Hearing an old dog making hacking noises can be alarming for any dog owner. These noises can sound like choking, gagging, or even coughing, and they often leave you worried about your dog’s comfort and health.
We outline the common causes of hacking noises in old dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Table of Contents
Old Dog Making Hacking Noises — Why It Happens
Hacking in older dogs is often linked to issues like respiratory infections, kennel cough, collapsing trachea, allergies, or even heart disease. Some cases are minor and temporary, while others may signal a serious underlying health condition.
Old Dog Making Hacking Noises: Common Causes
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, can cause a hacking cough in older dogs. These infections irritate the airways, leading to persistent coughing that may sound harsh or hacking in nature.
You might also notice symptoms like nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, or reduced appetite. In older dogs, infections can progress more quickly because their immune systems are not as strong as when they were younger.
Leaving a respiratory infection untreated may result in complications like fluid buildup in the lungs, which can become life-threatening.
Read more: Old Dog Coughing and Gagging (What it means)
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a common contagious illness that causes a loud, honking or hacking cough. While it’s often seen in dogs exposed to boarding facilities, even older dogs with limited exposure can catch it from contact with infected dogs in parks or public areas.
The condition irritates the trachea and bronchi, causing repeated hacking episodes that sound distressing but may not always be accompanied by other symptoms.
Although kennel cough often resolves on its own, it can be more dangerous in senior dogs because of their age and weaker immune response. It’s important to keep a close eye on your dog’s overall condition if kennel cough is suspected.
Collapsing Trachea
Collapsing trachea is a chronic condition where the cartilage rings of the trachea weaken, causing the airway to partially collapse. This is especially common in small breed dogs as they age.
The most recognizable symptom is a honking, hacking noise, especially when your dog is excited, exercising, or pulling on a leash. The cough often worsens at night or when the dog is lying down.
In older dogs, this condition can significantly affect quality of life and may worsen over time. Treatment can help manage symptoms, but in severe cases, surgery may be needed.
Allergies and Environmental Irritants
Just like people, older dogs can develop allergies or sensitivities to things in their environment. Dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, or strong household cleaners can all irritate the airways and lead to hacking noises.
The coughing may be intermittent and more noticeable at certain times of year or in specific environments. You might also notice sneezing, watery eyes, or itching alongside the hacking sounds.
While not usually life-threatening, chronic irritation can reduce your dog’s comfort and should be addressed, especially if symptoms are frequent or worsening.
Heart Disease
In senior dogs, heart disease is a serious but often overlooked cause of hacking or coughing. When the heart is not pumping efficiently, fluid can build up in the lungs or around the heart, triggering coughing and hacking noises.
You may notice that your dog hacks more at night or after physical activity. Other signs of heart disease include fatigue, fainting spells, and labored breathing.
Because heart disease can progress quickly without treatment, it’s critical to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian if you suspect this may be the cause.
Foreign Object in the Airway
Sometimes, an old dog may inhale or swallow something that becomes lodged in the throat or airway. Even a small piece of food, grass, or toy fragment can cause repeated hacking or gagging noises.
This is usually an emergency, especially if your dog is struggling to breathe or appears panicked. In some cases, the object may move and cause intermittent symptoms, making it difficult to pinpoint.
Older dogs are more vulnerable to complications from choking, so immediate veterinary attention is essential if you suspect a blockage.
What to Do If Your Old Dog Is Making Hacking Noises
If your old dog is making hacking noises, the first step is to observe when the noises occur and how severe they are.
Note whether they happen during exercise, at night, after eating, or in specific environments. Keeping track of these patterns can help your vet make a more accurate diagnosis.
At home, ensure your dog has a clean, smoke-free environment with minimal dust or strong odors. Using a humidifier may help if dry air seems to trigger coughing.
Keeping your dog’s weight healthy and avoiding tight collars can also reduce strain on the airways, especially for those with a collapsing trachea.
If you suspect kennel cough or a mild respiratory issue, keeping your dog rested and hydrated can help while monitoring for signs of worsening.
For allergies, limiting exposure to irritants or using air purifiers may reduce symptoms.
However, never attempt to medicate your dog with human cough medicine or over-the-counter remedies without veterinary guidance. Many are unsafe for dogs, especially seniors with underlying health issues.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If your old dog’s hacking is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, a veterinary visit is essential.
Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog has difficulty breathing, collapses, or if you suspect a foreign object in the airway. These situations can be life-threatening and require emergency care.
Schedule a vet appointment if the hacking lasts more than a few days, is disrupting your dog’s sleep, or is accompanied by signs like lethargy, reduced appetite, weight loss, or fainting.
These may point to conditions like heart disease or pneumonia that need prompt treatment.
Even if the symptoms seem mild, it’s always better to err on the side of caution with an older dog. Age makes them more vulnerable to complications, and early diagnosis can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
Read more: Old Dog Breathing Heavy and Not Eating (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
Hacking noises in an old dog may sound alarming, but understanding the possible causes can help you take the right steps. From respiratory infections to heart disease or a collapsing trachea, the reasons can vary widely in severity.
At home, you can make your dog more comfortable by keeping their environment clean, reducing exposure to irritants, and monitoring their behavior closely.
But the most important step is to involve your veterinarian, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.
Your old dog depends on you to notice changes and act quickly, and with the right care, you can help them stay comfortable and safe well into their senior years.
Would you like me to also draft meta description + SEO title for this blog so it’s fully optimized for WordPress?