Why does my dog suddenly seem like she is choking?

Question

This is kind of odd but my 9 month old dog randomly seems like she's choking. She starts to gag and seems like she's going to throw up but sometimes she stops when we give her attention and I don't know if she just wants attention or is this really a problem. If you could help, that would be great. Thanks!

Answer 1

Consult your vet.  To throw another rule out it could be reverse sneezing which can be allergies or elongated soft palate.  

Answer 2

Okay -- I think I have your answer.  There are two things here.  1 - could be kennel cough -go to the vet for that one - but there is another type of sound that makes it like there is choking.  I had a Shetland Sheepdog and currently a Chihuahua who does this often.  This is like called a reverse (or backwards) cough/sneeze and it sounds horrible.   It is very common especially on small dogs as their windpipe is not all that open.  What happens is sometimes, and mostly it's when they are excited about something, leash pulled too hard, food, treat, play.  Two recommendations are that you make the dog calm down my talking soothingly/slowly while rubbing the neck/throat area, this will help.  The second is to pinch the nose lightly/briefly to force the dog to breathe through its mouth and swallow.  ONLY BRIEFLY.  

Answer 3

I would give your vet a call and see if he/she thinks she needs to be seen. I don't know what kind of dog you have but I know that collapsed trachea is a problem with some small dogs as are heart murmurs both can cause a gagging type cough.

Answer 4

call your vet and ask them over the phone if it's a problem or not.

Answer 5

Sounds like your dog has contracted kennel cough.

And it might be worth confiscating all fluffy furry toys as this can become loged in throats, ive your dog some watered down milk to help the coughing stop.

You might think your dog has something stuck in his throat. The cough associated with acute infectious tracheobronchitis, (ITB) or kennel cough, is a high-pitched, honk-like cough, sometimes followed by retching.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tree caused by a contagious virus (adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, canine distemper virus) or bacterium (Bordetella bronchiseptica).

The disease is associated most often with dogs housed in a high-density population or boarding kennel.

The infectious agents can be transmitted through the air or by contact with contaminated surfaces. Puppies and younger dogs are at greatest risk, but even old dogs can acquire kennel cough.

The incubation period from the time the dog first contracts the infection to the time that symptoms develop is typically between 3 to 10 days, and the symptoms can last for days to weeks.

A natural kennel cough treatment may be a better option for your dog as antibiotics and frequent vaccinations can have harmful effects on a pet's long term health.

New evidence shows that a natural approach, such as a high quality herbal remedy, can not only safely treat kennel cough but also improve a dog or cat's overall health by removing harmful toxins and strengthening their immune systems.

The medice KC-Defense:

Calms the throat and chest in dogs, cats, puppies and kittens.



Use as an effective respiratory tonic to promote clear chests and easy breathing.

  

Promote the immune system and maintain the body’s natural ability to resist infection – especially before a visit to kennels and veterinary surgeries.

The only thing is its very expensive at £47.95 !!

If your becoming increasingly worried take your dog to the vets.

Hope i helped & good luck

Answer 6

It may be asthma,

my chiwawa does that too

check with a vet,

the visits are only fifteen dollars,

and its better to go now before she suffocates herself

Answer 7

What you're describing sounds a bit like reversed sneezing.  It actually has nothing to do with sneezing, but is a spasm caused by an irritation of the soft palate. The soft palate is a soft, fleshy tissue extension off the hard palate, or roof of the mouth. Small dogs in particular can exhibit this behavior and certain breeds may be predisposed to it. I think this is what you're describing, because with most pets, they will stop the sneezing when you give them attention or rub the throat.

While this is a simple answer to what you are describing, without a diagnosis from a vet, it's impossible to be sure.  She could have a cough, an upper respiratory infection, or she could simply be suffering from an allergy.  I'd definitely recommend going to your vet.

Answer 8

my dogs do that a lot its just something they do. its not attention and its not a problem its just what being a dog is about.

Answer 9

Sounds like she either does have something stuck in her throat, or she has kennel cough.  A dog with kennel cough will have a hacking, gagging cough like you are describing.  Either way, a vet visit is in order.  If it's kennel cough, it is a virus that will usually run its course, but the vet will want to give you antibiotics to prevent it from developing into pneumonia, and also a cough suppressant to make her more comfortable.  

Answer 10

Mt Yorki has the same thing. When I went to the vet for this he told me that they have a very soft (fragile) esophagus......He told me to immediately get her out of the collar and into a harness. Since I did that she has been fine.

Answer 11

hiya

the same thing happens with my dog

she just had a shortage of breath.

it happens often but it iis not that bad!

pet her and hug her a lot and show  her that you love her