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Why is my dog gagging and pawing at his mouth after chewing wood?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Cattle Dog | Male | neutered | 1 year old

Earlier my dog was chewing on some wood. Now he keeps doing this weird gag thing, like something is in his throat. He even tries to use his paw to get it out. He seems to be breathing normally and one minute he’ll be fine and playing, then next he is “gagging” again. For the record he has ate a treat and drank some water. My father used his hand to check all around his mouth and couldn’t find anything.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jeffrey Milner

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on March 31st, 2018

Sounds like your dog did one of the following: inhaled something into his lungs, got something stuck in his esophagus, or ingested something that scraped up the esophagus on the way down causing irritation and pain. In order to differentiate between the three of these possibility, a physical exam and x-rays would be needed. If you feel Meeko is stable (based on his continued appetite and thirst I would say he most probably is), it wouldn't hurt to see if this is something that will resolve on its own in the next 24 hours. If something just scratch the lining of the esophagus it is going to be a little painful and inflamed for the next day or two. If you do decide to take him into the vet, he would likely benefit from a anti-inflammatory and/or pain medication to alleviate any discomfort he may be feeling. Hope this makes sense.
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