Why Does My Dog Cough & Gag?
- Like humans, dogs can also fall victim to allergies. Products such as perfume, air fresheners and scented soaps can have a serious effect on the dog's health and cause it to cough. The dog's senses are more pronounced than those of humans, so even if you can't smell certain scents, the dog definitely can. Even things such as dust and cigarette smoke can cause the dog to cough. When you suspect that the dog's coughing is due to allergies, identifying when the coughing started and what new scent was the dog exposed to can help reduce or eliminate the coughing symptom.
- Dogs tend to put a variety of different things in their mouths. These things can carry bacteria, parasites and viruses. As a result, dogs are at risk for tooth or mouth infections, and conditions such as heartworm and tongue inflammation can result. Some dog breeds, such as the Yorkshire terrier and poodle, are more prone to mouth and tooth inflammation than other breeds. When infections of the mouth do occur, one of the main symptoms is the cough. The dog will cough to help combat the infection and inflammation.
- When a dog suffers from a collapsed trachea, it almost always coughs, sometimes to the point of gagging. The main reason for this is that the part of the trachea called the windpipe is not situated properly within the trachea. As a result, it blocks the air flow, making the dog feel as if it has a hairball in its mouth. The dog will keep coughing. A veterinarian can easily diagnose this condition and give the dog an anti-inflammatory to combat the inflammation that results from the collapsed trachea. Anti-inflammatory and anti-cough medications are the only medications available for a collapsed trachea. The condition heals on its own, and these medications are prescribed while the dog heals.
- Tonsillitis is a viral infection that affects the dog's tonsils. When this infection occurs, the dog's mouth is completely red and irritated. The inside of the mouth is red and swollen as well. The dog cannot enjoy its meals and shows a high level of discomfort. The dog will cough and gag throughout its ordeal until prescribed medication is given.