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Why is my 12-year-old dog dry coughing and gagging without spitting?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Female | spayed | 45 lbs

my 12 year old dog dry cough dry coughs dry coughs and then sounds like she is bringing up something but she doesn't spit anything out.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on November 23rd, 2016

Poor Maggie! There are quite a few things that could cause this type of cough in a 12-year-old dog. The most common possibilities would include chronic bronchitis, a respiratory infection, heart disease, and even cancer. An exam and chest x-rays would be needed to determine the cause, so I would recommend taking Maggie to the vet when you are able to. He/she can prescribe appropriate medication to treat the cough depending on the underlying problem.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Emily Fukuzato, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 8th, 2019
Hello and thank you for reaching out to pet coach. From your description this sounds like a moist or productive cough. Either one of these can be caused by heart disease or primary lung disease (pneumonia, bronchitis, other infectious). A cough is an important clinical sign to take seriously even though your dog is otherwise healthy. She is older and could get very ill from the cough quickly. Before clinical signs worsen and it becomes an emergency situation I would recommend to have her examined by her doctor to determine the origin of the cough (lungs vs. heart) and what type of medication she needs.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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