Skip to main content

Is your old dog coughing and gagging? When you should be concerned

Here's what to do if you notice your senior dog coughing and gagging

There are so many wonderful aspects of parenting a senior dog. They might move a bit slower, but the more leisurely pace of your morning walks gives you a chance to stop and smell the roses. Perhaps they are a bit more mellow and spend extra time cuddled up next to you on the couch as you watch Netflix — it’s such a wonderful bonding experience.

However, just like people, pets often require more medical attention as they hit their golden years. When your puppy sneezed, you may have giggled and figured it was a one-off occurrence (and it likely was). As your pet gets older, though, coughing, gagging, and dry retching may cause your ears to perk up and your heart to drop. Is it a reason to worry? Why is your old dog coughing and gagging?

Here’s what you need to know and when to ring your pet’s veterinarian.

Pug wrapped in a blanket

Why is my dog coughing and dry retching?

In the most basic sense, dogs cough because it’s a natural response to something blocking their airways and impeding breathing. In many cases, a cough clears the airways. However, it doesn’t always work like that, and sometimes coughs signify something else is up.

Here are possible reasons why you may notice your old dog coughing or gagging.

Irritants

Your dog may have eaten too fast or breathed in some dust, smoke, or pollen. In these typically benign cases, coughing should clear the airway.

Canine allergies

Dogs can develop allergies at any age to anything in the environment, from tree pollen to cut grass. They may also have a food allergy. If the allergy is due to an environmental factor, it may flare up more in certain years. Besides coughing, signs of allergies can include sneezing, incessant itching, skin irritation, and hair loss.

Illnesses or chronic conditions

Sometimes, a cough is a sign your dog is sick. A chronic cough is a common symptom of:

  • Respiratory illness: Dogs are susceptible to the canine versions of influenza, adenovirus, coronavirus, and distemper. Dogs with these conditions may have a chronic cough, trouble breathing, and a fever.
  • Kennel cough: This contagious illness transmits in public settings, mainly ones with other pups like shelters, daycare, and boarding facilities.
  • Heart disease: If your senior pet’s heart isn’t pumping blood effectively, it can increase fluid to the lungs and cause coughs.
  • Asthma: This chronic condition occurs when the airways become inflamed because of an irritant, like one from the environment, and cause a pup to cough and wheeze.
  • Tumors or cancer. If a dog has a benign tumor or cancer, it may impede their breathing and cause coughing.

Collapsed trachea (windpipe)

The trachea is a key part of the respiratory that allows for the free flow of air. Dogs, particularly poodles and dachshunds, are more susceptible to collapsed tracheas as they get older.

Obesity

Overweight and obese dogs may not have the same stamina as their pup friends at a healthy weight. It may take less for them to over-exert themselves, and they may cough as they try to catch their breath.

Dog at a vet clinic with two volunteers

When should I call my vet?

Your vet is the best person to answer questions like, “Why is my old dog coughing and gagging?” That said, if your dog gags once after eating or coughs after pulling on a leash, you probably don’t need to worry. However, if it becomes consistent throughout the day or week, you’ll want to get the vet on the phone. Some conditions, like kennel cough, are easily treated with antibiotics. Others, such as cancer, can sometimes be treated if caught early.

Call your vet immediately if your dog has a known condition such as heart disease, or you suspect they are having an asthma attack. Asthma attacks are considered emergencies for dogs.

A portrait of a senior Rhodesian Ridgeback dog looking to the side
Anke van Wyk/Shutterstock

How can I keep my pet comfortable and cough-free?

You can’t prevent every cough, but a few simple steps can help you mitigate any unnecessary coughing, including:

  • Going to the vet for yearly check-ups to ensure your pet hasn’t developed any conditions
  • Ensuring your pet is up-to-date on vaccines, such as for kennel cough
  • Using a humidifier around the house
  • Keeping your dog calm
  • Dusting often

You want your dog to be healthy, happy, and as comfortable as possible as they age. A chronic cough may be a flag that something is up, and it could be a quick fix. For example, your pet may have developed an allergy or caught a bug that is easily managed with a round of antibiotics. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s something more serious, such as cancer. That said, cancer can be treatable with early intervention. Your best bet is to call your vet if your dog’s cough is chronic. The vet can let you know about the next steps. You’ll also want to see your vet regularly for wellness check-ups and ensure your pet gets all their recommended vaccines, such as the one for kennel cough.

