Why Does My Dog Dry Heave At Night: Causes & Solutions

Does your dog make unsettling gagging noises while you’re trying to sleep? You might be wondering, “Why does my dog dry heave at night?” Dry heaving, also known as unproductive retching, occurs when your dog tries to vomit but nothing comes up. This can be distressing for both you and your furry friend. It’s important to note that if your dog is dry heaving at night, it could be a sign of an underlying issue, and seeking veterinary advice is always recommended.

While dry heaving isn’t always a cause for alarm, persistent or frequent occurrences, especially those accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain, warrant a professional diagnosis. This post aims to shed light on the common reasons behind a dog’s unproductive vomiting at night and offer potential solutions. We’ll delve into why your dog might be gagging at night, explore causes of dog dry heaving, and address concerns about dog night time sickness. We’ll also touch on related issues like dog vomiting bile at night and canine retching no food.

Deciphering Dog Dry Heaving at Night

Dry heaving is your dog’s body attempting to expel something from its stomach or throat that isn’t there, or is too small to be expelled. Imagine the sensation of trying to cough up something that’s stuck, but there’s nothing to bring up. That’s essentially what your dog is experiencing. The common reflex to vomit involves strong contractions of abdominal muscles to push stomach contents up. When the stomach is empty, or the stimulus is in the throat or esophagus, this powerful action can result in dry heaving.

This often looks like your dog is trying to throw up, but only producing foamy saliva or nothing at all. They might strain, retch, and seem uncomfortable. This can be particularly worrying when it happens during the night, disrupting sleep and causing owner anxiety.

Common Scenarios of Nighttime Retching

Sudden waking and gagging: Your dog suddenly wakes up, seems distressed, and starts dry heaving.
Restlessness and gagging: Your dog paces, seems uncomfortable, and then begins to retch without producing anything.
Attempting to vomit after drinking water: They might drink water, feel a gagging sensation, and dry heave.

Common Causes of Dog Dry Heaving at Night

There are several reasons why your dog might be dry heaving at night. Some are relatively minor, while others require immediate veterinary attention. Let’s explore the most frequent culprits for your dog gagging at night.

1. Gastric Issues

The stomach is a common source of discomfort that can lead to dry heaving.

Bilious Vomiting Syndrome

This condition often causes dogs to vomit bile, especially on an empty stomach. If your dog hasn’t eaten for a while, particularly overnight, the stomach acid can irritate the stomach lining, leading to the production of bile. When the dog tries to vomit to relieve this irritation, they might dry heave if there’s no food or only a little bile to expel. This is a frequent cause of dog vomiting bile at night.

Symptoms: Vomiting yellow or greenish fluid (bile), often in the early morning before breakfast.
Why at night: Overnight fasting can trigger this.

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV)

This is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists. It’s more common in deep-chested breeds. While vomiting is a symptom, a dog with GDV might also try to vomit and only gag due to the twisted stomach preventing expulsion. If your dog is experiencing severe distress, bloating, and retching, seek immediate veterinary care.

Symptoms: Restlessness, pacing, unproductive retching/vomiting, swollen abdomen, pain when touched, rapid breathing.
Urgency: This is a critical condition.

Indigestion or Stomach Upset

Just like humans, dogs can experience indigestion due to eating something they shouldn’t have, eating too fast, or a change in diet. This can lead to nausea and dry heaving.

Triggers: Overeating, eating fatty foods, spoiled food, sudden diet changes.
Associated signs: Lethargy, mild abdominal discomfort.

2. Esophageal Issues

Problems with the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach, can also cause dry heaving.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophagus can be caused by vomiting bile, eating something irritating, or even by a foreign object lodged in the esophagus. This irritation can trigger a gagging reflex.

Causes: Ingestion of foreign objects, irritant substances, or prolonged vomiting.
Symptoms: Pain when swallowing, drooling, coughing, and dry heaving.

