Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my dog coughing, vomiting, sneezing with a runny nose?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 6 days old | 15 lbs

Hey unfortunately i can’t pay the in-depth version, but my dog keeps making a hacking cough and vomiting sounds & i have no idea why!! It’s freaking me out , one thing i may add is when i give him bones he is almost swallowing them whole, he plays normal it’s just the sounds he is making and also his nose is very runny and he sneezes a lot.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on December 31st, 2018

Hi there and thanks for posting!

Sounds like Milo may be coughing from what you described. If the cough is due to a respiratory infection (such as kennel cough), the cough will often times be productive and they may hack up phlegm which can sound like vomiting. If his nose is running as well and he is sneezing this could indicate a respiratory infection. If he recently swallowed a bone whole, it is possible he may have part of it stuck in the esophagus. It is hard to say for sure without examining Milo. Ultimately, Milo will need an exam by a veterinarian soon to determine what the cause of the cough is so he can be treated appropriately.

I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog is coughing, has a runny nose, and is trying to vomit. Is it serious?

I'm wondering if she actually has a productive cough - a cough can sound very similar to attempted vomiting in a dog and they will often retch at the end and produce a small amount of white foam. This would go along with the runny nose that you're seeing. You should see your vet - this could be a sign of an upper respiratory infection, an infection like kennel cough, or even pneumonia. Even if she has not been around other dogs and she is the only one showing symptoms at this point an infection is still possible.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog sneezing and coughing like he needs to throw up?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Pilot. He may have an upper respiratory tract infection based on the symptoms you have described. Affected dogs will typically have a gagging cough that may or may not bring up a white foamy material. They can sneeze and have eye or nose discharge. Some dogs are lethargic and will not eat as much. If his symptoms persist until tomorrow, he will need to see his veterinarian. If he is refusing to eat or drink, then I would have him seen today. In the meantime, keep him home and away from other dogs as he may be contagious. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a cough, runny nose, and is vomiting. What should I do?

Poor guy. It sounds like at the very least Ziggy has an upper airway infection. I would recommend taking him to your vet to get him examined today if possible. If he does have an infection, then a short course of antibiotics prescribed by your vet generally is enough to resolve the issue. Here is more info on upper airway infections (kennel cough) in dogs--> https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951478 Best of luck moving forward with your pet Ziggy and I hope that he feels better soon! Take care. : )

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog keeps gagging and coughing. What should I do to help?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Coughing can be a sign of many conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, heart disease, among many other possibilities. This cannot be treated at home without knowing what is going on. I recommend that you have Milo evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics to be performed include thoracic radiographs and bloodwork. Treatment would be dependent on findings. Good luck and have a good night!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy sounds like gagging, but nothing comes out. Is it coughing?

Hello, thank you for your question about Mila. It can sometimes be very challenging to differentiate between coughing/vomiting. Based on the history that you provide and the fact that Mila is not producing anything I would be more suspicious that she is coughing. Your veterinarian will be able to examine her and try to get a better idea of what is going on. They can then discuss further diagnostic or treatment options based on their assessment. Hope this helps, good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is sneezing, breathing heavy, and vomiting. When should I see a vet?

Hello, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. With this combination of symptoms, yes - I recommend having Mosley seen by the vet. Sneezing as a sole symptom is not an emergency, and his vocalizing during sleep may have been related to a dream. However, the vomiting multiple times has me more worried, and warrants a vet visit - particularly since it's coming on the heels of his respiratory changes. Hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy threw up, drooled, and then suddenly fell asleep. Is he sick?

It sounds as Milo is suffering from a gastrointestinal condition, possibly an infection. it could also be due to ingestion of a foreign body material. i would recommend taking him to the vet the first chance you get, he will need to be checked first, if the vet thinks it's a simple gastrointestinal infection he will need an anti vomiting injection, antibiotics and a special food for a few days in order to get better.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share