Why Is My Dog Dry Heaving? Causes & Solutions

When your dog experiences dry heaving, it means they are attempting to vomit but nothing comes up. This can be alarming for any pet parent, as it often indicates underlying discomfort or a more serious health issue. While occasional dry heaving can occur for minor reasons, persistent or severe episodes warrant a closer look from a veterinarian.

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Common Reasons for Dog Dry Heaving

Dry heaving in dogs, also known as dog retching or dog gagging, is a symptom that can stem from a variety of causes. It’s important to differentiate this from dog vomiting, where stomach contents are expelled. Dry heaving is essentially an unproductive attempt to vomit, often accompanied by straining and retching noises. Understanding the potential triggers is key to providing appropriate care.

1. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV)

Bloat is a life-threatening condition where a dog’s stomach fills with gas and fluid, and then twists on itself. This is a medical emergency. The twisted stomach cuts off blood supply and prevents gas from escaping. Dog gagging and dry heaving are classic signs of GDV. Other symptoms include restlessness, panting, a distended abdomen, and unproductive attempts to vomit.

• How it happens: Deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Saint Bernards are more prone to bloat. Eating large meals quickly, exercising immediately after eating, and eating fermented foods can increase the risk.
• What to do: If you suspect bloat, rush your dog to the nearest veterinary emergency clinic immediately. Time is critical.

2. Esophageal Issues

The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Any obstruction or irritation in this pathway can lead to dry heaving.

Esophageal Obstruction (Choking)

This is a common cause of dog choking and dry heaving. When a dog swallows something too large or something that gets lodged in the esophagus, they will often retch and gag.

• Common culprits: Bones, toys, pieces of rawhide, or even large chunks of food.
• Signs: Pawing at the mouth, drooling, pawing at the throat, visible distress, and violent dog gagging.
• Immediate action: If you see something lodged in your dog’s throat, attempt to remove it carefully if visible and safe to do so. If you can’t dislodge it or your dog is struggling to breathe, seek veterinary help immediately.

Esophagitis (Inflammation of the Esophagus)

Inflammation of the esophagus can cause pain and discomfort, leading to dry heaving.

• Causes: Ingestion of caustic substances (like cleaning products), very hot food or liquids, foreign objects that scratch the lining, or certain medications.
• Symptoms: Difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing, increased drooling, and repeated attempts to swallow or retch.

Megaesophagus

This is a condition where the esophagus enlarges and loses its ability to effectively move food into the stomach. Food can get stuck, causing regurgitation and dry heaving.

• How it’s identified: Usually diagnosed through X-rays and barium swallow studies.
• Management: Requires dietary management, often feeding from an elevated position, and sometimes medication.

3. Gastrointestinal Upset

Various dog stomach issues can manifest as dry heaving.

Nausea

Feeling nauseous is a primary driver for dog retching. This can be caused by many things, from dietary indiscretions to more serious illnesses.

• Common causes of nausea: Eating something disagreeable, motion sickness, certain medications, pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver disease, and viral infections.
• Associated symptoms: Lethargy, loss of appetite, drooling, and sometimes diarrhea.

Gastritis

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. This can cause significant discomfort and lead to dry heaving.

• Triggers: Eating spoiled food, sudden diet changes, ingesting toxins, bacterial infections, or certain parasites.
• Other signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite.

Intestinal Blockage

If your dog swallows something that partially or completely obstructs their intestines, it can cause severe nausea and vomiting, including dry heaving.

• What to look for: Vomiting that progresses from food to bile and then becomes unproductive (dry heaving), abdominal pain, lethargy, and lack of bowel movements.
• Action: This is a surgical emergency. Seek immediate veterinary care.

4. Respiratory Issues

Problems in the airways can sometimes mimic the symptoms of dog vomiting or dry heaving.

Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

This highly contagious respiratory infection causes inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. A hallmark symptom is a harsh, dry dog coughing that can often end in a gagging or retching motion, appearing like dry heaving.

• Symptoms: A persistent, honking cough, sometimes followed by gagging or retching. Other signs can include nasal discharge and lethargy.
• Treatment: Rest, hydration, and sometimes cough suppressants or antibiotics, depending on severity and secondary infections.

Collapsed Trachea

Common in small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers and Pugs, this condition involves the weakening of the cartilage rings that keep the trachea open.

• What happens: The trachea can collapse inward, obstructing airflow and causing coughing, gagging, and retching, especially when excited, pulling on a leash, or breathing heavily.
• Triggers: Exercise, excitement, pressure on the collar, or obesity.
• Management: Weight management, avoiding triggers, and sometimes medication or surgery.

