Why Does My Dog Make Choking Coughing Noises?
It can be unsettling when your dog suddenly starts coughing, gagging, or making a choking sound—especially if it happens while walking on a leash or seemingly out of nowhere. As a pet parent, it’s important to understand what’s normal, what might be a red flag, and how to best support your pup’s health and comfort.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of why dogs make coughing or choking noises, when to worry, and what you can do to help.
Common Reason #1: Leash Pressure and Tracheal Irritation
What’s happening:
When your dog pulls on their leash while wearing a collar, the collar can press on their trachea (windpipe). This triggers a gagging or choking sound, sometimes accompanied by coughing. It’s especially common in dogs with delicate necks or existing respiratory issues.
Who it affects most:
Small breed dogs (e.g. Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles)
Dogs prone to tracheal collapse
Young dogs that haven't learned to walk without pulling
What you can do:
Switch to a front-clip harness. These are designed to avoid neck pressure and reduce pulling.
Train leash manners. Use treats and positive reinforcement to teach your dog to walk calmly beside you.
Use shorter walks and breaks. If your dog is coughing during walks, try shorter outings with more frequent stops.
Common Reason #2: Tracheal Collapse (Chronic Condition)
What’s happening:
Tracheal collapse occurs when the rings of cartilage in your dog’s trachea weaken and flatten, making the airway narrower. It causes a harsh, dry, honking cough—often mistaken for choking or gagging. This condition is progressive and more common in toy and small breeds.
Symptoms include:
Goose-honk cough, especially when excited, eating, or on a leash
Coughing when picked up or handled around the neck
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Gagging or retching after drinking water
What you can do:
Visit your vet for diagnosis. They may recommend chest X-rays or a tracheoscopy.
Avoid collars entirely—use a soft, padded harness.
Minimize triggers like excitement, heat, and pressure.
Medications (like anti-inflammatories, bronchodilators, or cough suppressants) may be prescribed in moderate to severe cases.
In advanced cases, surgery or stenting may be an option.
Common Reason #3: Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex)
What’s happening:
Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection caused by viruses and/or bacteria, most commonly Bordetella bronchiseptica. It spreads easily through airborne droplets—especially in places like dog parks, kennels, and daycares.
Symptoms to watch for:
Deep, hacking, or honking cough
Gagging after coughing
Runny nose or mild eye discharge
Lethargy and loss of appetite (in some cases)
Symptoms may worsen with activity or leash pressure
What you can do:
Visit your vet. Mild cases may only need rest, but some require antibiotics or cough medication.
Isolate your dog from other dogs to prevent spread.
Keep vaccinations current, especially Bordetella, parainfluenza, and canine flu.
Use a humidifier to soothe irritated airways.
Common Reason #4: Reverse Sneezing
What’s happening:
Reverse sneezing is a sudden, involuntary spasm of the soft palate and throat that causes your dog to make loud snorting or gasping sounds. It can be alarming, but it's usually harmless.
What it looks/sounds like:
Rapid, repeated inhaling (like snorting)
Standing still, extending the neck
Sometimes triggered by leash pulling, excitement, or irritants (dust, pollen)
What you can do:
Gently massage your dog’s throat.
Briefly cover their nostrils to encourage swallowing.
Stay calm. Most episodes end in under a minute.
If reverse sneezing happens frequently, have your vet rule out allergies or nasal irritation.
Less Common But Serious Causes
If your dog’s coughing or choking noises persist or worsen, it could be a sign of a more serious issue:
1. Heart Disease
Some forms of heart disease (like mitral valve disease) can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to chronic coughing—especially at night or after exercise.
Signs to watch for:
Coughing at rest or when lying down
Fatigue
Difficulty breathing
Blue-tinged gums
What to do: See your vet immediately. Early treatment can greatly improve quality of life.
2. Foreign Body Obstruction
If your dog suddenly starts choking or coughing violently—especially after chewing or eating—they may have something stuck in their throat.
Signs to watch for:
Pawing at the mouth
Gagging without producing anything
Excessive drooling
Panic or distress
What to do: This is an emergency. Go to your vet or emergency animal hospital immediately.
3. Allergies or Environmental Irritants
Dogs can be sensitive to pollen, dust, smoke, or even strong scents like perfume or cleaning products.
What to do:
Try to identify and remove triggers.
Ask your vet about safe antihistamines or allergy treatments.
When Should You Call the Vet?
Here’s a simple checklist to help you decide:
Call your vet if:
Your dog coughs daily or multiple times per day
Coughing worsens or becomes more frequent
There's lethargy, appetite loss, or fever
You see signs of distress (panting, open-mouth breathing, blue gums)
Your dog is a small breed prone to tracheal collapse
The cough sounds wet or productive
Seek emergency care if:
Your dog is choking and can’t breathe
There’s sudden collapse or fainting
Coughing leads to vomiting or gagging up blood
Practical Tips to Help Your Dog Breathe Easier
Use a harness, not a collar, especially on walks
Avoid irritants like candles, sprays, smoke, and dusty environments
Train leash manners to reduce pulling and neck pressure
Try a humidifier or steamy bathroom sessions for soothing airways
Elevate your dog’s head while resting if coughing is worse at night
Maintain a healthy weight—extra pounds make breathing harder
Coughing and choking noises in dogs are common but should never be ignored. Whether it’s a minor irritation or a chronic condition, your dog relies on you to notice the signs and get help when needed. Fortunately, many causes are manageable with the right care—and your pup can go back to enjoying walks and playtime without discomfort.
If you're ever unsure, a quick visit to your veterinarian can offer peace of mind and a plan for your pup’s best health.
