When your dog suddenly starts hacking or gagging like something is caught in their throat, it can be startling and it’s not always clear what’s causing it. The sound might be sharp and repetitive, or it could come with gagging, licking of the lips, or even retching. Many pet owners immediately worry their dog is choking, but this kind of coughing doesn’t always mean there’s a foreign object involved. If you’ve found yourself noticing this behavior, this blog is here to help you understand what could be going on and when it’s time to call your vet. Read on to learn about the most common causes, what signs to look for, and how Northwoods Veterinary Clinic in North Charleston, SC can help.
What This Type of Cough Could Sound Like
When a pet owner says, “My dog is coughing like something is stuck in his throat,” they’re usually describing a very specific sound. It’s not a light or airy cough, it’s more forceful, like a honk or a deep, throaty gag. Some dogs will hunch their backs or extend their necks as they try to clear whatever they think is in their throat. Others may cough so hard they appear to retch or vomit. This can look alarming, but the cause isn’t always serious.
The key is identifying what the cough sounds like and how often it happens. A wet cough sounds moist and may be accompanied by mucus. A dry, honking cough could point to something else entirely. Observing the timing such as during or after activity, after drinking water, or while at rest can offer clues your vet will find useful.
What Causes a Cough That Sounds Like Choking?
Many pet owners assume that if their dog is coughing like this, something is physically stuck. But in most cases, the cause is internal rather than an actual blockage. Below are the most frequent reasons behind this type of cough.
Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease)
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads quickly among dogs in close quarters like boarding facilities, dog parks, or grooming salons. If your dog’s cough sounds like a deep, dry honk and they recently interacted with other dogs, kennel cough could be the cause. The infection is often mild but can lead to more serious issues, especially in puppies, senior dogs, or those with weakened immune systems. While the name might suggest it only happens in kennels, dogs can pick up the virus anywhere. A telltale sign is a persistent cough that seems like your dog is trying to clear their throat without any success.
Tracheal Collapse
This condition is common in smaller breeds like Yorkies, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas. The cartilage rings of the trachea (windpipe) weaken over time, making it more prone to collapsing, especially during excitement or pressure on the neck. If your dog has a goose-honk sounding cough when they’re pulling on the leash or after eating or drinking, tracheal collapse may be the cause. It’s a chronic condition that requires management through lifestyle changes and veterinary care. Diagnosing it typically involves imaging like X-rays or fluoroscopy.
Allergies and Environmental Irritants
Seasonal allergies, dust, smoke, mold, or even strong perfumes can cause irritation in your dog’s airway. Environmental allergies can cause persistent coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes. If you’ve noticed these signs during specific times of the year or after cleaning, spraying air fresheners, or lighting candles, airborne allergens may be irritating your dog’s airway.
Laryngeal Paralysis
Laryngeal paralysis is a condition where the muscles that open and close the larynx (voice box) don’t function properly, leading to airway obstruction. This typically affects older, larger breeds like Labradors. A dog with laryngeal paralysis might cough, gag, or make loud breathing sounds, especially during exercise or when they get excited. The condition is progressive, so early diagnosis and management are important to protect their quality of life.
Less Common But Serious Causes of Throat-Like Coughing
While most dogs that cough like something is stuck in their throat are dealing with relatively minor conditions, some causes are more serious. Being aware of these possibilities can help you act quickly if needed.
Heart Disease
Some forms of heart disease, especially in small breeds, can lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs or pressure on the airways. This can trigger a cough that mimics choking or gagging. If your dog’s coughing seems worse at night or after lying down, and they show signs of fatigue or trouble breathing during activity, it’s time to talk with your veterinarian about potential cardiac issues.
Foreign Body or Obstruction
Although it’s rare compared to other causes, dogs can sometimes inhale or swallow small objects that partially block the airway or get lodged in the throat. If your dog’s cough started suddenly and is accompanied by pawing at the mouth, excessive drooling, or distress, seek veterinary attention right away. A partially obstructed airway is an emergency.
Canine Influenza or Pneumonia
If your dog is coughing frequently, has nasal discharge, fever, or lethargy, a respiratory infection like canine influenza or pneumonia could be involved. These illnesses often produce more than just a throat-like cough. Your dog will generally seem unwell overall. Unlike kennel cough, these infections may require more aggressive treatment. A proper diagnosis often involves chest X-rays and other diagnostics performed by your veterinarian.
What to Watch for and When to Call Your Vet
It’s not always easy to know whether a cough is something you can monitor or something that needs immediate attention. If you find yourself frequently thinking, “My dog is coughing like something is stuck in his throat,” and the coughing persists beyond a few hours or occurs multiple times a day, it’s best to contact Northwoods Veterinary Clinic. Other signs that should prompt a veterinary appointment include:
- Labored or noisy breathing
- Coughing that worsens at night
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or weakness
- Discharge from the nose or eyes
- Gagging or retching with nothing coming up
Even if the symptoms seem mild, chronic or recurring coughing can affect your dog’s comfort and quality of life. A full physical exam and diagnostic workup can help identify the cause and determine the right course of action.
How Northwoods Veterinary Clinic Can Help
If you’re in North Charleston and you’re concerned because your dog is coughing like something is stuck in his throat, Northwoods Veterinary Clinic is equipped to help. Our experienced team takes a thorough approach to uncovering the cause behind your dog’s symptoms. That may include a physical exam, imaging, and additional tests, depending on what your dog is showing.
We’ll walk you through each step, explain the findings clearly, and work with you to develop a plan that supports your dog’s comfort and overall health. Every dog is unique, and we tailor our care to suit their individual needs. To schedule an appointment, call us at (843) 553-0441 or book an appointment online today. We’re here to support your pet with reliable, compassionate care when you need it most.
When Your Dog’s Cough Is a Sign Worth Investigating
If your dog’s cough sounds like they’re trying to clear their throat over and over again, it’s a good idea to have them checked out. Even if it turns out to be something mild like allergies or kennel cough, getting answers brings peace of mind—and helps your dog feel better, faster. It’s especially important to take action when symptoms persist or worsen.
Northwoods Veterinary Clinic in North Charleston is ready to help you get to the bottom of the problem so your dog can breathe and bark more easily. Call us at (843) 553-0441 or schedule an appointment online if you’ve noticed any signs that concern you. We’re here to provide thoughtful, thorough care for dogs across every stage of life.