Kennel Cough Dry Heaving in Pets: Causes and Veterinary Care

Kennel cough dry heaving can be a distressing sight for pet owners. It's a common symptom of kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection.

Kennel cough, also known as Bordetella, is caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. This bacteria is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected animal or by airborne transmission.

Symptoms of kennel cough can include dry heaving, coughing, and runny discharge from the eyes and nose.

See what others are reading: Kennel Cough Bacteria

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetellabronchiseptica.

This bacterium has a unique ability to bind to the cilia in the mucociliary escalator, immobilizing them and causing mucus to accumulate in the trachea.

The accumulated mucus must be coughed up, leading to the characteristic dry, hacking cough associated with kennel cough.

Bordetella bacteria also disable the immune cells that line the trachea, making it difficult for the body to fight off the infection.

Most young and otherwise healthy dogs can clear the infection before it gets worse, but in some cases, kennel cough can turn into a more serious infection like pneumonia.

Worth a look: Dog Upper Respiratory Infection vs Kennel Cough

Coughing in dogs can be a sign of kennel cough, but it's not the only symptom. A coughing dog will typically make short, hacking sounds accompanied by movement of the chest.

Sometimes, a coughing dog will bring up mucus, which they might swallow again or spit out.

Dry coughing is common, but it's worth noting that productive coughing, where mucus is brought up, can also occur.

Gagging often accompanies coughing, and can be identified by a dog opening their mouth wide and making a retching or hacking sound.

If your dog is gagging, they may not bring anything up, or they might expel a little saliva, mucous, or white foam.

Here are some worrisome symptoms that don't necessarily require an emergency room visit:

Kennel cough dry heaving is caused by a viral or bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system.

The most common culprit behind kennel cough is the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria.

This infection triggers a violent cough that can lead to dry heaving, as the dog's body tries to expel the irritant.

The trachea, or windpipe, is the primary site of infection, where the bacteria attach to the mucous membranes and start to multiply.

The subsequent inflammation and mucus production cause the coughing and heaving that are characteristic of kennel cough.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Dog Dry Heaving

A cough is a complex process that involves multiple parts of the body working together. The diaphragm muscle contracts, filling the lungs with air, which then gets squeezed upward and outward.

The larynx closes and then opens rapidly, creating a force that pressurizes the lung air. This pressure helps to remove unwanted substances from the airways.

The nerves in the larynx and airways can trigger a cough in response to irritation or the presence of foreign particles. This is why a cough is often a reflexive response to something that shouldn't be in the airways.

The anatomy of a cough involves the coordination of the diaphragm, larynx, and nerves. It's a remarkable process that helps to keep our airways clear.

In some cases, a cough can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as a respiratory infection or pneumonia. If your dog is coughing persistently, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues.

Pet tracheal collapse is a condition where the cartilage rings in the trachea weaken and become soft, often occurring in small dogs.

The trachea is the biggest tube in a dog's airways, carrying inhaled air from the nasal cavity to the lungs.

As dogs age, the cartilage rings in the trachea can become flattened, narrowing the space inside the trachea and making it harder for air to pass through.

Difficulty breathing, vomiting, and a harsh, dry cough are common signs of tracheal collapse in pets.

All dogs can develop tracheal collapse, but the risk is higher in older dogs and small breed dogs.

Keeping your pet at an ideal body weight and avoiding lung irritants like smoke and strong scents can help minimize the likelihood of a collapsing trachea.

Dogs can cough for a variety of reasons, and understanding the type of cough can help you determine the cause. A deep and dry cough in dogs can be related to dog allergies.

A deep and dry cough can also be a sign of chronic bronchitis in more serious cases. I've seen dogs with allergies develop chronic bronchitis over time, so it's essential to monitor their symptoms.

A deep and honking cough could point to an issue in your dog's upper respiratory system and upper airway. This type of cough is often a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

Wet and phlegmy coughs are often a sign of phlegm in your dog's system. This can be a sign of pneumonia in serious cases, and it's essential to seek veterinary care if you notice this type of cough.

If something is stuck in your dog's throat, they might make a high-pitched gagging sound.

If your dog is coughing up white foam, it's essential to call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment. A dry cough followed by gagging up white foam is often kennel cough.

In non-emergent cases, you can try offering your dog a small amount of food after one or two instances of vomiting, but if they vomit more than twice in a day, vomit for multiple days, or develop additional symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Work closely with your veterinarian to develop a treatment and/or management plan for your dog's coughing and gagging. With the right care, your dog's condition can improve significantly, and in some cases, the coughing and gagging may even go away entirely.

For your interest: Dog Coughing up Spit

Work with your veterinarian to figure out what's going on with your senior dog's coughing and gagging. They can help you develop a treatment and/or management plan.

Review the difference between coughing, gagging, and vomiting before the appointment so you can use the right terms. This will help your vet understand what's happening with your dog.

Here's an interesting read: Why Do Dogs Cough after Drinking Water

Take a video to show to your vet if you're not sure what you're seeing. This can be a big help in diagnosing the issue.

Your vet can work with you to develop a plan even if the news is bad, such as if your dog is in congestive heart failure or has cancer. There are still ways to help keep your dog's quality of life as good as possible.

If your dog is having trouble breathing, immediately contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic. Being vigilant and acting quickly might just save your dog's life.

If your dog is coughing up white foam, it's essential to take action. A dry cough followed by gagging up white foam is often kennel cough and may be accompanied by mild discharge from the eyes and nose.

You'll want to call your veterinarian to get an appointment scheduled, even if it's just a non-emergent case. Collapsing trachea, which is common in small dogs, can cause a dry, honking cough when your dog is excited.

For more insights, see: Dog Reverse Sneezing and Vomiting White Foam

If your dog vomits once or twice but is otherwise normal, you can offer them a small amount of food and monitor throughout the day. However, if they vomit more than twice in a day, vomit for multiple days, or develop additional symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Causes of coughing white foam include kennel cough or respiratory viruses, heart disease, pneumonia, and collapsing trachea.

Here are some common signs that warrant a vet visit:

You can always call your veterinary clinic for help determining if your pet should be seen immediately.