When your dog starts coughing and then eating grass, it can be confusing and even worrying.
You might wonder if they’re trying to make themselves vomit, or if something more serious is going on inside their throat or stomach.
We outline the common reasons for a dog coughing and then eating grass, what you can do, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Coughing Then Eating Grass: Why It Happens
A dog coughing and then eating grass often points to mild throat irritation, nausea, or digestive discomfort. Sometimes, grass-eating is an instinctive way for dogs to soothe their stomachs or induce vomiting when something feels off.
In other cases, coughing may be caused by allergies, respiratory infections, or even a small foreign object stuck in the throat, which can make the dog seek relief by chewing grass.
While this behavior isn’t always alarming, it can also signal underlying conditions like kennel cough, acid reflux, or gastrointestinal upset that should be watched closely.
Dog Coughing Then Eating Grass: Common Causes
Throat or Airway Irritation
When a dog coughs and immediately starts eating grass, it could mean something is tickling or irritating their throat. This irritation might come from dust, pollen, or even a tiny piece of debris they inhaled during a walk.
As the throat becomes irritated, the cough acts as a reflex to clear it. But because dogs can’t directly soothe that discomfort, they might chew grass in an attempt to ease the scratchy feeling or trigger a little gagging to clear it.
Mild cases often resolve on their own, but if your dog keeps coughing, gags frequently, or shows signs of distress, it could mean there’s an object lodged deeper in the throat or an infection brewing.
Read more: Dog Eating A Lot of Grass and Throwing Up (Here’s why it happens)
Kennel Cough or Respiratory Infection
Kennel cough is a common reason dogs cough repeatedly and sometimes eat grass afterward. This contagious respiratory infection irritates the trachea and upper airways, making dogs hack, gag, or even retch — often resembling something stuck in the throat.
After coughing, they may turn to grass as a way to relieve that raw feeling in their throat or because they associate eating grass with easing nausea. The condition can range from mild to severe depending on the dog’s immune system and any other health issues.
Mild kennel cough often sounds like a “honking” noise and improves with rest, hydration, and gentle care. But if your dog has a fever, is lethargic, or stops eating, it’s time for a vet visit.
Gastrointestinal Upset or Nausea
Grass-eating is most famously linked to stomach upset, and when it’s paired with coughing, it can indicate that your dog’s digestive system is irritated. Conditions like acid reflux, gastritis, or eating something they shouldn’t can cause nausea and coughing due to regurgitation or throat discomfort.
When acid or stomach contents move upward, the dog might cough as a reflex to clear the esophagus. Soon after, they may eat grass instinctively to either settle the stomach or vomit to feel better.
If this happens frequently, it’s best to check for chronic reflux or dietary sensitivities. Persistent nausea can cause more than just coughing — it can lead to weight loss, drooling, or reluctance to eat.
Allergies (Environmental or Food)
Just like humans, dogs can have allergies that cause coughing, throat irritation, and mild nausea. Environmental triggers such as pollen, mold, or dust can irritate the respiratory tract, while food allergies can lead to stomach inflammation or reflux that prompts coughing.
When dogs experience this discomfort, they may resort to eating grass as a soothing behavior — almost like a self-remedy. The texture of the grass might help relieve an itchy or irritated throat.
However, chronic coughing combined with grass-eating and other symptoms like paw licking, watery eyes, or frequent scratching usually points to an allergic reaction that requires veterinary management.
Acid Reflux or Esophageal Irritation
If your dog coughs more after meals and then seeks out grass, acid reflux could be the culprit. Just like in humans, stomach acid can back up into a dog’s esophagus, leading to coughing, throat irritation, and a desire to eat grass as a way to relieve the burn.
This often happens in dogs that eat too quickly, eat large meals, or lie down right after eating. Over time, acid reflux can cause inflammation of the esophagus, resulting in chronic coughing and discomfort.
Switching to smaller, more frequent meals and keeping your dog upright after eating can help. But if the symptoms persist, your vet might recommend dietary adjustments or medication to control acid production.
Parasites or Ingested Irritants
Intestinal worms or irritants like grass treated with pesticides can trigger both coughing and grass-eating behaviors. Some parasites migrate through the lungs before settling in the intestines, which can cause respiratory irritation and a persistent cough.
As the discomfort grows, dogs might eat grass to soothe their stomach or throat, unintentionally ingesting more irritants in the process. This creates a cycle that can worsen their condition.
A stool test or deworming treatment often clears up parasite-related symptoms quickly. If your dog has a dry cough and frequently eats grass, it’s worth ruling out internal parasites as a cause.
Read more: Dog Throwing Up and Coughing (When it’s a sign of trouble)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Coughing Then Eating Grass
If your dog coughs and then starts eating grass occasionally, it may be a mild, self-limiting reaction — but consistent or severe episodes should be investigated.
Start by observing your dog’s behavior closely. Note whether the coughing happens before, during, or after meals, and whether it leads to vomiting. Keep track of how often they eat grass and how they act afterward.
Make sure your dog has access to clean, untreated grass — never let them graze near lawns sprayed with fertilizers or pesticides. Offer fresh water and avoid feeding immediately after coughing episodes, as swallowing can further irritate the throat.
You can also try feeding smaller, more frequent meals or switching to a sensitive stomach formula if reflux or gastritis is suspected. Preventing rapid eating by using a slow-feeder bowl can also help.
If your dog’s coughing seems allergy-related, keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons and wiping their paws after outdoor walks may reduce exposure.
And as always, ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and deworming to prevent infections and parasites that can contribute to these symptoms.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
While occasional coughing followed by grass-eating can be normal, certain signs mean it’s time for veterinary care.
Call your vet if your dog’s cough becomes chronic, harsh, or productive (wet-sounding). Coughing up phlegm, blood, or foam indicates something more serious.
Seek immediate attention if your dog has trouble breathing, gags without relief, or shows a loss of appetite and lethargy. These can indicate infections, heart disease, or a blockage in the airway or digestive tract.
If your dog vomits frequently after eating grass, or you notice weight loss, drooling, or constant throat-clearing, schedule an exam to rule out acid reflux or esophageal irritation.
Lastly, any coughing that lasts more than a week, especially if your dog is younger or unvaccinated, should be checked promptly to prevent the spread of kennel cough or other respiratory illnesses.
Read more: Dog Coughing Up Mucus (What it means and when to worry)
Key Takeaway
Coughing followed by eating grass can seem like odd dog behavior, but it’s often your pet’s way of coping with throat irritation, nausea, or minor digestive upset.
Still, if it becomes frequent or intense, it could point to underlying conditions like kennel cough, reflux, or parasites — all of which need veterinary attention.
Pay close attention to patterns, avoid treated lawns, and keep your dog’s diet and environment clean and consistent. With proper care and timely vet visits, most dogs recover quickly and return to their playful, grass-sniffing selves.