Megaesophagus

This is a condition where the esophagus is enlarged and its muscular contractions are weakened, making it difficult to move food down to the stomach. Dogs with megaesophagus often regurgitate food shortly after eating, but can also experience gagging and dry heaving if they attempt to swallow air or mucus.

Characteristics: Food or water regurgitation, coughing after eating/drinking, failure to thrive in puppies.
Treatment: Requires specialized feeding techniques.

3. Respiratory Problems

Sometimes, what sounds like vomiting can be related to the respiratory system.

Kennel Cough (Tracheobronchitis)

This highly contagious respiratory infection is characterized by a harsh, hacking cough that often sounds like something is stuck in the dog’s throat. The coughing fits can be so severe that they lead to retching and dry heaving.

Symptoms: Honking cough, gagging, sometimes clear mucus.
When it occurs: Often after periods of stress or exposure to other dogs.

Laryngeal Paralysis

In this condition, the larynx (voice box) doesn’t function properly, leading to difficulty breathing and a characteristic “bagpipe” sound when inhaling. Severe bouts of coughing or gagging can occur, especially with exertion or excitement, and may result in dry heaving.

Causes: Age-related degeneration, injury, or genetic predisposition.
Key sign: Noisy breathing, especially on inhalation.

Tracheal Collapse

This condition, common in small breeds, occurs when the cartilage rings of the trachea weaken and collapse, causing airway obstruction. A cough that sounds like a goose honk is a hallmark symptom, and coughing fits can lead to gagging and dry heaving.

Affected breeds: Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Poodles.
Aggravating factors: Excitement, pulling on the leash, tracheal pressure.

Pneumonia

An infection in the lungs can cause inflammation and fluid buildup, leading to a persistent cough. This cough can be severe enough to trigger gagging and unproductive retching, particularly if the dog is trying to clear secretions.

Symptoms: Coughing, fever, lethargy, difficulty breathing.
Risk factors: Weakened immune system, aspiration.

4. Foreign Body Ingestion

If your dog swallows something it shouldn’t have, it can cause irritation or blockage in the esophagus or stomach.

Esophageal Obstruction

A foreign object lodged in the esophagus can cause immediate irritation and a gagging reflex. This can manifest as dry heaving, difficulty swallowing, and excessive drooling.

Common culprits: Bones, toys, socks, sticks.
Signs: Sudden onset of gagging, pawing at the mouth, drooling.

Stomach Irritation

Ingested objects that make it to the stomach can cause inflammation, nausea, and vomiting or dry heaving as the body tries to expel them.

Impact: Can lead to nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.

5. Nausea from Other Causes

Many other conditions can lead to general nausea, which might manifest as dry heaving.

Medications

Some medications can cause stomach upset or nausea as a side effect. If your dog started a new medication recently, this could be a factor.

Examples: Antibiotics, NSAIDs, chemotherapy drugs.
Management: Discussing side effects with your vet.

Dietary Intolerances or Allergies

Similar to humans, dogs can develop sensitivities to certain foods. This can lead to digestive upset, including nausea and vomiting.

Common allergens: Chicken, beef, dairy, wheat.
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, skin issues, nausea.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. While dogs with pancreatitis often vomit, they may also experience dry heaving due to intense nausea.

Causes: High-fat meals, certain medications.
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain.

Kidney or Liver Disease

When these vital organs aren’t functioning correctly, toxins can build up in the body, leading to systemic illness, including nausea and vomiting.

Signs: Increased thirst, changes in appetite, lethargy, vomiting.
Progression: Can be gradual or acute.

Cancer

Various types of cancer, particularly those affecting the digestive tract or organs like the liver or kidneys, can cause persistent nausea and vomiting.

Impact: Can lead to significant weight loss and lethargy.
Diagnosis: Requires thorough veterinary examination.

6. Anxiety and Stress

While less common, extreme anxiety or stress can sometimes trigger physical responses in dogs, including gagging or retching.