Bronchitis or Pneumonia

Inflammation or infection in the bronchial tubes or lungs can lead to coughing and irritation that triggers a gag reflex.

• Signs: Persistent cough, difficulty breathing, fever, lethargy, and sometimes nasal discharge.
• Diagnosis and Treatment: Requires veterinary examination, often including chest X-rays, and antibiotic treatment.

Allergies or Irritants

Inhaling allergens (like pollen or dust) or irritants (like smoke or strong perfumes) can cause dog throat irritation, leading to coughing and gagging.

• How it presents: Seasonal coughing or gagging episodes, especially after exposure to certain environmental factors.
• Solution: Identifying and removing the irritant or allergen, and potential allergy medication.

5. Foreign Body in the Throat or Upper Airway

Beyond the esophagus, a foreign object lodged in the nasal passages or pharynx can also cause significant irritation and dog gagging.

• Examples: Grass seeds, small toys, blades of grass, or food particles.
• Symptoms: Pawing at the face, sneezing, reverse sneezing, nasal discharge (sometimes with blood), and retching.
• Action: If you suspect a foreign object, it’s best to seek veterinary attention for safe removal.

6. Motion Sickness

Many dogs experience nausea during car rides, which can manifest as dry heaving.

• Causes: Similar to humans, it’s related to the inner ear and the conflict between visual input and the body’s sense of movement.
• Symptoms: Drooling, panting, lethargy, vomiting, and dog gagging while traveling.
• Remedies: Anti-nausea medications prescribed by your vet, acclimating the dog to the car gradually, keeping windows open for fresh air, and avoiding feeding before travel.

7. Reverse Sneezing

Often mistaken for gagging or choking, reverse sneezing is a common, usually harmless, phenomenon in dogs, particularly brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds. It’s characterized by sudden, rapid inhalations through the nose, sounding like honking or gasping. While not true dry heaving, the panicked reaction from the dog and owner can make it seem similar.

• What it is: Spasmodic contractions of the throat muscles and larynx.
• Triggers: Excitement, allergies, irritants in the air, or drinking water too fast.
• What to do: Remain calm. Gently massaging the dog’s throat or covering their nostrils briefly can sometimes help stop an episode.

8. Neurological Issues

Less commonly, neurological conditions affecting the brain or the nerves controlling the throat and vomiting reflex can cause dry heaving.

• Examples: Brain tumors, infections affecting the nervous system, or vestibular disease.
• Associated signs: Head tilting, loss of balance, abnormal eye movements (nystagmus), or paralysis.
• Diagnosis: Requires advanced veterinary diagnostics, including neurological exams and potentially imaging.

Diagnosing the Cause of Dry Heaving

When your dog is dry heaving, a thorough veterinary examination is crucial to pinpoint the exact cause. The vet will gather information about the onset, frequency, and any accompanying symptoms.

Veterinary Examination Steps

1. History Taking: The vet will ask detailed questions about your dog’s diet, activity level, any recent changes, known or suspected ingestions, vaccination status, and medical history. They will specifically inquire about the nature of the dry heaving, its duration, and any other symptoms you’ve observed, such as dog coughing, changes in appetite, or lethargy.
2. Physical Examination: A head-to-tail physical exam will be performed, including checking vital signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate), palpating the abdomen for pain or distension, examining the mouth and throat for foreign objects or irritation, and listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
3. Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the suspected cause, various tests may be recommended:
   • Blood Work (Complete Blood Count – CBC & Biochemistry Profile): To assess overall health, check for infections, inflammation, organ function (kidneys, liver), and electrolyte imbalances.
   • Urinalysis: To evaluate kidney function and check for signs of infection or metabolic disease.
   • Fecal Examination: To rule out intestinal parasites that can cause gastrointestinal upset.
   • X-rays (Radiographs): Essential for diagnosing obstructions, bloat, pneumonia, or identifying foreign bodies in the chest or abdomen.
   • Barium Swallow Study: If an esophageal issue like megaesophagus or stricture is suspected, this contrast study helps visualize the esophagus’s structure and function.
   • Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera can be used to directly visualize the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine, allowing for biopsy collection or foreign body removal.
   • Ultrasound: Provides detailed images of abdominal organs to help diagnose issues like pancreatitis, masses, or fluid accumulation.

Solutions and Treatments for Dry Heaving

The treatment for dry heaving depends entirely on the underlying cause.

