Why is My Senior Dog Coughing and Gagging?

Recently we caught my partner’s family dog–Mickey– coughing and gagging after exercising. Mickey went to a regular check-up with the vet and the doctor said he might have a heart murmur. But they need to run more tests before confirming the diagnosis, for now, they advise us to monitor his symptoms. 

Up until this point, my partner had no clue what was a heart murmur. I had a slight knowledge because my dog also was diagnosed with this condition. I knew it could be treated and had a good prognosis when it was diagnosed in the early stages. But I understand the news can be scary, especially when the doctor assumes you know what they are talking about and doesn’t give much detail.

I did my own research on the topic and other common conditions that could cause cough in senior dogs. I hope this information can be helpful for other pet parents going through similar circumstances. 

In this article, we will review:

• Seven common causes of cough in senior dogs
• What symptoms to look after
• What are the treatments available
• How can we help our dog 

Causes of senior dog coughing and gagging

1. Heart disease

Two types of heart conditions can affect your pet –one that affects the valves and the other that affects the muscle– both of which can prevent the heart from pumping blood efficiently. 

When the heart enlarges, it can compress the central airways, or fluid may back up into the lungs, resulting in a cough. This cough is usually soft and continuous, and it may get worse at night or when your dog is resting on their side. 

Other symptoms that may accompany the cough include:

• Tiredness
• Breathing difficulties
• Reduced exercise
• Reduced appetite
• Fainting
• A blueish tinge to the gums

Treatment:

Treatment usually involves changes in diet and heart medication. Vets often recommend feeding the dog low-sodium food as it can help reduce fluid build-up and make it easier for their hearts to work effectively.

2. Respiratory infections

Dogs can experience respiratory infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, leading to inflammation in the respiratory tract. The most common infections are kennel cough and canine influenza, or pneumonia when the ailment progresses to the lungs.

Common signs of infectious cough include:

• Coughing up colored discharge
• Expelling colored nasal discharge
• Lethargy

In patients with pneumonia, symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Decreased energy
• Decreased appetite
• Coughing up discharge that’s thick and discolored.

Treatment:

Vets recommend rest, quality nutrition, and hydration. In addition, antibiotics, antifungals, or steroids may be used to treat the infection. Dogs suffering from pneumonia may also require oxygen therapy and nebulization. 

3. Allergies

Like humans, dogs can develop respiratory allergies to dust, pollen, or skin reactions from medication, insect bites, foods, and more. 

Serious cases may involve additional symptoms, such as respiratory distress, collapsing, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Treatment:

Usually, mild allergies can be treated with antihistamines. Severe cases may require steroid therapy and hospitalization. 

4. Tracheal collapse

When dogs develop a condition called tracheal collapse, their trachea becomes soft and weak. This can cause a cough that is dry and spasmodic, and may even resemble asthma in advanced cases. This cough tends to be worse in overweight dogs, when they are being walked on a collar leash, or when they are exposed to allergens or hot weather.

Treatment:

To treat tracheal collapse, weight management is important, along with medication like cough suppressants, bronchodilators, steroids, or antibiotics. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

5. Laryngeal paralysis

Laryngeal paralysis occurs when the nerves that trigger the muscles in the larynx don’t work properly. This limits airflow and can cause complications like aspiration pneumonia. 

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Raspy breathing
• Voice changes
• Coughing or gagging when drinking or eating
• Decreased energy
• Constant panting 

Treatment:

The treatment includes weight management, medication, and environmental changes. In some cases, tie-back surgery may be necessary. 

6. Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis arises from persistent inflammation in the lungs, which can result from exposure to secondhand smoke, recurrent infections, chronic dental problems, and obesity. 

Symptoms may include:

• A persistent cough that worsens with exercise excitement or irritation 
• Mucus expulsion during coughing
• Choking
• Continuous coughing (lasting over two months)

Treatment:

Chronic bronchitis is a condition that has no cure, but the symptoms can be managed. The standard treatment for now is corticosteroids, which decrease inflammation in the airways and ease coughing.

7. Cancer

It’s quite common for senior dogs to develop secondary tumors in their lungs. This happens when cancer from the original tumor spreads to the lungs, for example, bone cancer or breast cancer typically transitions to the lungs in the metastatic phase.  

Although not very common, primary lung cancer can also occur in dogs due to prolonged exposure to smoke or pollution. 

Some symptoms to watch out for include:

• Persistent and wet cough
• Weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of energy

Treatment:

Treatment will vary depending on the type and stage of cancer. It typically involves chemotherapy and surgery. 

How can I help my senior dog with a cough and gag?

Veterinary check-ups

If your pet dog is coughing but is not experiencing any breathing difficulty, and is eating and drinking normally, it is recommended to observe them closely and check if their symptoms improve or if any other symptoms appear. If the cough persists for several days or worsens, it is best to bring them to a veterinarian.

To diagnose your dog’s cough, the veterinarian will conduct a physical examination, which includes evaluating your dog’s heart and lung sounds using a stethoscope to check for heart murmurs and heart rate. Radiographs and ultrasound may also be used to rule out lung disease, cancer and to evaluate the heart muscle. Blood work may also be required to check the internal organ function and heartworm status.

Never administer any cough medications without consulting with a veterinarian. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most causes of cough in senior dogs are treatable.

Nutrition

If your dog is experiencing coughing, there are a few things you can do to help. Make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water, and consider giving them warm liquids like homemade broth for additional relief. 

Another option is to mix 1 tablespoon of raw honey with a little warm water in a bowl and offer it to your dog up to three times a day, depending on how often they are coughing. Honey contains antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. 

Remember that a balanced diet for your dog should include a combination of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. It’s important to feed senior dogs a diet with a lower caloric density to avoid weight gain while maintaining a normal protein level to help with muscle mass. To learn more about the role of nutrition in your pup’s well-being, we recommend checking this article: Optimal Senior Dog Food: Nutrition for Healthy Aging.

Environmental considerations

• Use a non-restricted harness instead of a collar
• Put an air humidified near the sleeping area
• Make sure they are getting plenty of liquids
• Keep your place free from dust, smoke, and other allergens

Conclusion

If your senior dog is coughing and gaggling, keep track of when it occurs, how it sounds, how frequent it is, and if any other symptoms arise. We encourage you to take preventative measures and don’t leave it untreated. Take them to the vet if the cough doesn’t go away in a couple of days. Most of these conditions are perfectly treatable after receiving a proper diagnosis.

Recommended Reads:

• Why Is My Senior Dog Losing Weight But Still Eating?
• Healing Hearts: Navigating Anticipatory Grief and Pet Loss