When your dog is constantly hacking and gagging, it can be unsettling and leave you worried about what’s going on.
While occasional gagging might be harmless, persistent hacking is often a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention.
We outline the common causes of constant hacking and gagging in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Constantly Hacking and Gagging — Why It Happens
Dogs may hack and gag constantly due to kennel cough, throat irritation, tracheal collapse, allergies, foreign objects, or even more serious issues like heart disease or pneumonia. The hacking sound often resembles trying to clear the throat, while gagging may suggest irritation or obstruction.
Some cases are mild and temporary, while others signal a health concern that requires a vet’s attention.
Dog Constantly Hacking and Gagging: Common Causes
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is one of the most frequent causes of hacking and gagging in dogs. This contagious respiratory infection spreads quickly in places like kennels, dog parks, or grooming salons.
The cough is usually dry and honking, and it often triggers gagging afterward as if your dog is trying to clear their throat.
While mild kennel cough often resolves on its own, puppies, older dogs, or dogs with weaker immune systems are at risk of complications like pneumonia, which makes veterinary care important if symptoms don’t improve within a week.
Read more: Dog Constantly Hacking and Coughing (When it’s time to worry)
Tracheal Collapse
Small breeds such as Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians are especially prone to tracheal collapse. The weakened cartilage of the windpipe causes the airway to narrow, leading to a harsh, honking cough and frequent gagging.
This condition often worsens with excitement, exercise, or when pressure is placed on the neck with a collar. Sometimes it is mistaken for choking.
Since tracheal collapse is a chronic condition, dogs often require long-term management with medications, weight control, lifestyle adjustments, or in severe cases, surgery.
Heart Disease
Coughing, hacking, and gagging can also be linked to heart disease. When the heart is not functioning properly, fluid may back up into the lungs, irritating the airways and triggering coughing fits.
Dogs with heart disease may also show signs like lethargy, fainting spells, or difficulty breathing after light activity.
If your dog is gagging frequently alongside these symptoms, it’s important to seek veterinary help right away, as untreated heart disease can progress quickly.
Foreign Object in the Throat
Sometimes, constant hacking and gagging is your dog’s way of trying to expel something lodged in the throat. This could be food, a piece of a toy, or even grass.
This problem usually comes on suddenly, with dogs appearing panicked, pawing at their mouth, or showing difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, it may block the airway entirely. If you suspect your dog has inhaled or swallowed something that’s stuck, immediate veterinary intervention is needed to prevent suffocation.
Allergies or Irritants
Environmental allergies to dust, pollen, or smoke can inflame your dog’s airways and lead to chronic hacking and gagging. Strong cleaning products or perfumes may also irritate sensitive throats.
Unlike sudden choking episodes, this type of gagging is often seasonal or tied to exposure to specific triggers. While usually not life-threatening, it can make your dog uncomfortable and may require antihistamines, environmental adjustments, or veterinary-prescribed allergy treatments to ease symptoms.
Pneumonia or Respiratory Infections
More serious respiratory issues, like pneumonia or bronchitis, can also cause a dog to constantly hack and gag.
These conditions often come with additional symptoms such as fever, nasal discharge, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
Pneumonia in particular is dangerous because fluid builds up in the lungs, making breathing difficult.
If your dog is gagging frequently and appears unwell or weak, it’s critical to get veterinary treatment quickly. Antibiotics and supportive care are often required to resolve the infection.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Constantly Hacking and Gagging
If your dog is frequently hacking and gagging, start by monitoring when it happens. Notice if it occurs after eating, drinking, exercising, or being exposed to other dogs. These details will help your vet narrow down possible causes.
At home, keep your dog calm and comfortable. Switch from a collar to a harness to prevent extra pressure on the throat. Make sure your home is free from smoke and heavy scents that could worsen coughing.
If kennel cough seems likely and your dog is otherwise acting normally, you may be able to manage symptoms with rest, hydration, and monitoring for a few days. However, if gagging persists or your dog shows signs of distress, veterinary care is necessary.
For mild allergy-related gagging, frequent cleaning, air purifiers, and limiting outdoor exposure during high-pollen times may help. But never give over-the-counter medications without consulting your vet, as many human remedies are unsafe for dogs.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
While occasional coughing isn’t always serious, constant hacking and gagging should not be ignored. Seek veterinary care immediately if your dog is struggling to breathe, coughing up blood, or showing sudden distress.
Call your vet if gagging continues for more than a few days, even without severe symptoms. Persistent coughing can indicate kennel cough, tracheal collapse, or even heart problems that need early diagnosis.
Emergency care is also needed if your dog suddenly starts gagging after chewing on something, as this may mean a foreign object is blocking the airway.
The key is to pay attention to both the frequency of the gagging and any additional symptoms. Acting quickly can prevent complications and keep your dog safe.
Read more: Dog Hacking (Explained)
Key Takeaway
A dog constantly hacking and gagging may be dealing with something as mild as kennel cough or allergies, or as serious as heart disease, pneumonia, or a lodged object. While some issues resolve with rest and home care, others require urgent veterinary treatment.
By closely observing your dog, reducing irritants at home, and knowing when to seek professional help, you’ll be taking the right steps to protect your dog’s health and well-being.