Editors' Recommendations

BethAnn Mayer
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
4 reasons why your dog might need a diaper (and which kind you should get)
When considering dog diapers, you need to think first about their purpose
Dog gets a green reusable diaper

Most dog owners luckily never need to reach for the diaper bag — we potty train our puppies and often enjoy the results for their whole lives. However, there are a few reasons why you might need to invest in dog diapers. Some of these are passing conditions, but as your pet ages, you may find that dog diapers become a part of your routine. It sounds a bit unpleasant, but with a little help, you can tackle it.
Why might my pet need them?
While most dogs will hopefully never have to wear any, they could wind up in doggie depends, temporarily or for life. Some pet parents use diapers when they know they won't be able to let their animal out to potty -- on a long plane ride for example. That's a good time for a one-off. Here are a few reasons you might need to stock your drawers with dog diapers.
They've gotten older
As pets age, sometimes incontinence sets in (and it could happen to you, too). This comes from the muscles of the bladder getting weaker and not performing as well, meaning a little bit of pee leaks through. It's much more common in female dogs, but can happen to any pooch.
She's in heat
Not totally unlike when a human has monthly bleeding, you might spot a bit of bloody discharge from a female dog in heat (fortunately, it doesn't happen as often, only a couple times per year). She also may urinate more frequently or even scent mark during this time.
He needs to be fixed
Before neutering, male dogs often mark, sometimes almost constantly, particularly if they can smell a female dog in heat nearby. If you're choosing not to neuter, you'll have to use a belly band a lot, though sometimes dogs can be trained out of this behavior with time and dedication.
They have a health condition
If your animal suddenly starts losing control of their wee, it's likely something simple, such as a urinary tract infection. Some long-term conditions like Cushing's disease, diabetes, and kidney problems could also be the issue. Work with your pet care team to ensure that a diaper won't interfere with topical medication or spread bacteria.

What kind of diaper should I get?
There are a few different kinds out there, depending on exactly what issue you're working on with your pet. Many male dogs, especially if they are really just scent marking, will require a . Female dogs in heat likely require a , but don't worry, there's a little hole for the tail. Do a bit of research including buying one kind and seeing if it works. Try to be as sustainable as possible and purchase cloth options that can go straight into the wash when possible.

Read more
How to teach your dog burrito, the most adorable dog trick
Here are the 4 steps to learn the dog burrito
A frenchie makes himself into a dog burrito by wrapping himself in a blanket

What's the cutest trick you've ever seen your dog do? We bet this will top it. Plus, many well-trained dogs will probably pick it up pretty quickly. If you haven't seen this trend yet, check out the adorable and hilarious dog burrito. It's exactly like it sounds, meaning your pooch wraps himself up in a blanket and turns himself into a lunch lookalike. The video breaks it down into exactly what steps you need to take to teach your pup this move.

There are a number of tricks to teach your dog, and you probably started out with sit. In order to get to dog burrito level, he needs to have some of that baseline already down. Set to Meghan Trainor's "Made You Look," the video starts out with a very sweet Maltipoo named Bingo standing on a rug.

Read more
Homemade dog food: Should you do it?
Homemade dog food: Yay or nay? Vets weigh in and you might be surprised what they said
Large white Labrador eating out of a metal bowl

You’ve probably heard guidance to eat home-cooked meals — for humans. They generally have less salt, and you know the ingredients in each. You’ve probably also heard of cutting down on processed food.

As dog people, we love our furry friends and want what’s best for them. Some foods, like blueberries and bananas, are safe to feed in moderation. However, should you be home cooking your dog’s food? After all, nothing appears more processed than a tiny piece of kibble that’s apparently processed — gasp! — with all the nutrition your pet needs.

Read more