Why Is My Dog Dry Retching: Causes and What To Do

When your dog makes a gagging sound without actually throwing up, it can be very worrying. This is often called dry retching. Dog dry heaving is when a dog makes gagging sounds and abdominal movements as if trying to vomit, but nothing comes up. Many things can cause this, from simple irritations to more serious health issues.

Why Is My Dog Dry Retching
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Deciphering Dog Gagging: What’s Happening?

Dry retching in dogs occurs when the muscles that normally expel vomit are activated, but there’s nothing in the stomach to bring up. This can be a distressing sound for owners to hear, often accompanied by panicked or uncomfortable body language from the dog. It’s important to distinguish this from other respiratory or throat issues, though some symptoms can overlap.

Common Causes of Dog Retching

Several factors can lead to your dog dry retching. Let’s explore the most frequent culprits:

1. Gastrointestinal Upset and Irritation

The stomach and intestines are sensitive organs. Anything that irritates them can trigger a gagging response.

Ingestion of Irritants

Eating Something Undesirable: Dogs are known for eating things they shouldn’t. Grass, dirt, garbage, or even non-food items like plastic or fabric can irritate the stomach lining. This irritation can lead to nausea and subsequent dry heaving.
Sudden Diet Changes: Rapidly switching your dog’s food can disrupt their digestive system, causing an upset stomach and leading to retching.
Food Allergies or Intolerances: Some dogs react to certain ingredients in their food with digestive upset, which can manifest as dry heaving.

Gastric Issues

Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and a feeling of being sick. This often leads to retching.
Indigestion: Similar to humans, dogs can suffer from indigestion after eating too much, too fast, or something that doesn’t agree with them.

2. Foreign Body Obstruction

When a dog swallows something indigestible, it can get stuck in their throat, esophagus, or stomach. This is a serious emergency.

Esophageal Blockage: A lodged object in the esophagus can cause immediate gagging and difficulty swallowing. The dog may try to dislodge it, resulting in dry retching.
Gastric Foreign Body: If an object makes it to the stomach but is too large to pass, it can cause irritation and obstruction, leading to repeated bouts of retching. Symptoms can include lethargy, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain, alongside the gagging.

3. Esophageal Issues

The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Problems here can cause gagging.

Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus, often caused by acid reflux or irritation, can make swallowing painful and lead to retching.
Megaesophagus: This is a condition where the esophagus is enlarged and doesn’t move food down properly. Dogs with megaesophagus often regurgitate or vomit after eating, but can also experience dry heaving.

4. Respiratory Problems

Sometimes, what sounds like dry retching might be related to the dog’s breathing.

Kennel Cough (Tracheobronchitis): This highly contagious respiratory infection often causes a distinctive dog coughing dryly and hacking sound. In severe cases, the coughing fits can be so intense they lead to gagging and dry heaving.
Reverse Sneezing: This is a sudden, rapid, and forceful inhalation through the nose, often sounding like choking or gagging. While usually brief, it can be mistaken for retching. It’s a reflex to clear irritants from the nasal passages.
Bronchitis or Pneumonia: Inflammation of the airways or lungs can cause coughing and difficulty breathing, which might lead to secondary gagging or retching.
Allergies: Environmental allergens can irritate a dog’s throat and airways, triggering coughing and gagging.

5. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV)

This is a life-threatening condition, particularly in deep-chested breeds. The stomach fills with gas and then twists, cutting off blood supply.

Symptoms: Besides dry retching or unproductive vomiting, other signs include a distended abdomen, restlessness, pain, drooling, and rapid breathing. Immediate veterinary attention is critical.

6. Heart Conditions

While less common, certain heart issues can indirectly lead to gagging.

Heart Enlargement: An enlarged heart can press on the trachea (windpipe) or esophagus, causing irritation and a sensation of choking or gagging. This might be more pronounced after activity or when lying down.

7. Nausea from Illness or Medication

Many underlying illnesses can make a dog feel sick, leading to nausea and dry retching.

