Why does my dog choke for no reason?
My dog often sounds like he is choking, or makes short coughing sounds. Why does he do this if he is not actually choking? Is something wrong?
2 Answers
If it's a deep, honking cough with bouts of hacking, followed by gagging, the it could be highly contagious kennel cough. Other coughs may be signs of infections or viruses. If he has a fever, isn't eating normally, seems extra tired, cough lasts more than a week, or other health problems are present, then it's time to see a vet.
Some small breeds have a narrow trachea that flaps, or collapses, when they get excited. My dog has this. I have taken her to the vet and they said not to worry. When it is allergy season the vet has given her a steroid that has opened her airway more, and the choking occurs less frequently.