My dog struggles to gulp food and water. Is it a throat infection?

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It does sound from your description like something is bothering Casper's throat, but the only way to know what's wrong and make sure we're giving Casper the help he needs is to have a vet take a look. If there's an infection, he'll need antibiotics. If there's an injury or some other issue, it needs to be identified before he can be helped. So, I recommend you make an appointment for Casper to be examined by a vet as soon as possible. In the meantime, if mashed up puppy food is what he'll eat, then keep offering that to him several times a day. You can add some water to make it a slurry, both to make it easier for him to eat, and to help supplement with fluids so he doesn't get dehydrated. Hope this helps and he feels better soon!

Hello. Unfortunately, this does sound like a problem that should be sorted out by your veterinarian. This could be an infection like tracheobronchitis, or even more serious like pneumonia. I would have Crystal seen as soon as convenient. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This could be secondary to an allergy, a reverse sneeze or coughing. I would recommend having her examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. A thorough examination will help rule out multiple causes and even considering having x-rays performed would help rule out multiple causes. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I wouldn’t worry very much about this. If could be some mild nausea or a little irritation to the mouth or nothing at all. If there is vomiting, excessive drooling, or reluctance to eat, then it’s time to see your vet. Best of luck to you and Storm.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. The symptom you are describing could indicate an infection, allergies, respiratory disease, etc. If this has not resolved by now or it is worsening, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine her so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach! If you are concerned about something stuck in Doggo's throat, I would have him examined by your veterinarian to appropriately identify the cause of the symptoms. If you are unable to get to your vet right away, I would maybe offer soft food on the off chance this is irritation in the throat from something Doggo swallowed. Soft food would be much easier than hard food to swallow. An examination will help identify any obvious object lodged in the mouth or throat. X-rays may also be recommended to help determine and identify the cause. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via phone or text based consultation if needed.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If Biko is gagging, he may have something stuck in his throat and is trying to clear it. You can try offering him some wet dog food formed into a meatball to see if this helps push anything in his throat along. If the gagging continues or you are ever worried about how well Biko is breathing, I recommend having Biko seen by a veterinarian for an exam. Your vet may recommend chest x-rays to see if Biko has any primary lung issues or reasons for the gagging. I hope this is helpful!