Immediate Actions for Owners

• Stay Calm: Your dog can sense your anxiety.
• Assess the Situation: Look for any obvious signs of choking or distress.
• Do Not Force Food or Water: If your dog is severely retching, forcing anything by mouth could worsen the situation.
• Contact Your Veterinarian: Especially if the dry heaving is frequent, severe, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Veterinary Treatments

• For Bloat (GDV): Emergency surgery is required to de-rotate the stomach and perform a gastropexy to prevent future twisting. Supportive care, including IV fluids and pain management, is vital.
• For Esophageal Obstruction: Depending on the location and nature of the object, it may be removed endoscopically or surgically.
• For Esophagitis: Treatment may involve dietary changes (bland, soft food), medications to reduce stomach acid, and pain relief.
• For Kennel Cough: Rest, good nutrition, and sometimes cough suppressants or bronchodilators. Antibiotics are used if a secondary bacterial infection is present.
• For Collapsed Trachea: Management often involves weight control, avoiding irritants and strenuous activity, and using a harness instead of a collar. Medications like cough suppressants or bronchodilators may be prescribed. In severe cases, surgery might be considered.
• For Gastrointestinal Issues (Gastritis, Nausea): Treatment can range from dietary adjustments (bland, easily digestible food), anti-nausea medications, antacids, and specific treatments for underlying conditions like pancreatitis or infections. IV fluids are often necessary for dehydration.
• For Intestinal Blockage: Surgical intervention is usually required to remove the obstruction and assess for any intestinal damage.
• For Respiratory Issues (Pneumonia, Bronchitis): Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, nebulization, and supportive care are common treatments.

Home Care and Prevention

• Dietary Management:
  • Feed smaller, more frequent meals to reduce stomach distension.
  • Avoid feeding immediately before or after strenuous exercise.
  • Use slow-feeder bowls for dogs that eat too quickly.
  • Consider elevated feeding bowls if recommended by your vet, particularly for breeds prone to bloat or with esophageal issues.
  • Ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
• Environmental Control:
  • Keep your dog away from potential toxins and irritants.
  • If allergies are suspected, work with your vet to identify and manage them.
• Supervision:
  • Supervise your dog during play, especially with toys that can be broken into small pieces.
  • Store potentially harmful items out of reach.
• Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Routine visits allow for early detection and management of potential health problems.

When to Worry About Dry Heaving

While occasional dry heaving might not be cause for immediate alarm, you should contact your veterinarian if you observe any of the following:

• Frequent or Persistent Episodes: Dry heaving that occurs multiple times a day or lasts for more than a day.
• Accompanying Symptoms: Lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting (especially with blood), diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, pale gums, or weakness.
• Suspected Foreign Body: If you believe your dog has swallowed something it shouldn’t have.
• Breathing Difficulties: Any signs of distress or struggling to breathe.
• Abdominal Distension: A visibly swollen or hard abdomen.
• Bloody Stool or Vomit: This indicates more serious internal bleeding.
• Changes in Behavior: Extreme restlessness or apparent discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can anxiety cause my dog to dry heave?
A1: While extreme stress can sometimes manifest in physical symptoms, significant dry heaving is more commonly linked to physiological causes. However, in some cases, severe anxiety or excitement might trigger a gag reflex, especially in dogs prone to conditions like collapsed trachea.

Q2: My dog dry heaved after eating too fast. What should I do?
A2: If your dog ate too quickly and then dry heaved, it’s likely due to swallowing air or a large food bolus. Try offering smaller amounts of food more frequently, and consider using a slow-feeder bowl. If it happens repeatedly or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your vet to rule out underlying issues.

Q3: Is dry heaving the same as choking?
A3: Dry heaving is an attempt to vomit without producing anything. Choking is when an object obstructs the airway, preventing breathing. While both can involve gagging and distress, choking is a critical airway emergency. Sometimes, an object lodged in the throat can cause both choking and subsequent dry heaving.

Q4: My puppy is dry heaving. Is this common?
A4: Puppies can experience dry heaving for many of the same reasons as adult dogs, including ingesting something inappropriate, mild gastrointestinal upset, or respiratory irritation. However, puppies are also more susceptible to certain infections and can be more prone to swallowing small objects. It’s always best to consult your veterinarian if you notice concerning symptoms in a puppy.

Q5: Can I give my dog over-the-counter medication for dry heaving?
A5: It is strongly advised not to give your dog any over-the-counter medications without consulting your veterinarian. Many human medications are toxic to dogs, and even seemingly harmless ones can mask symptoms or interact negatively with potential treatments. Your vet can diagnose the cause and prescribe the appropriate and safe medication.

By staying vigilant, observing your dog closely, and seeking prompt veterinary care when necessary, you can help ensure your furry companion receives the best possible care for any episode of dry heaving.