Overview
Is your dog coughing or gagging? There could be a few reasons why. It might be a common infection like kennel cough, or an environmental factor like smoke, dust, sprays, or strong scents. But it could be something more serious, like heart disease or lungworm.
If your dog’s coughing a lot — especially if there’s blood or white foam — get in touch with your vet straight away. Regular check-ups and vaccinations can help prevent some of the causes.
Brief summary:
Health problems that cause coughing in dogs include kennel cough, other respiratory infections, heart disease, fungal infections, lungworm, heartworm, and distemper
If your dog’s cough is persistent, contact your vet
If your dog coughs up white foam it could be an emergency
Coughing up blood could be a sign of stomach trouble, or that your dog has eaten something poisonous
Environmental causes for dog coughing and gagging
Kennel cough
Respiratory infections and lung disease
Dog coughing and heart disease
Fungal infections and coughing in dogs
Lungworm as cause of dog coughing
Heartworm and coughing
Distemper and dog coughing
Collapsing trachea in dogs
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) in dogs
Diagnosing coughing in dogs
Dog coughing and gagging FAQs
Medically reviewed by
Published on 22/06/2018 • Reviewed on 28/08/2024