Triggers: Loud noises (thunderstorms, fireworks), separation anxiety, changes in routine.
Behavioral link: Often accompanied by other signs of stress like pacing, panting, or whining.

Fathoming the Causes: A Deeper Look

When your dog is sick at night, it’s natural to want to pinpoint the exact reason. Understanding the nuances of these conditions is key to providing appropriate care.

Digging into Gastric Issues

Empty Stomach Syndrome: Many dogs experience nausea or dry heaving in the early morning hours when their stomach has been empty for an extended period. Stomach acid builds up, irritating the stomach lining. This can trigger a gagging reflex. This is a significant contributor to dog vomiting bile at night.
Dietary Indiscretion: What did your dog get into yesterday? A discarded piece of food, a small toy fragment, or even grass can cause stomach upset. If they’ve eaten something inappropriate, it can lead to nausea that might manifest at night.

Examining Esophageal Concerns

Water Intake: Sometimes, dogs might try to drink water too quickly, especially if they are thirsty from a dry mouth or after being active. This can cause them to gulp air along with the water, leading to a feeling of fullness and a subsequent gagging or dry heaving episode. This is a type of canine retching no food scenario.
Swallowing Air: Similar to drinking too fast, some dogs swallow excessive air during eating or panting. This air can accumulate in the stomach and esophagus, leading to discomfort and retching.

Unpacking Respiratory Triggers

Irritation: Anything that irritates the back of the throat or the trachea can cause a dog to gag. This could be dust, smoke, or even post-nasal drip from allergies or an infection. When this irritation is persistent, it can lead to a dog coughing and gagging at night.
Coughing Fits: Severe coughing, especially from conditions like kennel cough or tracheal collapse, can sometimes evolve into a gagging or dry heaving episode. The sheer force of the cough can trigger the vomiting reflex.

Identifying Nausea Indicators

Silent Illnesses: Conditions like pancreatitis or kidney disease can cause subtle yet persistent nausea. Your dog might not show obvious signs of distress during the day but feels unwell enough to gag or retch at night when things are quiet. This is a common form of dog nausea at night.

Solutions for Your Dog’s Nighttime Retching

Once you have a better idea of the potential causes, you can consider various solutions. The most crucial step is always to consult your veterinarian.

Veterinary Consultation: The First Step

Before trying any home remedies, it is essential to get a professional diagnosis. Your vet can perform a physical examination, ask detailed questions about your dog’s history and symptoms, and recommend diagnostic tests if necessary. These tests might include blood work, X-rays, or ultrasounds.

Dietary Adjustments

If a dietary issue is suspected, your vet might recommend changes to your dog’s eating habits.

Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Instead of one or two large meals, feeding your dog smaller amounts throughout the day can prevent the stomach from becoming too empty or too full. This can be particularly helpful for dogs prone to bilious vomiting syndrome.
Evening Snack: Offering a small, easily digestible meal or snack before bedtime can help keep the stomach from becoming completely empty overnight.
Dietary Trial: For suspected food intolerances, your vet may suggest a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet to identify and eliminate trigger ingredients.
Avoid Table Scraps: Fatty or rich human foods can upset a dog’s stomach.

Lifestyle and Environmental Changes

Reduce Stress: Identify and minimize stressors in your dog’s environment. This could involve providing a safe space during thunderstorms or ensuring a consistent routine.
Leash Management: For dogs with tracheal collapse, use a harness instead of a collar to avoid pressure on the trachea.
Clean Environment: Ensure your dog’s living area is free of dust, smoke, and other irritants that could trigger respiratory symptoms.

Medical Treatments

Depending on the diagnosis, your vet may prescribe medication.

Medications for Acid Reduction: If bilious vomiting syndrome or gastritis is the cause, your vet might prescribe antacids or medications to reduce stomach acid production.
Prokinetics: These medications help to improve the motility of the digestive tract.
Antibiotics/Antivirals: If a respiratory infection is diagnosed, appropriate medication will be prescribed.
Anti-nausea Medications: For dogs experiencing significant nausea, your vet may prescribe antiemetics.

