If your dog has been choking, coughing, and eating grass frequently, you might be wondering what these symptoms mean and whether you should be worried.
These behaviors can sometimes be normal but can also indicate an underlying health problem that requires attention.
We outline why dogs choke, cough, and eat grass, what these signs might indicate, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Why Dogs Choke, Cough, and Eat Grass
If your dog is choking, coughing, and eating grass, it could be trying to clear its throat or soothe an upset stomach. Choking may indicate something stuck in the throat, while coughing can signal respiratory irritation, kennel cough, or even heart issues.
Eating grass is often a dog’s instinctive way to induce vomiting or ease digestive discomfort.
When these symptoms appear together, they may point to throat irritation, acid reflux, or even a more serious underlying condition.
Understanding Dog Choking
Choking in dogs occurs when something obstructs their airway, causing difficulty breathing or swallowing. You might notice your dog pawing at their mouth, gagging, or coughing persistently. Choking can result from:
Foreign objects stuck in the throat (such as toys, bones, or food pieces)
Inflammation or swelling in the throat or upper airway
Allergic reactions causing airway constriction
Tracheal collapse, especially common in small breeds
Respiratory infections that produce mucus or swelling
Choking is an emergency if your dog is struggling to breathe or unable to cough the object up. However, mild choking or gagging might also be the dog’s reflex trying to clear an irritant.
Why Dogs Cough
Coughing is a natural reflex to clear the airway from irritants, mucus, or foreign bodies. Dogs cough for many reasons including:
Respiratory infections such as kennel cough or pneumonia
Heart disease, which can cause fluid buildup in the lungs
Tracheal irritation or collapse
Allergies or asthma-like conditions
Inhalation of irritants like smoke, dust, or pollen
Chronic conditions such as bronchitis
A dog coughing occasionally might not be a cause for alarm. But persistent coughing, especially if accompanied by choking or gagging, should be investigated by a vet.
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
One of the more puzzling behaviors dog owners notice is when their dogs eat grass. Eating grass is a common behavior among dogs and can happen for several reasons:
To soothe an upset stomach: Dogs sometimes eat grass to induce vomiting if they feel nauseous or have digestive discomfort.
Nutritional needs: Some dogs might eat grass to supplement fiber or certain nutrients missing from their diet.
Boredom or anxiety: Dogs that are bored, stressed, or anxious may eat grass as a coping mechanism.
Natural instinct: Some experts believe eating grass is a remnant of wild canine behavior where grass was consumed along with prey.
Although occasional grass eating is usually harmless, if your dog is eating grass frequently and then vomiting, it could indicate gastrointestinal distress or other health issues.
Common Causes of Dog Choking, Coughing, and Eating Grass Together
When your dog is choking, coughing, and eating grass all at the same time, these symptoms might be linked to an underlying condition affecting their throat, respiratory system, or digestive tract:
1. Gastrointestinal Upset and Nausea
Dogs often eat grass when they feel nauseous or have stomach upset.
If your dog is coughing and gagging as well, it may be trying to clear irritation from the throat caused by vomiting or acid reflux.
Gastrointestinal problems that can cause these symptoms include:
Gastritis or stomach inflammation
Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Ingestion of irritants or toxic substances
Food intolerance or allergy
When the stomach is upset, dogs might eat grass to trigger vomiting and relieve nausea, which can sometimes lead to coughing or gagging as they retch.
Related: Can dog eating grass cause bloody stools?
2. Respiratory Infections or Conditions
Respiratory infections can cause coughing and sometimes choking if the airways are inflamed or obstructed.
If your dog is also eating grass, it may be due to nausea from infection or medication side effects. Some common respiratory causes include:
Kennel cough: A contagious respiratory infection causing a harsh, hacking cough.
Tracheal collapse: Especially in small breed dogs, where the windpipe partially collapses, causing coughing and choking.
Pneumonia or other lung infections causing coughing and difficulty breathing.
3. Foreign Object or Irritants
Choking often occurs due to a foreign object stuck in the throat or windpipe.
This can cause coughing and gagging as the dog tries to expel the obstruction.
If your dog is eating grass afterward, it may be trying to soothe throat irritation or nausea caused by the choking episode.
4. Allergies and Environmental Factors
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies that affect their respiratory system.
Exposure to pollen, dust, smoke, or chemicals can trigger coughing and throat irritation.
Choking may happen if the throat swells or produces excess mucus.
Sometimes dogs eat grass to clear their mouths or throat or simply as a reaction to anxiety caused by allergies.
Related: Dog eating and not food (Explained)
5. Heart or Lung Disease
Chronic coughing and choking in dogs can sometimes be a sign of underlying heart or lung problems.
These conditions can cause fluid buildup in the lungs or airway constriction, resulting in coughing fits and difficulty breathing.
Eating grass may be unrelated but could also signal nausea caused by medications or the disease itself.
Signs to Watch For
While occasional coughing or grass eating might not be cause for alarm, persistent or severe symptoms require a vet’s attention.
Emergency Signs of Dog Choking and Coughing:
Difficulty breathing or rapid, shallow breathing
Bluish gums or tongue indicating lack of oxygen
Continuous gagging or inability to clear the throat
Collapse or loss of consciousness
Severe coughing that lasts more than a few minutes
If you observe these signs, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
When to See a Vet for Coughing and Grass Eating
Coughing persists for more than a week or worsens
Your dog is coughing up blood or mucus
Loss of appetite or lethargy accompanies symptoms
Your dog vomits repeatedly after eating grass
You suspect your dog swallowed a foreign object
Your dog exhibits weight loss or difficulty swallowing
How to Help Your Dog at Home
If your dog is choking mildly or coughing occasionally, there are some steps you can take at home:
Remove small objects or food that could cause choking in your dog’s environment.
Avoid feeding your dog bones or toys that could break or get lodged in their throat.
Keep your dog hydrated, especially if coughing causes throat dryness or irritation.
Monitor the frequency and severity of coughing and choking episodes.
Limit access to grass or plants if you suspect your dog eats grass to induce vomiting frequently.
Always avoid forcing anything into your dog’s throat if they are choking — this can cause more harm. Instead, try to encourage them to cough or breathe calmly and get professional help.
Related: Dog eating after food (Explained)
Preventing Dog Choking, Coughing, and Excessive Grass Eating
Preventative care can reduce the chances of these uncomfortable symptoms in your dog:
Provide a balanced diet with adequate fiber to support digestion and reduce nausea.
Regularly inspect your dog’s toys and chew items to prevent choking hazards.
Keep your dog’s environment clean and free from toxic plants or chemicals.
Maintain vaccinations and parasite prevention to reduce respiratory infections.
Regular vet checkups to catch early signs of heart or lung disease.
Train your dog to avoid eating non-food items or excessive grass.
Key Takeaway
Dogs choking, coughing, and eating grass can be a sign of many different health issues ranging from mild irritation to serious illnesses.
While occasional grass eating and coughing may be normal, persistent or severe symptoms require veterinary evaluation.
If your dog is choking, coughing frequently, or eating grass to the point of vomiting, it’s important to consult your veterinarian to identify the underlying cause.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and keep your furry friend comfortable and healthy.