1. Foreign Object: Your dog may have swallowed something that is stuck in its throat or esophagus, causing it to gag and cough in an attempt to dislodge the object. This can happen if your dog chews on sticks, bones, toys, or other inedible items.
2. Kennel Cough: Also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, kennel cough is a respiratory infection that causes coughing, gagging, and hacking in dogs. It is spread through contact with infected dogs, and symptoms usually develop within 2 to 14 days of exposure.
3. Distemper: Distemper is a highly contagious viral infection that affects multiple body systems, including the respiratory system. It can cause coughing, gagging, and a variety of other symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and eye discharge.
4. Allergies: Allergies, particularly to environmental allergens like pollen or dust, can cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing and gagging in dogs. They may also exhibit other allergy symptoms, such as itchy skin or watery eyes.
5. Congestive Heart Failure: In dogs with congestive heart failure, fluid can build up in the lungs, leading to coughing, gagging, and difficulty breathing. Other signs of heart problems include lethargy, reduced appetite, and weight loss.
6. Lungworms: Lungworms are parasitic worms that reside in the airways and lungs of dogs. They can cause coughing, wheezing, and gagging as the dog attempts to expel mucus and parasites from the respiratory system.
7. Pharyngitis: Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx, the back of the throat. It can cause difficulty swallowing, pain, gagging, and coughing.
8. Laryngeal Paralysis: Laryngeal paralysis is a condition where the nerves that control the muscles in the larynx (voice box) become paralyzed, causing difficulty breathing, coughing, and gagging.
9. Hiatal Hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm and enters the chest cavity. This can lead to coughing and gagging due to irritation and pressure on the surrounding tissues.
10. Poisoning: Ingestion of certain toxins or poisons can cause gagging and coughing, along with other symptoms depending on the specific substance involved.
If your dog is gagging and coughing persistently or shows additional symptoms, it's important to take them to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. The vet will perform a physical examination, gather information about your dog's symptoms and history, and may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays, blood work, or respiratory tests to determine the underlying cause and provide the appropriate treatment.