Kidney or Liver Disease: These conditions can cause a buildup of toxins in the body, leading to nausea and vomiting or retching.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas is painful and can cause severe nausea.
Medication Side Effects: Some medications can cause gastrointestinal upset or nausea as a side effect. If your dog started a new medication and then began dry heaving, this is a potential cause.

8. Excessive Excitement or Stress

Some dogs may experience nausea and gagging when they are overly excited, anxious, or stressed.

Anticipation: For example, some dogs might dry heave when very excited about going for a walk or receiving a treat.

9. Accidental Inhalation of Small Objects

If a dog tries to eat something small, it can get lodged in their airway, causing them to gag and choke. This is a critical emergency where the dog is struggling to breathe.

Distinguishing Between Dog Reverse Sneezing vs Retching

It’s easy to confuse some of these symptoms. Here’s a quick guide:

Feature	Dog Reverse Sneezing	Dog Retching
Sound	Snorting, gasping, honking	Gagging, heaving, guttural sounds
Action	Rapid inhalation through the nose	Abdominal contractions, straining as if to vomit
Duration	Usually brief (seconds to a minute)	Can be prolonged, repeated bouts
Outcome	Often followed by a normal sneeze/cough	No vomit produced, but may continue to try
Primary Area	Nasal passages/throat	Esophagus/stomach
When it occurs	Often triggered by excitement, irritants	Can be random, after eating, or with illness

If your dog exhibits a dog hacking sound or a dog coughing dryly that doesn’t resolve, it’s important to consider if it’s related to their digestive or respiratory system.

When to Seek Veterinary Attention

While occasional dry retching might not be an immediate emergency, some situations warrant prompt veterinary care. You should contact your veterinarian if:

The retching is frequent or prolonged.
Your dog seems to be in pain.
There are other symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing.
You suspect your dog has swallowed a foreign object.
The retching is accompanied by a distended abdomen (potential bloat).
Your dog is showing signs of being sick.
The gagging is severe and causing distress.

Diagnostic Process by Your Veterinarian

When you bring your dog in for dry retching, your vet will likely follow a systematic approach to diagnose the cause.

History Taking

The first step is a thorough discussion about your dog’s symptoms. Your vet will ask questions like:

When did the retching start?
How often does it occur?
What does your dog eat? Has there been any diet change?
Has your dog eaten anything unusual?
Are there any other symptoms?
What is your dog’s medical history?
Are they on any medications?

Physical Examination

A hands-on examination will help the vet assess your dog’s overall health. They will check:

Vital signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate).
Abdominal palpation for pain, distension, or masses.
Oral cavity for any foreign objects or signs of irritation.
Listen to heart and lung sounds.

Diagnostic Tests

Depending on the initial findings, further tests may be recommended:

Blood Work (CBC and Chemistry Panel): To check for infection, inflammation, organ function (kidneys, liver), and electrolyte imbalances.
Urinalysis: To assess kidney function and hydration.
X-rays (Radiographs): Crucial for identifying foreign objects in the gastrointestinal tract or chest, as well as assessing for bloat or heart enlargement.
Ultrasound: Can provide more detailed images of internal organs, helping to detect inflammation, masses, or fluid.
Endoscopy: In some cases, a camera can be guided down the esophagus and into the stomach to directly visualize any abnormalities, remove foreign objects, or obtain biopsies.
Barium Study: If an obstruction is suspected but not clearly seen on X-rays, a contrast agent like barium can be given to help visualize the passage of food through the digestive tract.

Treatment Strategies

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

1. Gastrointestinal Treatments

Dietary Management: For mild indigestion or dietary indiscretion, a bland diet (like boiled chicken and rice) may be recommended. Gradual reintroduction of their regular food is then advised.
Medications:
- Antacids or GI Protectants: To reduce stomach acid and soothe the lining (e.g., omeprazole, sucralfate).
- Anti-nausea Medications: To alleviate the feeling of sickness (e.g., maropitant citrate).
- Probiotics: To help restore healthy gut bacteria.
Fluid Therapy: If the dog is dehydrated due to vomiting or reduced fluid intake, intravenous fluids may be necessary.

