Could My Dog’s Gagging and Sharp Inhales Indicate Kennel Cough?

Dear VetBabble, My Beloved Canine Seems to Be Gagging and Inhaling Sharply. Could It Possibly Be Kennel Cough?

We understand the worry and the feeling of uncertainty you might be going through when your furry family member starts acting differently or showing distressing symptoms. Let’s dive into this and explore the possible causes that might make a dog gasping for air and hacking, such as kennel cough, and how we can ensure their wellbeing.

1. Recognizing Health Abnormalities in Dogs: Is It Kennel Cough?

For those unfamiliar, kennel cough is a type of respiratory infection affecting dogs. However, it is not the only reason your pet may be hacking and gasping. You may want to read our comprehensive guide on Coughing in Dogs: Types, Diagnoses and Treatment for a broader understanding of this symptom. Now coming back to kennel cough, this ailment is most commonly caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica. Other times, even certain types of virus can cause this issue. Dogs in close contact with infected canines, particularly in environments like doggy daycares or kennels, are at higher risk for kennel cough. Symptoms of kennel cough may include a strong cough (sometimes described as a honking sound), runny nose, sneezing, loss of appetite, and lethargy. If you’ve noticed your dog is showcasing these symptoms, you might find our piece on Bordetella: How to Treat and Prevent Kennel Cough in Dogs informative and helpful.

2. Other Possible Health Problems: Is My Dog Sick?

While kennel cough could potentially be the culprit, there are numerous other illnesses a pitty, or any dog breed for that matter, could be suffering from. The symptoms you described could mimic other diseases or health issues like a common cold in dogs. You can explore more on this topic in Does My Dog Have a Cold?, where we dive deep into recognizing, treating, and preventing a cold in dogs.

3. Digestive Health: Can Gasping Be due to Gastric Issues?

While hacking and gasping are often linked to respiratory issues, make sure that these symptoms aren’t due to gastric issues. Unexpected changes in your dog’s diet, consumption of inappropriate food, or a health issue could cause gas build-up, leading to discomfort and possible hacking or gasping. Check our brief guide on How Do I Stop My Dog Farting All The Time? to comprehensively understand canine digestive problems. Regardless of the underlying cause, if your pet is persistently coughing, gasping, or exhibiting other concerning symptoms, please seek immediate veterinary attention. By understanding your pet’s normal behavior, you would be more tuned in to recognizing when something isn’t right and seeking appropriate care. Keep in mind that while we’re here to provide general advice and insights, nothing replaces an in-person examination by a qualified vet, as symptoms can be ambiguous and could be a signal of different health issues. Thanks for being a responsible pet parent, we appreciate your dedication to your furry friend’s wellbeing!