Dog Throwing Up and Coughing: Causes + What To Do

1. Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

A very common cause of dog coughing and vomiting is kennel cough, a contagious upper respiratory infection.

It spreads quickly in environments where dogs are in close quarters, like kennels, dog parks, or shelters.

Symptoms of kennel cough include:

• Dry, honking cough

• Retching or gagging (which may cause vomiting)

• Sneezing

• Nasal discharge

The coughing in kennel cough can be so intense it triggers the dog to vomit, especially after eating, drinking, or excitement.

Though it often resolves on its own in mild cases, severe or prolonged symptoms should be checked by a vet.

Related: Dog throwing up and shaking head (Explained)

2. Canine Influenza or Respiratory Infections

Viral and bacterial respiratory infections in dogs can also cause a combination of vomiting and coughing.

Infections like canine influenza affect the respiratory tract, and coughing may be accompanied by phlegm or mucus.

If your dog swallows mucus during coughing, it may cause nausea or vomiting.

Symptoms of respiratory infections include:

• Persistent moist or dry cough

• Vomiting due to throat irritation

• Fever or lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Nasal and eye discharge

Respiratory infections can worsen quickly in puppies, senior dogs, or immunocompromised pets, so it’s best to seek veterinary care promptly.

3. Foreign Body Obstruction or Choking

Sometimes, dogs cough and vomit because they’ve inhaled or swallowed a foreign object.

For example, a small toy, stick, or even a piece of bone can become lodged in the throat, triggering coughing fits and vomiting from gag reflex.

Signs of choking or obstruction include:

• Sudden, intense coughing

• Drooling

• Vomiting or retching

• Difficulty breathing

• Pawing at the mouth

This is an emergency. If you suspect your dog may be choking, contact your vet or emergency animal services immediately.

Related: Dog throwing up and panting (Explained)

4. Reverse Sneezing (Pharyngeal Gag Reflex)

Sometimes confused with dog throwing up and coughing, reverse sneezing is a sudden, forceful inhalation that can sound like choking or gagging. It occurs when the soft palate becomes irritated.

Though it can cause a dog to cough, retch, or appear to vomit, it usually passes in a few seconds and isn’t dangerous.

However, frequent episodes may indicate an underlying irritant or allergy.

5. Tracheal Collapse

In small breed dogs, especially older ones like Yorkies or Pomeranians, tracheal collapse is a condition where the windpipe weakens and flattens during breathing.

This causes a chronic honking cough and may induce vomiting due to throat irritation.

Symptoms of tracheal collapse include:

• Harsh, dry cough (often worsens with excitement)

• Vomiting after coughing spells

• Breathing difficulty

• Exercise intolerance

While it can often be managed with medication, some dogs may require surgery or lifestyle changes.

6. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)

Another reason your dog is throwing up and coughing could be acid reflux or GERD.

This occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating the throat and causing coughing.

In turn, the irritation may cause the dog to vomit yellow bile or foam.

Common signs of GERD in dogs:

• Burping or gagging

• Vomiting bile (especially on an empty stomach)

• Chronic cough or throat clearing

• Lip licking and swallowing frequently

Dogs with GERD often cough after meals or at night when lying down.

A vet can confirm the diagnosis and may recommend diet changes or medication.

Related: Dog throwing up and not eating (Explained)

7. Heart Disease

In some cases, coughing and vomiting in dogs can point to heart issues, especially in older dogs.

When the heart enlarges or fails to pump blood efficiently, fluid can accumulate in the lungs, leading to coughing.

In severe cases, this can cause nausea and vomiting due to reduced oxygenation or side effects of medications.

Warning signs of heart disease:

• Persistent coughing (especially at night)

• Lethargy or exercise intolerance

• Loss of appetite

• Vomiting

• Difficulty breathing or bluish gums

Heart disease needs prompt diagnosis and long-term management.

8. Ingestion of Toxins or Irritants

If your dog is coughing and throwing up suddenly, think about whether they could have ingested something toxic or irritating, such as cleaning products, smoke, chemicals, or even spoiled food.

Toxins can inflame both the digestive and respiratory systems.

Symptoms may include:

• Vomiting and coughing

• Excessive drooling

• Seizures or tremors

• Collapse

• Bleeding from mouth or nose

This is another emergency situation. Call your vet or a poison control hotline immediately.

When to Worry About Your Dog Throwing Up and Coughing

Occasional coughing or vomiting might not be cause for panic, but if the symptoms persist or appear together frequently, it’s time to get professional help.

You should see a vet if:

• Your dog has a persistent or worsening cough

• Vomiting occurs more than once in a day

• There’s blood in the vomit or mucus

• Your dog seems lethargic, feverish, or in pain

• Breathing is labored or noisy

• Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has other health issues

What You Can Do at Home

Before visiting the vet, you can take a few steps to help manage the situation:

• Keep your dog calm to avoid aggravating cough or vomiting.

• Remove access to food for 6-12 hours if vomiting, then offer a bland diet (e.g., boiled chicken and rice).

• Ensure fresh water is available, but monitor drinking to avoid overconsumption after vomiting.

• Avoid using strong household chemicals that might irritate the airways.

• Note any other symptoms, recent changes in diet, environment, or exposure to other dogs.

All of this information will be helpful to your veterinarian during diagnosis.

Key Takeaway

While occasional coughing or vomiting might be nothing serious, dog throwing up and coughing at the same time is not something to ignore. These symptoms together can indicate anything from respiratory infections and acid reflux to tracheal collapse or poisoning.

It’s important to observe the frequency, severity, and timing of symptoms. If they persist, worsen, or occur with other signs like lethargy, difficulty breathing, or loss of appetite, seek veterinary attention immediately.

By recognizing the possible causes of vomiting and coughing in dogs and acting quickly, you can help keep your dog healthy, safe, and comfortable.