When your dog starts dry heaving, it’s impossible not to panic. That awful gagging sound instantly makes you wonder: Is something stuck? Is my dog choking? Could it be bloat? As a veterinarian, I see this symptom almost daily, and the truth is simple: dry heaving is never something you should ignore.
<strong>Quick Medical Summary: Why is my dog dry heaving?</strong>
Dog dry heaving (unproductive vomiting) occurs when a dog makes retching motions without expelling stomach contents. Common causes range from minor respiratory issues like Kennel Cough to life-threatening emergencies such as Bloat (GDV) or a foreign object lodged in the throat. If your dog has a distended abdomen or is in visible distress, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Dry heaving in dogs is a clinical symptom, not a disease itself. Because the causes range from “wait and see” to “emergency surgery,” it is vital to identify the specific triggers and accompanying warning signs. To assist you, I have explained the causes, symptoms to look out for, possible treatments, and even some home remedies when appropriate. Let’s break it all down together.
Dog Dry Heaving is when your dog is making those uncomfortable retching motions, similar to vomiting, but nothing comes up.
The body is going through the motions of vomiting, like abdominal contractions, neck extension, mouth opening, and a distinct gagging sound. But in dry heaving, the stomach is not expelling any food or fluid.
Sometimes it happens once and then stops. But if your dog keeps dry heaving frequently, especially over several hours or days, this could signal an underlying medical issue that needs attention.
Dry heaving is not a disease. It is a symptom. To treat it properly, we need to figure out what is causing it. Some of the most common medical and behavioral causes I see in practice are:
1. Upper Respiratory Infections (Kennel Cough)
Kennel cough is a classic reason why dogs dry heave. This is one of the most important bacterial diseases in dogs, caused especially by Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Dogs with kennel cough often have a deep, honking cough that sometimes triggers dry heaving. The repeated coughing irritates the throat and upper airways, which leads to that familiar retching sound, but no actual vomiting.
You will often notice it worsening at night or after excitement. Dogs may otherwise act normally, eat well, and appear active, which can confuse owners.
2. Foreign Object Stuck in the Throat
This is one of the first things I check for when a dog is dry heaving persistently.
Dogs love chewing on toys, bones, sticks, or even plastic. Sometimes, these can become lodged in the back of the throat or esophagus. This causes repeated gagging and dry heaving as the dog tries to expel it.
This is an emergency. If your dog suddenly starts dry heaving and appears panicked, pawing at the mouth, drooling excessively, or having difficulty breathing, rush to your vet.
3. Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV or Bloat)
Let me be very clear:
If your dog is dry heaving, pacing, drooling, has a swollen belly, and seems restless, this is a life-threatening emergency.
Bloat, or GDV, occurs when the stomach fills with gas and flips on itself. This traps the air inside and prevents vomiting. The result?
Your dog keeps trying to vomit, but nothing comes up. That’s why many ask, “Why is my dog dry heaving but not throwing up?” This is often the reason, and if not treated immediately, it can be fatal within hours.
Large, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles are more at risk.
4. Tracheal Collapse
Toy breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies are commonly affected by a collapsing trachea. This means the windpipe loses its structure and flattens, especially during excitement or exercise.
It sounds like a loud, goose-honking cough and can trigger dry heaving due to the irritation. The condition tends to worsen over time without treatment.
If your small dog has a dry heaving cough after activity or when pulling on a collar, this could be the cause.
5. Tonsillitis or Sore Throat
Just like in humans, inflammation of the tonsils or throat (pharyngitis) can trigger gagging and retching. Dogs will often make frequent swallowing motions and may dry heave intermittently.
This often goes unnoticed unless you take a good look at their throat, something we routinely do in the clinic. Infections, foreign material, or even dental disease can lead to these secondary problems.
6. Allergies and Environmental Irritants
Dogs can develop reactions to smoke, dust, strong perfumes, air fresheners, or pollen. These allergens irritate the nasal passages and throat, triggering a cough or gag reflex.
Many owners ask me, “Why is my dog dry heaving at night?” and the answer often lies in the sleeping environment. Poor ventilation, dusty bedding, or the use of sprays in the room can be the hidden culprits.
7. Worms and Parasites
Puppies and even adult dogs with roundworms can show signs of coughing or dry heaving. This is because the larvae often migrate through the lungs and cause irritation.
In some cases, worms can even be vomited or coughed up, and that’s when the dry heaving becomes visible. If your dog has never been dewormed or is overdue, this should be considered.
