My Dog Keeps Gagging but Doesn’t Throw Up – Top 3 Reasons Why

Here are a few common reasons that may explain dogs that keep gagging but don’t throw up.

1. Respiratory infections like kennel cough

The constant gagging could be a result of respiratory infections. Kennel cough is one of the most common infections, especially for shelter dogs, and can result in gagging and coughing that sounds very harsh. The infection may be irritating enough to cause a gag but enough for dogs to feel like they need to throw up. Other potential causes include infections like pneumonia.

2. Blockage in the mouth or throat

Dogs may also gag constantly if there is a foreign object stuck in their mouth or throat. The gagging could be an attempt to dislodge whatever is stuck. In addition to the constant gagging, dogs may also drool excessively if something, such as a bandaid, gets stuck in their throat. The dog wouldn’t necessarily throw up in such cases as the ‘blockage’ is happening at the upper half of their gastrointestinal tract.

3. Laryngeal paralysis

Some dogs may keep gagging but not throw up due to the effects of laryngeal paralysis. This condition is when the dog’s larynx (voice box) doesn’t function properly. It reduces the dog’s ability to breathe properly (hence the constant gagging). Dogs can get laryngeal paralysis for a number of reasons. One common cause is trauma to the dog’s throat. Tumors may also increase the risk of laryngeal paralysis.