My Dog Sounds Like He Is Going To Throw Up But Doesn’t

My Dog Sounds Like He is Going to Throw Up But Doesn’t – 11 Common Reasons

For any pet owner, the sound of their dog gagging is a dreadful one. The sound can be caused by many problems – from a problem swallowing to life-threatening bloat.

Here are a few things to look out for.

• Nausea or Vomiting

Gagging is a common but alarming sound that comes from the esophagus and throat. Whether a dog is simply swallowing something wrong or experiencing life-threatening bloat, the sound should not be ignored. The main cause of gagging in dogs is nausea and vomiting.

Vomiting occurs when the contents of the stomach are forced up through the esophagus. The main cause of vomiting in dogs is a buildup of bile in the stomach. 

• Object Stuck In Throat

If you notice your dog coughing or gagging, it is possible that an object is stuck in its throat. If the object is sharp, it may pierce your dog’s throat and cause injury. If the object is in the stomach or small intestines, it may cause a septic infection or puncture.

A vet will be able to help you figure out whether or not the object is stuck in your dog’s throat and which treatment will be most effective. 

• Gastrointestinal Issues

Your dog may sound like he is about to vomit, but it doesn’t. This condition is caused by a buildup of bile in the stomach, which irritates the lining of the stomach. This can result in vomiting, gagging, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Retching or dry heaving in dogs can be a sign of a gastrointestinal issue. 

• Collapsed Trachea

Collapsed trachea in dogs is a progressive, chronic condition that affects the trachea. It can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms vary from one dog to another. Some dogs develop symptoms in their later years, while others may show signs much earlier.

While symptoms of a collapsed trachea in dogs may vary, the most obvious are dry, phlegmy coughs, which sound like goose-honking. 

• Bilious Vomiting Syndrome

There are several possible reasons why your dog may be coughing and sounding like he’s going to vomit. Firstly, gagging is a normal reflex that your dog may be experiencing.

Secondly, your dog may be suffering from bronchitis when your dog is suffering from bilious vomiting syndrome. You may notice coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing, gagging, and vomiting. 

• Respiratory Disease

If your dog sounds like he’s about to vomit, you need to look into the cause. Bloat and other respiratory disorders often cause coughing and gagging, so your best bet is to get your pet checked out by a vet. The coughing and gagging may also be caused by respiratory diseases like bronchitis or pneumonia.

• Bloat

Gagging without vomiting is a common symptom in dogs, and there are several possible causes. Some are not serious, while others are potentially life-threatening.

One cause of gagging without throwing up is bloat. This problem is potentially life-threatening, and it is very little you can do to treat it at home. But if your dog has been gagging for days or even weeks, you should get a professional opinion.

• Gastric Dilation and Volvulus

Gastric dilation and volvulus are other potential causes of gagging in dogs. This condition affects the digestive system and must be treated immediately by your veterinarian. Symptoms of gastric dilation and volvulus may include dramatic coughing and gagging sounds. Your pet may also exhibit weakness and fatigue.

• Kennel Cough

Your dog might be gagging but not throwing up – and it might be kennel cough. This respiratory infection can be caused by bacteria or viruses. The coughing and gagging can be accompanied by a loss of appetite and a feeling of weakness.

Kennel cough is a common upper respiratory infection that causes your dog to cough and retch. 

• Laryngeal Paralysis

When a dog has laryngeal paralysis, the larynx becomes weak and is unable to move. As a result, food or liquid is not able to reach the esophagus. The condition is sometimes accompanied by a soft cough or inspiratory stridor. 

• Allergies or Sinusitis

If your dog gags but does not throw up, the problem may be an allergy or sinus infection. Your dog should be vaccinated against these diseases every year. In the meantime, you should isolate your dog from other dogs until its symptoms subside. Allergies can also cause your dog to cough and wheeze. 

What to Do About My Dog Gagging but Not Throwing Up?

When your dog starts gagging but isn’t throwing up, you should visit your vet as soon as possible. Although this behavior isn’t always a cause for concern, it should not be ignored. 

• Check for Obstruction

Gagging but not throwing up in your dog can be due to a foreign object stuck in your dog’s throat. If you notice that your dog is gagging uncontrollably, the first thing you need to do is check for obstruction. You can use a torch, open their mount and look inside to see if there is something stuck.

Take your dog to the vet right away if gagging becomes worse. 

• Type of Gagging

Gagging without vomiting is a common problem for dogs, though it can be dangerous if it continues for a long time. You need to check whether your dog is gagging momentarily or continuously.

Momentary gagging in dogs but not throwing up is a warning sign that your dog may have a respiratory infection. Prolonged gagging of dogs but not throwing up can be caused by many things, and the most common cause is foreign object ingestion. 

• Check for Parasites

If your dog has been gagging but not throwing up, the first thing to check is for parasites. There are several different ways to test your dog for parasites. The simplest screening test is fecal flotation, which involves collecting a sample of fresh stool. This sample is then examined for parasite eggs. The test can be done in a lab or veterinary clinic. 

• Visit a Vet

If your dog is gagging but not throwing out, it is a good idea to visit your vet as soon as possible. A blocked airway or obstruction in the throat could become a serious medical emergency if not treated right away.

There are many possible causes of gagging, including a stomach ache, anxiety, or even a gastrointestinal problem. It is best to take your dog to a vet for a proper diagnosis. 

Conclusion

Gaging but not throwing up in dogs is often a symptom of different health conditions. This condition occurs when the digestive system is in trouble. Retching in dogs is a common symptom of kennel cough.

Some common causes of gagging include gastrointestinal problems and various infections. Other causes include obstructions in the intestines. If you notice your dog gagging frequently, make an appointment with your veterinarian.