If a dog is coughing and throwing up clear liquid, it can be worrying for any pet owner. These symptoms may be linked to anything from mild throat irritation to more serious health issues affecting the lungs, heart, or digestive system.
We outline the common causes of a dog coughing and throwing up clear liquid, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Coughing and Throwing Up Clear Liquid — Why It Happens
When a dog is coughing and throwing up clear liquid, it often signals irritation or disease in the respiratory or digestive tract. The clear liquid is usually saliva, water, or a mix of stomach fluid. Causes can include kennel cough, aspiration pneumonia, heart disease, acid reflux, or even foreign body ingestion.
Each of these conditions affects dogs differently, but all can lead to bouts of coughing and regurgitation of fluid.
Dog Coughing and Throwing Up Clear Liquid: Common Causes
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes a persistent, hacking cough.
The irritation in the throat often leads to gagging and expulsion of clear, frothy liquid.
Dogs who attend daycare, grooming, or boarding facilities are at higher risk. While it may sound worse than it is, kennel cough can sometimes progress to pneumonia if left untreated, especially in puppies or older dogs.
Read more: Dog Throwing Up Food and Clear Liquid (Here’s why)
Aspiration Pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia occurs when a dog accidentally inhales food, water, or vomit into the lungs.
This leads to inflammation and infection, causing coughing fits. Dogs with aspiration pneumonia may cough up clear liquid or foam, often with labored breathing and fever. It is a serious condition that requires urgent veterinary treatment.
Heart Disease
Dogs with heart problems, such as congestive heart failure, often develop fluid buildup in or around the lungs. This leads to a moist cough, difficulty breathing, and episodes of bringing up clear liquid.
Small breeds like Cavaliers and larger breeds like Dobermans are more prone to heart-related cough.
Because fluid accumulation can quickly become life-threatening, this cause needs immediate medical attention.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, can cause irritation of the esophagus. When stomach acid flows backward, it triggers coughing and regurgitation of clear liquid.
Dogs with reflux may also have bad breath, swallowing difficulties, or discomfort after eating.
While not usually life-threatening, it can be very uncomfortable for the dog and may require dietary changes or medication.
Foreign Object in the Throat
If a dog swallows a foreign object, such as a stick, toy, or bone fragment, it may get stuck in the throat or esophagus.
This can cause gagging, retching, coughing, and bringing up clear fluid. The risk of choking or injury to the airway makes this a veterinary emergency.
X-rays or endoscopy are often needed to locate and remove the object safely.
Allergies or Irritants
Sometimes, coughing and clear liquid regurgitation are triggered by allergies or environmental irritants.
Dust, pollen, smoke, or cleaning chemicals can irritate the respiratory tract. Dogs may cough repeatedly, producing saliva or watery fluid.
While not as dangerous as other causes, persistent coughing from allergies should still be addressed with a vet to rule out more serious conditions.
Read more: Dog Throwing Up Blood and Clear Liquid (What it means)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Coughing and Throwing Up Clear Liquid
At home, try to keep your dog calm and comfortable. Overexertion or excitement can make coughing worse.
Ensure they have access to fresh water but avoid giving large meals right after coughing episodes.
Feeding smaller, more frequent meals may help if acid reflux is suspected. If environmental irritants seem to be a trigger, reduce exposure by keeping your home clean and free from smoke, aerosols, or strong fragrances.
Monitoring your dog’s temperature, breathing rate, and energy levels can provide useful information for the vet.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If your dog’s coughing and clear liquid regurgitation persists longer than a day or two, a vet visit is necessary.
Immediate veterinary care is needed if your dog shows signs of difficulty breathing, blue-tinged gums, severe lethargy, or collapse.
Dogs with a history of heart disease, pneumonia, or foreign body ingestion should never wait for symptoms to improve on their own.
Puppies, elderly dogs, or immunocompromised pets are at higher risk and should be seen as soon as possible. Diagnostic tests like X-rays, blood work, or ultrasound may be recommended to determine the underlying cause.
Read more: Dog Throwing Up Yellow and Clear Liquid (Understanding the causes)
Key Takeaway
Coughing and throwing up clear liquid in dogs should not be ignored. While sometimes it can be caused by mild irritation or reflux, it may also point to serious conditions like pneumonia or heart disease.
Keeping your dog comfortable, reducing triggers, and closely monitoring symptoms are helpful at home, but veterinary care is essential if symptoms persist or worsen.
Acting quickly ensures your dog receives the right diagnosis and treatment for a healthier recovery.