Dog Hacking Cough and Eating Grass (What It Means)

Dog Hacking Cough and Eating Grass: Common Causes 

Throat or Airway Irritation

Mild airway irritation is another common reason for a dog hacking and coughing while eating grass. Dust, pollen, perfume, smoke, or recent overexertion can make the throat feel scratchy. Dogs may cough repeatedly to clear the irritation, especially at night or after excitement.

At the same time, a dog may begin eating grass if the irritation extends downward to the esophagus or stomach.

Grass can act like a natural fiber that helps induce vomiting, and some dogs instinctively eat it when their digestive tract feels off.

Even without infection, the irritation can make dogs restless and uncomfortable. If the hacking persists longer than a day or two, or if the dog seems to be eating grass obsessively, further evaluation is needed to rule out infections or foreign body concerns.

Related: Dog constantly hacking (Why it happens)

Kennel Cough 

Kennel cough is one of the most common causes of a hacking cough that sounds dry, forceful, and repetitive. The infection inflames the trachea, which makes dogs feel the constant urge to clear their throat, leading to hacking, gagging, or retching noises.

This irritation can last for several weeks even when the dog is eating and acting normally.

Some dogs with kennel cough eat grass because swallowing mucus makes their stomach feel unsettled. Grass eating becomes a self-soothing behavior when nausea, irritation, or post-nasal drainage affects the digestive system.

The cough is the primary symptom, but the combination of coughing plus repeated grass-eating suggests the stomach may be reacting to airway inflammation.

While many cases improve with rest and hydration, worsening cough, fever, lethargy, or breathing changes may indicate complications such as pneumonia.

Gastric Upset or Mild Nausea

Many dogs eat grass when they feel nauseated, bloated, or mildly uncomfortable in the stomach. They may cough or hack as a reaction to swallowing grass blades or mucus, or because the stomach irritation travels upward to the throat.

Nausea can come from dietary changes, eating something fatty or spoiled, stress, or minor inflammation of the stomach lining.

When nausea sits high in the digestive tract, dogs sometimes cough or gag before or after trying to vomit.

This is one of the most common and less-serious combinations behind dog hacking cough and eating grass.

However, if vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, or loss of appetite develop, the issue may be progressing into something more significant, such as gastritis or dietary indiscretion requiring veterinary care.

Allergies 

Dogs with allergies often cough and hack when their airways are inflamed by pollen, dust mites, grasses, or molds.

The inflammation leads to post-nasal drip, which creates the sensation of needing to clear the throat. Dogs may also have runny eyes, sneezing, or reverse sneezing episodes during allergy flare-ups.

Grass eating often happens because allergies also affect the digestive system, creating mild nausea or stomach irritation. Some dogs eat grass instinctively when allergens irritate their gut or cause extra swallowing from mucus buildup.

Because allergies can persist for months, a hacking cough plus grass eating may become a repeating pattern during certain seasons.

If symptoms worsen or begin interfering with daily life, your vet may recommend antihistamines or anti-inflammatory options.

Something Stuck in the Throat or Mouth

If something is lodged in the mouth, throat, or upper airway—such as a grass awn, small stick, seed, or piece of debris—a dog may hack repeatedly as it tries to dislodge the object. The hacking often sounds urgent or sudden, and dogs may paw at their mouth or swallow repeatedly.

Eating grass can be the dog’s instinctive attempt to push the object down or make themselves vomit.

This behavior is especially common after walks in dry, grassy fields where foxtails and similar plant materials easily embed into tissue.

Foreign objects in the throat can cause ongoing coughing, drooling, gagging, or difficulty swallowing. This situation requires prompt veterinary attention because some plant materials migrate deeper into the body and cause dangerous infections.

Heartworm Disease 

Heartworm disease causes coughing because worms lodge in the heart and major blood vessels, restricting blood flow and stressing the lungs. The cough may begin mildly but typically worsens with activity or excitement.

Some dogs with heartworm disease eat grass because they feel nauseated, weak, or generally unwell. Early heartworm symptoms are often subtle and mistaken for minor issues like allergies or a mild cold.

When hacking is paired with unusual behaviors like persistent grass eating, fatigue, or exercise intolerance, heartworm testing becomes important. This condition is preventable but serious and requires medical treatment.

Read more: Dog Hacking Cough and Drooling (What it means)

What to Do If Your Dog Is Hacking and Eating Grass 

If your dog has a mild hacking cough and is eating grass occasionally but otherwise seems bright and comfortable, you can begin supportive care at home.

Start by limiting access to large amounts of grass, because swallowing too much can trigger vomiting or worsen throat irritation.

Offer small, frequent meals of a bland diet if you suspect mild stomach upset. Keeping your dog hydrated is important, especially if coughing makes them swallow frequently. Rest is also crucial—avoid vigorous activity, running, or barking sessions that can aggravate the airway.

A humid environment or a short session in a steamy bathroom can help soothe a dry hacking cough. If allergies are suspected, wiping your dog down after outdoor walks may reduce exposure to allergens that inflame the throat or stomach.

Monitor closely for changes in breathing, energy, appetite, and stool quality. A dog who is otherwise acting normal can often be monitored for 24–48 hours while you provide gentle home care.

When to Call or Visit Your Vet 

You should contact your vet if your dog’s hacking cough worsens, becomes more frequent, or is accompanied by distress such as open-mouth breathing or wheezing.

Sudden coughing fits after being outside, especially in tall grass, may indicate a lodged plant material that requires immediate removal.

Persistent grass eating that becomes obsessive or leads to vomiting is another warning sign.

If the stomach upset intensifies, or if your dog shows diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, a more serious gastrointestinal or respiratory issue may be developing.

Dogs who show signs of fever, thick nasal discharge, or difficulty settling down at night may be progressing toward an infection requiring medication.

Puppies, seniors, and unvaccinated dogs should be evaluated sooner rather than later because their symptoms can escalate quickly.

Read more: Dog Hacking Cough and Diarrhea (Signs you shouldn’t ignore)

Key Takeaway 

A dog hacking cough and eating grass can stem from simple causes like mild airway irritation or an upset stomach, but it can also signal infections, allergies, parasites, or foreign objects.

Paying attention to your dog’s energy level, appetite, breathing, and frequency of symptoms helps you determine whether home care is enough or if veterinary attention is needed.

When in doubt, or if symptoms worsen, your veterinarian can diagnose the underlying issue and guide you toward the safest, fastest path to recovery.