My dog is dry heaving, x-rays clear. Vet's unsure, what could it be?

Based on your description, I’m suspicious that your dog may simply be experiencing a reverse sneeze. This is completely normal and benign. Sneezing usually occurs with irritation to the front of the nasal passages, but reverse sneezing occurs with irritation to the back of the nasal passages. Consider looking up a video of reverse sneezing to compare with your dog’s actions. If your dog is retching to vomit unproductively, isn’t eating or experiencing other problems, I recommend a trip to the vet. Feel free to post additional questions or a request a consultation if you have further questions for us. I hope this helps!

This can be a number of respiratory issues including laryngeal paralysis, laryngeal obstruction, or just a benign condition called reverse sneezing, where it appears he is struggling to breathe but it is actually a tickling of the larynx and completely harmless. See this video for an example of reverse sneezing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IszRBYxsGI The event has to be seen to give you a better idea of if this is something to worry about or not. I would recommend recording the next episode on your phone and then showing the video to your vet for advise on what to do. If at any point your pet's tongue turns blue or he passes out or if you feel that he is in respiratory distress, then I encourage you to go to an ER vet.

I'm wondering if Luffy's problem while breathing might be a reverse sneeze. This is caused by any irritation to the back of the throat or nose and is usually not associated with a serious disease (see a video here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U3L4v0W2_Sw). The attempting to vomit may actually be a non-productive cough, the two can look very similar. With either of these problems a physical exam with a veterinarian could be completely normal. If you're able to take a video of what's going on you might be able to show your veterinarian during a recheck visit which might help them determine what Luffy is doing.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Chronic heaving / gagging can be caused by problems with larynx or trachea, like laryngeal paralysis, chronic infection / inflammation, laryngeal mass, mass on the neck and more. A visit at your local vets is recommended to establish diagnosis and implement treatment as required. Your vet may want to examine the throat under sedation and/or take radiographs of the neck and chest.

No. It is not serious as long as you are sure that is what the actual issue is. I would suggest if it happens again try to video tape the episode with your phone and just drop by the vet's office, show the video to them and ask if they think it is reverse sneezing. One of the vet techs/nurses should be able to help you. Here is a link to an article about this condition. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2335 Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Dry heaving/coughing at night is usually a sign of heart disease, this could explain the lack of appetite as well. you need to take him back to the vet he will need an xray done to evaluate the heart and lungs.

Hi there. Since this has happened to Bentley several times today, I would recommend having him seen by a vet and having an xray taken of his chest. It could still be a reverse sneeze but it's always better to be safe than sorry. I would also check and see if he'll stop if you briefly cover his nose. This is typical with a reverse sneeze and may give you some clues as to what is happening. Also try and get a good video to show your vet. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.