Why Does My Dog Choke for No Reason?

Dogs sometimes appear to choke because they've taken in too much food, tried to swallow something too quickly, or ingested something too large to pass comfortably and easily down the throat. However, there may be more serious reasons why your dog is appearing to choke, many of which require immediate veterinary attention.

  1. Tracheal Collapse

    • A tracheal collapse occurs in dogs when the cartilage discs supporting the trachea become weakened and fold in on themselves. This can compromise the dog̵7;s airway as well as make it difficult for food and water to pass normally. Signs of tracheal collapse include choking, wheezing or coughing, especially when eating or drinking. This condition is most prevalent in small breeds. Some forms of the condition can be treated with medication, while more advanced conditions require surgical intervention.

    Bloat

    • A dog who eats too quickly can suffer from a condition called bloat, in which the stomach torques and fills with gasses, obstructing blood flow. This can lead to compromised organ systems and requires emergency treatment, as damage can occur within 20 minutes. Signs of bloat include a dog trying to burp or expel stomach contents through unproductive vomiting, which can look and sound like choking. If this behavior is accompanied by a swollen abdomen or listlessness, seek medical care immediately.

    Respiratory Distress

    • Dogs can potentially develop respiratory distress due to disease, allergies or even exposure to secondhand smoke. This can manifest itself in symptoms including coughing or choking. Your dog should be examined by an veterinary medical professional to help diagnose and treat the condition, as it can also be a symptom of kennel cough, which while relatively easy to treat, can be highly contagious and spread to other animals in your household.

    Heart Issues

    • Some common canine diseases, such as enlarged heart or congestive heart failure, can present with symptoms like heavy panting or breathing, coughing and choking behaviors. Symptoms are often managed through medication designed to strengthen the heart muscle and reduce fluid buildup. Your vet can help you pinpoint the problem and discuss treatment options.

    Emergency Treatment

    • If your dog appears to be choking, open his mouth and look for a visible obstruction you can remove with your hands. Sometimes a dog will bite off and swallow a large chunk of rawhide or tear apart a toy and get a portion lodged in his throat. Fast action can help save your dog if he has a compromised airway.