A dog coughing and then vomit can be alarming. These symptoms can range from mild irritation to serious health issues, and understanding the potential causes is crucial for keeping your dog safe and healthy.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may cough and throw up, what you can do at home, and when it’s time to seek veterinary help.
Dog Coughing and Throwing Up: Why It Happens
A dog coughing and throwing up often indicates irritation or distress in the respiratory tract, digestive system, or both. Coughing can create pressure in the chest and throat, triggering vomiting reflexes, while digestive upset can cause retching that stimulates coughing.
Common causes include kennel cough, acid reflux, ingestion of foreign objects, or even heart and lung disease.
While occasional episodes may be minor, repeated coughing and vomiting can signal something more serious, such as pneumonia, gastrointestinal obstruction, or bloat, which requires prompt veterinary attention.
Dog Coughing and Throwing Up: Common Causes
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a frequent culprit when a dog is coughing and vomiting. This contagious respiratory infection causes inflammation of the trachea and bronchi, often producing a harsh, hacking cough.
During intense coughing fits, dogs may gag or vomit, sometimes bringing up foam or partially digested food.
Kennel cough is usually contracted in environments with many dogs, such as boarding facilities or dog parks.
While mild cases often resolve on their own, severe or prolonged episodes, especially in puppies or senior dogs, may require veterinary intervention with cough suppressants or antibiotics.
Read more: Dog Coughing Up White Foamy Mucus (Is it serious?)
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid irritates the esophagus, sometimes causing dogs to cough before or after vomiting.
Bilious vomiting syndrome typically results in early-morning vomiting of yellow or frothy bile and may be accompanied by gagging or retching.
You may notice your dog licking their lips or swallowing repeatedly before vomiting. Over time, repeated irritation can worsen cough reflexes, making the cycle of coughing and vomiting more frequent.
Management includes feeding smaller, more frequent meals, adjusting meal timing, and in some cases, medications to reduce stomach acidity.
Collapsed Trachea
A collapsed trachea can make a dog more prone to coughing and vomiting. Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers often experience this condition.
Weak tracheal rings allow the airway to partially collapse, particularly when excited, pulling on a leash, or after exertion.
The resulting cough is typically dry, honking, and may trigger gagging or vomiting. Chronic irritation of the throat and airways can create repeated cycles of coughing and retching.
Management involves lifestyle adjustments, including using harnesses instead of collars, keeping dogs calm, and following your veterinarian’s treatment plan, which may include medications to support airway function.
Ingestion of Foreign Objects or Toxins
Dogs are naturally curious and may swallow non-food items, including toys, bones, or household objects. Ingesting foreign objects can irritate the esophagus or stomach, leading to repeated coughing and vomiting.
You may notice gagging, retching, or dry heaving, often followed by vomiting partially digested food.
Some objects may become lodged, causing obstruction, which can be life-threatening if untreated. A vet can use X-rays or endoscopy to identify and remove any obstruction, preventing further complications.
Gastrointestinal Infection
Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections in the gastrointestinal tract can cause vomiting along with reflexive coughing.
Irritation and inflammation in the stomach and intestines often lead to repeated retching and gagging, sometimes producing frothy or foamy vomit.
Other symptoms may include diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, or fever. Mild gastroenteritis may resolve with hydration and dietary adjustments, but severe cases, especially in puppies or older dogs, require veterinary evaluation to prevent dehydration and manage infection.
Heart Disease
Heart disease can contribute to coughing and vomiting when fluid accumulates in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This fluid buildup triggers coughing as the dog tries to clear the airways, and the pressure can lead to vomiting reflexes.
Dogs may also show signs of weakness, labored breathing, or fainting during exercise.
Chronic heart disease requires veterinary management with medications and lifestyle adjustments. Early detection is crucial to prevent worsening respiratory distress and repeated vomiting episodes.
Bloat
Bloat is a medical emergency in which the stomach fills with gas or fluid and twists, causing severe pain, retching, and coughing.
Dogs may attempt to vomit but only bring up foam or small amounts of stomach fluid due to the blockage.
Signs include a distended abdomen, restlessness, drooling, and repeated unsuccessful retching. Large, deep-chested breeds are at higher risk.
Bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate surgical intervention. Any dog displaying these symptoms should be taken to the vet without delay.
Read more: Dog Coughing Up White Mucus (Causes and Care Tips)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Coughing and Throwing Up
If your dog coughs and vomits once but otherwise appears normal — active, eating, and drinking — it may be a minor irritation from overeating, gulping water, or a mild throat irritation. Keep your dog calm and monitor for additional episodes.
Offer small amounts of water and withhold food for a few hours to allow the stomach to settle. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can prevent acid buildup and vomiting. Avoid exercise immediately after meals to reduce reflux or gagging.
Observe your dog for signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, or repeated episodes. If coughing and vomiting continue, consult your veterinarian for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Immediate veterinary attention is needed if your dog:
Coughs and vomits repeatedly or brings up blood.
Shows difficulty breathing, wheezing, or open-mouth breathing.
Has a swollen belly, drooling, or retching without producing vomit.
Appears weak, lethargic, or collapses.
Refuses to eat or drink for more than 24 hours.
Is a puppy, senior dog, or has pre-existing heart or respiratory conditions.
Even mild or intermittent symptoms should be monitored closely, and a vet can perform diagnostics such as X-rays, bloodwork, or ultrasound to identify underlying causes. Early intervention often prevents complications and speeds recovery.
Read more: Dog Coughing Up Blood (Why it happens and what to do)
Key Takeaway
A dog coughing and throwing up can range from a mild, temporary irritation to a serious medical condition. Monitoring your dog’s behavior, appetite, and breathing is essential to determine the urgency of veterinary care.
With proper observation, timely medical intervention, and supportive care at home, most dogs recover comfortably.
Prompt attention ensures your dog stays healthy, prevents complications, and gives you peace of mind as a responsible dog parent.