If your dog has recently started gagging almost frequently while being unable to vomit, the question, “why does my dog keep gagging but not throwing up,” might certainly arise in your mind.
In such a case, it would be a good idea to look at what your dog has recently started eating and whether he is facing some medical issues.
This article will deal with a few of those issues, explain why they happen, and if there is a simple way to get rid of them.
Why Does My Dog Keep Gagging But Not Throwing Up
Why does my dog keep gagging but not throwing up? If your dog keeps gagging without being unable to throw up, then there can be a variety of reasons for that; some of them are:
Laryngeal Paralysis
This is a severe condition; a quick visit to a nearby animal vet is required if your dog has it. Laryngeal Paralysis can be fatal for a dog if not treated immediately; the symptoms of it are:
- Increased panting
- Fatigue quickly set in for the dog
- Gagging and heaving heavily
- Unable to drink water properly
- Breathing issues
If your dog shows these symptoms along with discolored tongues and frequent gagging, it would be a good idea to act quickly and consult a vet since diagnosing such a condition can be a quick process for an animal vet.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough (Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis) is a contagious respiratory disease commonly found in dogs; several bacteria or viruses usually cause this.
This can cause your dog to gag constantly without being unable to throw up; getting your dog antibiotics from an animal vet will be more than sufficient to get rid of severe cases of kennel cough. If your dog has a mild kennel cough, rest for more than a week or two will cause the infection to subside.
Object Stuck in the Esophagus or Mouth
It is always a good decision to look out for an object stuck in your dog’s mouth; it could even be a hairball or a solid object that the dog, unfortunately, tried to chew upon and swallow.
Why does my dog keep gagging but not throwing up? Look for any object inside your dog’s mouth and immediately remove it upon noticing.
Stomach Problems
Your dog might face a stomach-related issue, such as a stomach parasite (roundworm infection), and feels under the weather. This may also result in the dog feeling sick enough to try and vomit to feel better.
Heart disease
If your dog has a tongue that has been discolored to a bluish tint, has lethargy, and constantly gagging along with heavy breathing, then your dog might have heart disease. If such symptoms show for your dog, it is essential to get it checked for cardiovascular disease, as it can be life-threatening.
These can include popcorn, especially those mixed in with flavors; chocolates are also some of the consumables that should be kept far away from your dog.
Otherwise, if your dog is still gagging and you are wondering, “why does my dog keep gagging but not throwing up,” then it will be vital for you to take it to a proper vet for your dog to get proper treatment.
Difference Between Dog Gagging, Dry Heaving and Retching
While the question of “why does my dog keep gagging but not throwing up” might be up in the minds of many, they may often see the term such as gagging, heaving, or retching used for a dog; this might make one wonder as to the differences between such terms.
Gagging, as the term implies, is similar to what humans experience as the gag reflex, which is attempted when the base of the tongue or the uvula is stimulated, something is stuck in the throat, or when the body is trying to expel something due to an illness.
Retching or dry heaving, on the other hand, are the same, they usually happen when a dog is actively trying to vomit, but nothing is coming out. This behavior from a dog usually results in a full-body spasm as they attempt to vomit.
Essentially, a dog will gag when they are trying to expel something they feel is inedible or is feeling sick; in contrast, a dog will either retch or dry heave when trying to vomit, which may happen due to them feeling nauseous due to a sickness or may have consumed its food too fast.
How to Stop a Dog From Gagging
Why does my dog keep gagging but not throwing up, and how to stop a dog from gagging? The answer depends on how severe the condition of your dog might be.
If your dog has an object stuck in his throat, you may try to get it out yourself; you may also try to slow down how fast your dog eats food, as the behavior in itself can be dangerous since it can be a trigger for the Canine Bloat disorder.
Otherwise, you may take your dog to the vet if they keep gagging, especially after 24-48 hours. Also, try to keep any solid objects or foods away from your dog that could act as a choking hazard, and take medicines for stomach parasites, as dogs are often predisposed to such.
In short, monitoring your dog and what sort of diet they take should be your priority if your dog constantly has periods of constant gagging and training them to eat their meals slowly.
If you have more questions about why your dog might be gagging, don’t forget to comment below!