Natural and Supportive Care

While waiting for a vet appointment or alongside veterinary treatment, some supportive measures can help.

Probiotics: These can aid in digestion and help restore a healthy gut balance.
Dietary Supplements: Your vet might recommend specific supplements, but always consult them before giving anything new to your dog.
Soothing Herbs: Certain herbs, like slippery elm, can help coat and soothe the digestive tract. However, use these cautiously and under veterinary guidance.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

While some causes of dry heaving are minor, others are serious and require urgent attention. You should contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog exhibits any of the following signs along with dry heaving:

Severe abdominal pain or swelling
Lethargy and weakness
Loss of appetite or refusal to drink
Pale gums
Difficulty breathing
Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
Blood in vomit or stool
Known ingestion of a foreign object or toxin

These symptoms could indicate a life-threatening condition such as bloat, a foreign body obstruction, or severe poisoning, which require immediate emergency veterinary intervention. Don’t hesitate to call your vet or an emergency animal hospital if you are concerned about your dog’s condition.

FAQ: Addressing Common Concerns

Q1: Is dry heaving a sign of something serious?

A1: Dry heaving can range from a minor issue like indigestion to a serious emergency like bloat. It’s important to assess your dog for other symptoms and consult your vet for a proper diagnosis.

Q2: My dog dry heaves, but never actually vomits. Is this normal?

A2: Yes, dry heaving means the dog is attempting to vomit but nothing comes up. This can happen if the stomach is empty, the issue is in the throat, or the gag reflex is triggered without sufficient material to expel.

Q3: Can my dog be dry heaving because they are hungry?

A3: Yes, being excessively hungry or having an empty stomach for too long can lead to nausea and dry heaving, often referred to as bilious vomiting syndrome when bile is involved.

Q4: What should I do if my dog starts dry heaving at night?

A4: First, try to remain calm. Observe your dog for any other symptoms. If it’s a single, mild episode, you might monitor them. If it’s persistent, accompanied by other concerning signs, or if you’re worried, contact your veterinarian.

Q5: My dog coughs and then dry heaves. What could it be?

A5: A cough followed by dry heaving can indicate a respiratory issue that irritates the throat, such as kennel cough, tracheal collapse, or even allergies. It can also be a sign of something lodged in the esophagus or trachea.

Q6: Can stress cause my dog to dry heave?

A6: While less common, significant stress or anxiety can sometimes manifest in physical symptoms like dry heaving in dogs. Identify potential stressors and try to alleviate them.

Q7: What are the signs of bloat in dogs?

A7: Bloat (GDV) is an emergency. Signs include restlessness, unproductive retching or vomiting, a distended or hard abdomen, drooling, pain when the abdomen is touched, and rapid, shallow breathing. Seek immediate veterinary help if you suspect bloat.

Q8: My vet suggested feeding my dog a late-night snack. How much should I give?

A8: The amount and type of snack will depend on your dog’s size, breed, and overall health. Your vet will provide specific recommendations. Usually, a small portion of their regular kibble or a bland, easily digestible food is suggested.

Q9: What if my dog is hacking and vomiting at night?

A9: Hacking and vomiting, even if it’s just a small amount of foam or bile, indicates a more significant issue than just dry heaving. It suggests that something is being expelled. This warrants a veterinary visit to determine the cause.

Q10: My dog seems nauseous at night, with no other obvious symptoms. What should I consider?

A10: General nausea at night can stem from various causes, including dietary indiscretion, medications, early stages of illness, or even just an empty stomach. Monitoring for other subtle changes and consulting your vet is advisable.

When your dog experiences unproductive vomiting at night, it’s a signal that something isn’t quite right. By carefully observing their behavior, understanding the potential causes, and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help your canine companion find relief and enjoy peaceful nights.