8. Laryngeal Paralysis
Common in older large-breed dogs, laryngeal paralysis causes the muscles that open the airway to fail. This leads to noisy breathing, effortful inspiration, and frequent gagging or dry heaving.
You may notice your dog struggling more after exercise or in warm weather, followed by loud retching that does not bring anything up.
9. Heart Conditions
In rare cases, dogs with enlarged hearts can experience dry heaving. This happens when the heart pushes against the trachea or esophagus.
It is not the first condition I look for, but if your dog is older, coughing at night, or shows signs of fatigue, I may investigate cardiac causes.
Let’s go over what to look for beyond the gagging itself. These signs can help you and your vet pinpoint the problem.
- Coughing and Sneezing: If your dog is dry heaving and coughing, especially with a “honking” sound, the problem likely involves the respiratory tract, like kennel cough or tracheal issues.
- Excessive Drooling or Swallowing: You might notice your dog licking their lips constantly or drooling more than usual. It often indicates nausea or throat discomfort.
- Acting Normal Between Episodes: That’s when most pet owners feel confused. You might say, “My dog is dry heaving but acting normal otherwise.” In some cases, that’s okay, but if it keeps happening, something is definitely wrong.
- Difficulty Breathing or Distress: Heavy panting, open-mouth breathing, or collapse after dry heaving are not normal. These could be signs of airway obstruction, bloat, or laryngeal paralysis.
There are certain signs you simply can’t afford to ignore. If your dog shows any of the following signs I have listed, please don’t wait.
- Dry heaving for more than 10–15 minutes
- Distended or tight abdomen
- Pale gums or weakness
- Rapid breathing or signs of choking
- Dry heaving repeatedly at night or after meals
I’ve seen too many cases where early action could have prevented serious outcomes. Trust your instincts. If something seems off, you are probably right.
When you bring your dog in for dry heaving, I begin with a thorough physical exam. Depending on what I find, I may recommend:
- Imaging (X-rays or Ultrasound): This helps rule out bloat, foreign bodies, or airway problems.
- Blood Work: Useful for checking infections, organ function, or parasites.
- Sedation and Oral Exam: In cases where I suspect something is stuck in the throat, I might need to sedate your dog and take a closer look.
- Heart or Airway Evaluation: For older dogs or those with signs of heart or tracheal issues, I may perform an ECG or refer you for a specialist scope.
Treatment depends entirely on the cause. However, some general considerations which I also follow in my practice are:
- Infections: Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and cough suppressants
- Foreign objects: Immediate removal, sometimes surgical
- Bloat: Emergency surgery and hospitalization
- Allergies: Environmental control and antihistamines
- Tracheal collapse: Weight management, medications, or surgery in severe cases
- Parasites: A proper deworming protocol
- Throat inflammation: Anti-inflammatory medication and rest
If the cause is mild and your vet has ruled out anything serious, here are a few supportive measures you can try.
- Use a Humidifier: Moist air helps reduce throat irritation and is especially helpful if your dog dry heaves at night.
- Offer Honey in Warm Water: A teaspoon of honey in warm water can soothe an irritated throat. Only do this if your dog is over 1 year old.
- Feed a Soft Diet: Temporarily switch to bland, soft food like boiled chicken and rice to reduce further irritation.
- Keep the Environment Clean: Vacuum often, avoid strong fragrances, and make sure your dog’s bed is free from dust and allergens.
Dog dry heaving is more than just an annoying noise. It can be a sign of something serious. As a veterinarian, I always recommend watching the frequency, your dog’s overall behavior, and any related symptoms.
Whether it’s a respiratory issue, an obstruction, or something life-threatening like bloat, knowing the cause is essential. If your dog keeps dry heaving, don’t wait for it to go away on its own.
Seek help, ask questions, and get your dog the care they need. It could be the decision that saves their life.
Why is my dog dry heaving but not throwing up?
This could be caused by bloat, throat irritation, or airway problems. It’s common in cases like tracheal collapse or kennel cough.
Why does my dog dry heave at night?
Nighttime dry heaving is often triggered by allergens in the environment, acid reflux, or a collapsing trachea.
Why does my dog keep dry heaving all day?
Persistent dry heaving could point to an infection, throat irritation, or a chronic respiratory issue.
What are home remedies for dog dry heaving?
A humidifier, honey, soft foods, and a clean environment can help soothe mild causes of dry heaving.
Can worms cause a dog to dry heave?
Yes, especially in puppies. Parasites can travel through the lungs, causing coughing and gagging.
