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Why is my dog gagging? Could it be kennel cough or something else?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | 1 year and 8 months old | 35 lbs

My dog has been intermittently gagging since Sunday. Initially, it was happening after every drink of water but now it doesn't seem to be triggered by anything and it is only in the mornings. I thought he had something stuck in his throat, so we took him in on Monday to get examined and they didn't find anything. Now I'm starting to wonder if it's kennel cough. Are dogs with kennel cough constantly coughing? I haven't had one with kennel cough before, so I don't know how to identify it.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Andi Kohler MS, DVM

Answered By Andi Kohler MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 6th, 2017

I'm sorry your dog is having this issue. Kennel cough is typically a dry, almost "honking" cough that can produce a white foamy/mucus substance- they can cough so hard it causes a gag reflex. It usually starts at one time of day and then gets worse and more frequent. Do you have other dogs in your home or neighbor dogs that play with your dog? If so, are they gagging or coughing? Kennel cough is very contagious thus can spread to other dogs in close contact. If you are noticing this, I would contact your vet so they can determine if your dog needs an antibiotic.

Some other possibilities for what you are noticing are other respiratory infections, allergies and/or a reverse sneeze or there may be something stuck in your dogs throat (like a grass seed or part of a rawhide chew). Also, some dogs can simply drink too fast especially when it's very hot- this can cause some water to go down "the wrong pipe" and then a gag response.

If your dog continues to gag or, especially if the gag becomes more frequent or severe, I would take him back to your vet. Your vet can listen to your dog's lungs for sounds of infection and may want to take a chest X-ray as a next step in working this up.

I hope your dog feels better soon!
Vote Icon2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 23rd, 2019

    Pets can get kennel cough even though they never leave the house. This however would be an unusual presentation for kennel cough because it has lasted for so long. Kennel cough is caused by infectious agents and so just like with any infection, they get sick and then they get better. Something more chronic such as this is more likely related to something like allergies, bronchitis, lung worms or poor air quality. Since it has been going on for so long, I recommend to have the coughing dogs checked out. The doctor may recommend a radiograph to evaluate the lungs and look for any inflammatory processes. I hope this is helpful and if you have any further questions, please feel free to post them.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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