Why is my dog wheezing and gagging

Have you noticed your dog wheezing often lately? Has this just started recently, or is it a long-term issue? Although you should always take your dog to the vet if you notice any new, concerning symptoms, it’s also a good idea to inform yourself about the possible problems related to wheezing in your furry friend.

5 Causes of Dog Wheezing

In this article, we will explore five of the most common causes of wheezing in dogs. Some of these are less troubling than others, but all of them may be able to be managed or even fully treated with proper vet care.

Allergies

Allergies are the most common cause of wheezing in dogs. Many dogs who have seasonal allergies may develop wheezing as one of their symptoms during the times of year when pollen counts are at their highest. The same may be true of contact allergies or exposure to any other allergens that could make their way into your dog’s space.

Dogs with flat faces or short snouts may be more prone to wheezing from allergies than others, as well. If you have a dog with this type of face or snout, be aware that wheezing during allergy season may be a common problem for your pet.

Inhaled Blockage

In some cases, dogs may inhale a foreign object which can then become lodged in their nasal passages or windpipe. This often happens when dogs eat too quickly and inhale while eating, causing food pieces to become stuck where they shouldn’t be. However, it can also occur if your dog tries to swallow a piece of a broken toy, a stick, or any other item that he shouldn’t.

If this occurs, you will need to take your dog to the emergency vet for the blockage to be removed. Your dog may not be able to stop wheezing until he receives vet treatment for the problem.

Heartworms

Unfortunately, heartworms may also be a cause of dog wheezing. Heartworms may eventually travel from the dog’s heart to his lungs as well as other organs throughout his body. This is an advanced stage of heartworm disease, but it is still manageable with the help of regular vet care.

Dogs who have heartworms severe enough to cause wheezing will most likely never be completely healed from this disease. However, your vet can work with you to figure out the best way to manage his symptoms and help him breathe more easily as well.

Nasal Mites

Nasal mites are a less troubling problem than heartworms, but they still require vet care to treat and heal your dog. Nasal mites may cause your dog to wheeze frequently and can also cause him to scratch his face or rub his snout on the floor or furniture often. Be on the lookout for these symptoms if you think your dog may have nasal mites.

Nasal mites are not a major problem, but they can spread from dog to dog. If one of your dogs has nasal mites, it is very likely your other dogs will develop this type of infection too.

Take note that nasal mites can also cause reverse sneezing, which is different from wheezing but may seem similar to those who are inexperienced with observing this type of behavior.

Although reverse sneezing can look and sound upsetting, it isn’t anything too serious on its own. Your vet can give you more information about this symptom if it is something your dog deals with.

Heart Disease

Dogs with heart disease may develop wheezing after some time. This is not one of the first signs of heart disease, but it also isn’t one of the final ones. It generally develops partway through the progression of the disease for most dogs.

If your dog is diagnosed with heart disease, your vet will be able to help you choose what the best course of action may be for you and your pet moving forward.

Some dogs may have a collapsing trachea, which can occur with or without the presence of heart disease. If this happens, your vet can help you with treatment options as well. Although collapsing trachea may sound very dangerous, it isn’t too troubling; it simply means your dog will wheeze often if he becomes excited or overexerts himself too much.

Call VEG for Your Dog’s Wheezing

There may be other causes of dog wheezing, outside of those on this list. It is always important to have your dog checked by a professional veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of the problem.

With the help of a trusted vet, you can also choose the best course of action for treating or managing your dog’s condition moving forward. A good quality vet should be able to help you help your dog, and you may soon notice less wheezing from your pet as well.

At VEG, we understand how scary it can be when you notice your dog wheezing for the first time, or for any period of time. We have teams of highly skilled and trained emergency vets at all of our VEG locations who will help get to the bottom of what’s causing this condition in your dog and develop a treatment plan to best help them. 

Whenever you call VEG, you’ll speak directly to an emergency veterinarian who will help you decide on the next step for caring for your pet.

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The only thing better than a trip to the beach is a trip to the beach with your pup! If you’re planning an excursion with your four-legged family member, check out our 7 dog beach tips to increase their safety (without taking away the fun). While it might seem silly to expect any dangers at the beach of all places, there are a few things that could put your dog’s health at risk.

We’ll discuss those risks below, and provide some helpful dog beach tips to minimize those risks. Read on to make your dog’s day at the beach the best one ever!

