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My dog is hacking and throwing up all night. Should I go to the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 100 lbs

my dog is hacking and makes him self puke and he dose this all night! what should i do

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By John C. Gicking, DVM, DACVECC

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

Published on July 21st, 2018

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The 'hacking' maybe secondary to a cough. A cough be due to numerous causes, these include infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal), inhaled irritants/chemicals, heart problems, primary inflammation (bronchitis), allergies, and even cancer, amongst others. There is no way you can treat a cough at home.

The vomiting could be induced after the coughing episodes or there could be something causing the vomiting such as gastroenteritis or other GI or non GI causes.

IN a big dog such as Buddy, something to worry about would with noproductive wretching and 'vomiting' would be Gastric DIlatation and Volvulus (GDV). That is where the stomach flips upon itself and fills with gas and fluid. This is a surgical emergency and could be fatal if not rapidly diagnosed and treated.

You should bring Buddy to a veterinarian for evaluation.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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