2. Foreign Body Removal

Endoscopic Removal: Smaller objects lodged in the esophagus or stomach can often be removed using an endoscope.
Surgery: Larger or more deeply embedded foreign objects may require surgical removal.

3. Esophageal Treatments

Dietary Modifications: For megaesophagus, feeding smaller, more frequent meals, or elevating the food bowl might help.
Medications: Medications to aid esophageal motility or reduce reflux may be prescribed.

4. Respiratory Treatments

Antibiotics: For bacterial infections like kennel cough or pneumonia.
Cough Suppressants: To reduce the intensity of coughing fits.
Bronchodilators: To open up airways if there’s significant inflammation.
Antihistamines/Steroids: For allergic reactions.

5. Bloat Management

Bloat is a surgical emergency. Treatment involves immediate stabilization with IV fluids, pain management, and often surgery to de-rotate the stomach and assess for damage.

6. Heart Condition Management

Treatment will focus on the specific heart condition, often involving medications to manage heart function and fluid buildup.

7. Supportive Care

For many conditions, supportive care is essential. This includes ensuring adequate hydration, nutrition, rest, and pain relief.

Preventive Measures

While not all causes of dry retching can be prevented, some steps can reduce the risk:

Supervision: Keep a close eye on your dog, especially outdoors and around potential hazards.
Secure Environment: Prevent your dog from accessing garbage, toxic plants, or small objects they could swallow. Puppy-proof your home.
Gradual Diet Changes: When switching foods, do so over 7-10 days.
Regular Vet Check-ups: Early detection of health issues can prevent more serious complications.
Vaccinations and Parasite Control: Keep your dog up-to-date to prevent infectious diseases that can cause GI or respiratory upset.
Monitor Eating Habits: Discourage gulping food; consider slow feeders if your dog eats too quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is dry retching a sign of bloat in dogs?
A1: Dry retching can be a symptom of bloat, especially if accompanied by a distended abdomen, restlessness, or pain. Bloat is a medical emergency, so if you suspect bloat, seek immediate veterinary care.

Q2: Can my dog have a choking sensation without a blockage?
A2: Yes, a dog can have a dog choking sensation due to inflammation in the throat, laryngeal issues, or pressure on the trachea from an enlarged organ. Reverse sneezing can also mimic choking.

Q3: What if my dog is coughing and gagging but not producing anything?
A3: This could be indicative of various issues, from respiratory problems like kennel cough to gastrointestinal distress. If the dog wheezing and gagging persists, a vet visit is recommended.

Q4: Can stress cause a dog to dry heave?
A4: Yes, some dogs can experience nausea and dry heaving when they are overly excited, anxious, or stressed.

Q5: My dog is dry heaving after eating grass. Is this normal?
A5: While dogs sometimes eat grass to induce vomiting if they feel unwell, excessive grass eating leading to dry heaving can indicate an underlying gastrointestinal upset or irritation.

Q6: What is the difference between dog gagging and dog reverse sneezing?
A6: Dog gagging involves straining and abdominal contractions as if to vomit, often with a guttural sound. Dog reverse sneezing is a rapid inhalation through the nose, sounding like a snort or honk, and is related to respiratory irritation.

Q7: If my dog is dry heaving, can I give them human medicine?
A7: Never give your dog human medication without consulting your veterinarian. Many human medications are toxic to dogs or can cause severe side effects.

Q8: My dog is dry retching and seems to have a dog coughing dryly. What could it be?
A8: This combination could point towards respiratory issues such as kennel cough, or it could be that a strong coughing fit is leading to secondary gagging. A veterinary assessment is needed.

Dry retching in dogs is a symptom that should not be ignored. By recognizing the potential causes and knowing when to seek professional help, you can ensure your canine companion receives the care they need.