Common Hazards for Dogs at the Beach

Before discussing the best dog beach tips to help keep them safe, it’s important that you’re made aware of some of the dangers that can be present at the beach. The following beach hazards can be easily taken for granted. Keep them in mind when you’re planning a beach trip with your canine!

Hot Sun

A hot, sunny day is the best kind of day for the beach, but it also puts your pet at risk for heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sunburn. Dogs that are overweight and dogs with flat noses (like English Bulldogs, Pugs, and Frenchies) are especially prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Hot Sand

Hot sand can severely burn your pet’s paw pads. Walking on hot sand can also raise your pet’s body temperature and put them at risk for heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Sharp Objects in the Sand

Depending on the beach you go to, the sand might be concealing some sharp objects, such as stones, shells, glass, and/or twigs.

Eating Sand

Some dogs just like to eat everything. If your pup often acts like a furry vacuum cleaner, they might try to eat the sand, which can become impacted in their intestines.  

Dehydration

Unless your pet has fresh water available to them while they’re at the beach, they could be at risk for dehydration. Hot sun, hot sand, and no water to drink can quickly lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Strong Currents

Your dog might be a champion swimmer, but even they could be at risk for drowning if they encounter a strong current. Rip currents are especially dangerous, for animals and humans alike.

7 Dog Beach Tips to Protect Your Pup

You know the risks. Now, here’s what you can do to make your pet’s day at the beach as safe and enjoyable as possible! Review these dog beach tips and plan your excursion accordingly!

7 dog beach tips to keep in mind include:

1. Bring Along Plenty of Fresh Water

Think about how long you and your pet will be hanging out at the beach, and bring enough fresh water to sustain you both for the duration (and then some, if you decide to stay longer). Your dog needs to stay hydrated—and ocean or lake water is unsafe for their consumption.

2. Invest in Pet-Friendly Sunscreen

That’s right—dogs benefit from sunscreen, too, especially if they have light, fine fur and pinkish skin. Sunburn can affect your pup’s nose, ears, and other areas where hair is sparse.

3. Have a Source of Shade Available for Your Pup

Another dog beach tip to consider is to make sure that there are areas of shade for your dog to go into in order to help escape the sun.

Dogs can overheat quickly on a warm day, and at the beach, the sun’s heat is amplified. Help your pup stay cool by bringing along a large umbrella, or make sure to find a place under an awning or tree where your pet can get a break from the sun.

4. Keep Your Dog Leashed (If Required)

Does your beach have leash rules? Make sure to follow them. Unleashed pets can cause trouble, especially if there are lots of people and other dogs around. Plus, being leashed can prevent your dog from potentially being attacked by another dog or stealing sweets from someone’s picnic.

Also, keeping your pet leashed can prevent them from running into the water and possibly swimming out into strong currents.

5. Bring a Life Jacket for Your Pet

If the beach you’re visiting allows dogs in the water, one of the most important dog beach tips is to make sure your pet has a lifejacket (in their size). Even natural swimmers like Labradors can be at risk of drowning, so be sure to suit up your pup before they dive in, and stick with them to keep them safe.  

6. Know the Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke can affect dogs even under conditions milder than a typical summer’s day. Overexertion and insufficient water intake can quickly overwhelm your pet.

If you see any of these signs, your pup might be in danger of dog heatstroke and they should see a vet or emergency vet as soon as possible:

• Drooling (and saliva is thick and heavy)
• Panting heavily (a sign your pet is trying hard to cool off)
• Acting disoriented and confused
• Lethargic, weak
• Collapsing, unable to stand
• Vomiting
• Rapid heart rate

7. Protect Your Pet’s Feet with Booties

And now for our last (but no less important) dog beach tip! If your pup is likely to encounter hot sand or sharp objects at the beach, get dog booties in their size to protect their paws from cuts and burns. Consider trying them out before your beach excursion to make sure they fit, and to help your dog get comfortable with them.

Need More Dog Beach Tips? 

Veterinary Emergency Group is always happy to answer questions and help pet parents be amazing caregivers to their canines. We hope our dog beach tips come in handy when you start making your summer plans, but if you need more information, feel free to contact the VEG location nearest you! Our locations are open 24/7 for your convenience, and an emergency vet will always be there to answer your call and your questions.