Why does my old dog sound like he's choking or throwing up at night?

It sounds more like your dog is experiencing severe and productive cough. as this happens only during the night i would recommend getting it checked by your vet, it could be a heart problem, an infection or a lung disease.

In a dog her age and breed, my first though is a cardiac issue (like heart failure). Fluids start to back up into the lungs and cause coughing/gagging especially when laying down. I suggest you get her to your vet for an exam as soon as possible. I would be worried about these symptoms.

It's hard to say exactly what is going on with your dog without an exam. Coughing can be due to pneumonia, heart disease, lung disease, or cancer. As he is an older dog, I'd recommend seeing your regular veterinarian for an exam. They can determine what further tests need to be done, and what treatment options there are. If it turns out to be something not easily treatable, then your vet will be able to have a discussion with you about quality of life, and euthanasia.

I agree that infection is less likely in Chandler if he is to around other animals. At Chandler's age I would be most concerned about heart disease causing his cough. In a Jack Russel terrier a collapsing trachea or even asthma could also be causing these signs. Unfortunately, cancer can also be a cause of coughing in an older dog. I definitely recommend you take Chandler to your veterinarian for an X-ray and examination. If heart disease is present medications can be started to reduce the cough. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Chandler is feeling better soon!

I would need to actually see it to understand what you mean as this could be an attempt to throw up or coughing, both can look and sound very similar. if it carries on and doesn't stop you will need to take him to your vet to get it checked.

I am sorry to hear about Hunter. I would strongly recommend an examination by your veterinarian which should include x-rays of his chest. In any older dog that is coughing we definitely want to evaluate for more serious concerns such as heart disease or tumors. We can also have infectious causes of cough including fungal disease, or we can see chronic bronchitis. Your vet can prescribe icough suppressant's and any other medications needed.

This could be your dog coughing hard, and that could be caused by a respiratory disease or heart disease. Given your dog's age, heart disease would be my first concern. Because this is daily and frequent, he should see a vet as soon as possible. I'd take him in today if possible or first thing in the morning. Best of luck.