in his throat, and tries to cough it up. What's wrong?
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on August 8th, 2015
If you know your dog has ingested something and is indeed 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. 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 component as the back portion of the nasal passages work to expel an irritant.
480Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 21st, 2018
He could have a respiratory infection, collapsing trachea, or he could be reverse sneezing. If it continues, he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. He may need an antibiotic, cough suppressant, bronchodilator, or other medications and your vet can prescribe.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on October 13th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
Could it be a reverse sneeze? If it is it is likely due to allergies or an infection. Sometimes it could be due to something foreign under the soft palate (grass for example). You can try an antihistamine but if there is no improvement I’d have your vet examine her. Video tape the episodes so they can see what he is doing.
Good luck1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 28th, 2018
Poor guy. Unfortunately we cannot tell based on a description alone if your pets cough is due to infection or something stuck in the throat. She needs to be physically examine to determine which is likely. You can try to look in the back of her throat to see if you can locate something lodged there, but this is not common. If she is coughing and not pawing at her face, then she likely just has a bacterial infection. Visit your vet to get her seen and she will likely need a short course of antibiotics to clear things up.
Having her updated on her Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine once every 6 months can help to protect her from future bacterial infection in the future, if this is the suspected cause for her coughing.
I hope that your fur baby Tats is able to make a full and speedy recovery! Best wishes and take care.4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 21st, 2019
Cough in dogs can be with primarily respiratory or cardiac in nature. The first step to treating the cough is determine where the problem is originating.
Coughs that are primarily respiratory in nature can be due to infectious causes (like lung worms, or bacterial, viral, or fungal infections) or due to airway disease (like asthma or a collapsing trachea).
Coughs that are due to cardiac (heart) issues include things like pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) and heartworm disease.
My best recommendation is for you to take Colson in to your vet to be checked out. Usually a physical exam performed by your vet can distinguish between the two causes. Sometimes X-rays are also needed.
I hope this helps. Best of luck.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful