Dogs have fancy to vomit, so it is not uncommon for us to observe an episode of vomiting in them. But, on other occasions, we can see that our dog gags that do not have to trigger vomiting.
Gagging differs from coughing in that, in addition to the loud noise it produces, it involves abdominal movement, in an attempt to expel content located somewhere in the digestive system. It is very important that we differentiate between gagging and coughing. In this article on our site we are going to comment on the different causes that explain why our dog gags
Gagging in dogs
It is common for a dog to gag like preceding vomiting, which can indicate if the episode is repeated or if we find another symptoms, that he is suffering from some digestive disorder that we should consult with our veterinarian.
Many times a dog that has vomited several times gags without vomiting when he no longer has any contents to eliminate in his stomach. But, sometimes, these indicate another type of problem. In the following sections we will explain the most probable causes of why our dog gags.
The presence of foreign bodies
One reason that can explain why a dog gags is that it swallowed a foreign body and it is lodged in the mouth, in the throat or in the esophagus. We are talking about objects such as bone fragments, splinters, thorns, threads, needles, hooks, spikes, balls and other toys, ropes, etc.
If these bodies have cutting or sharp edges they can complicate the picture by producing perforations. If our dog begins to show hypersalivation, nausea, gags, rubs his mouth with his paws or against objects, keeps it open, regurgitates or seems nervous, we can think of the presence of a foreign body. If this is found in the mouth, sometimes it gets stuck on the tongue and it is possible to locate it when we lift it. If we see it very clearly we can try to extract it.
In any other case it will have to be done by our vet and anesthetic will probably be needed. We should never pull a thread if it can carry a threaded needle. If the foreign body remains inside our dog for hours, our veterinarian will prescribe the use of antibiotics in the dog to prevent infections. Objects that reach the esophagus can be detected on an x-ray and removed through an endoscope or abdominal surgery. Finally, you have to know that if the body is installed in the larynx, the dog will present cough, choking and respiratory problems.
Chronic pharyngitis and bronchitis
Having any of these conditions could also explain why our dog gags. Pharyngitis in dogs is inflammation of the pharynx, as its name suggests, and it can have different causes. It also presents with gags, fever, cough, pain when swallowing and loss of appetite. If we look at the throat we will see it reddened and we can even see pus. We must take our dog to the vet to identify the cause of the inflammation and administer antibiotics. Pain medication may also be needed.
Bronchitis in dogs, especially when we refer to bronchitis chronic, for its part, is a disease characterized by the presence of cough that doesn't go away over time. It affects more middle-aged dogs and consists of an inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles. The bronchi are the tubes into which the trachea divides as it enters the lungs and, in turn, divides into bronchioles. In this case, the cough that causes this inflammation manifests itself in attacks, generally triggered after exercise or excitement, which end in retching and even expectoration, which can confuse to caregivers who think their dog is gagging and vomiting white foam or saliva which is actually sputum.
Thus, it is common for the caregiver to report that the dog gags and coughs as the main symptoms of chronic bronchitis. veterinary treatment is required to prevent major and irreversible damage and this will consist of a combination of drugs and a series of measures aimed at preventing the triggering of attacks of cough.
Tracheobronchitis
We dedicate, due to its frequency, a separate section to another disease that can explain why our dog gags: tracheobronchitis, better known as kennel cough, well, as it isvery contagious , it spreads rapidly in dog communities, such as the aforementioned kennels, shelters or canine residences.
It is transmitted through the coughing and sneezing it produces, but it can also be spread by accessories or clothing. With kennel cough we can see that our dog has gags and snot, in addition to the characteristic cough. In fact, this is going to be the main symptom and, as was the case with chronic bronchitis, its strong attacks are the ones that are going to end in retching. By this same mechanism expectoration may appear.
On some occasions, indicating the mildest cases, fever, loss of appetite and lethargy may occur. In the most severe cases there will be mucopurulent nasal and ocular secretions, sneezing, altered breathing and it can even lead to pneumonia
Most dogs, on the other hand, maintain their normal mood and appetite, do not have a fever and the only symptom of the disease is a cough. It requires veterinary treatment although, as always, prevention is best. If our dog is in contact with many others, such as in a busy park, or we are going to leave it in a kennel, it is recommended that we properly follow the canine vaccination schedule. And in the event that the animal is sick, it must be kept isolated.
Torsion/dilation of the stomach
This is perhaps the most urgent cause, because of the risk of death it poses, which can explain why a dog gags. Early detection can save your life. Stomach torsion/dilation encompasses two processes, which are as follows:
- Gastric dilatation: in this process the stomach is distended due to gas and liquid.
- Gastric torsion: in this phase, the distended stomach rotates on its longitudinal axis, which prevents it from emptying. The contents of the stomach begin to ferment, thereby increasing distension. Blood circulation in the area is also affected and necrosis of the stomach wall and perforation may occur, causing shock and death.
Although this condition can occur in any dog, large breeds, due to their anatomical conformation, are more prone to it. Fast food intake or large amounts of water, as well as vigorous exercise before or after a meal, can cause it.
The symptoms include nervousness, restlessness, hypersalivation, gagging and nausea, in addition to abdominal distension. The dog may have pain if we touch its belly and it adopts abnormal postures. We must seek urgent veterinary assistance An X-ray can give us the information to differentiate between dilation and torsion. In the latter case, surgery will be necessary.
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness, or motion sickness, is another reason why a dog may gag. This disorder is relatively common and we can see it when we travel with our dog in the car, for example. We will observe restlessness, nervousness, hypersalivation, nausea, retching and even vomiting.
We must consult our veterinarian since it can be corrected and, also, administer medication to avoid dizziness. Meanwhile, if we have to take our dog by car, we can collect water and food from it a few hours before starting the trip. Motion sickness is quite common in puppies and usually disappears with age.
Other causes of retching in dogs
Finally, we can see that our dog gags if he eats grass or any grass. The reasons why the dog ingests grass are not clear, what is known is that it acts as an irritant in the stomach, thus explaining why the dog gags and vomits. If we see that this behavior occurs frequently, we should consult our veterinarian.
On the other hand, ingesting grass or soil can cause our dog to become infested with eggs of nematodes, which are the most common worms common that can be found in dogs. They are like "spaghetti" and can sometimes be found in the vomit or feces of the infested dog. In the smallest puppies, larvae of these parasites end up in the lungs, which can cause coughing spells, nausea and retching. It will be our veterinarian who will recommend the most appropriate deworming schedule.
