why does husky cough and gag?

[KeyD]

I have a 3 y/o female husky. The problem is that she frequently coughs and heaves. When she gags she spits out white frothy sputum. This has been going on for at least a year. She seems to be able to eat & drink normally. The other issue is how to clean the sputum off my concrete porch, it does not come off with soap and water or the pressure washer. The vet wants $300 to do an xray, i am looking for suggestions.

[Huskielife]

It is very common for huskies to cough especially after drinking it’s like hacking and spitting up foamy water also common is repeating sneezing. Nothing wrong with them I’m on my 11th husky in my life and they all have done it and lived happy long lives

[Bezansonbill]

Sounds like worms.  If the dog is in otherwise good health, Get a de-wormer from your vet.  It is reasonably inexpensive, an effective quick fix.  

[Bezansonbill]

Worms.  Try a De-wormer.  If the dog is in otherwise good health it could be a quick an inexpensive fix.

[Misfits4Me]

Reasons for Coughing:

OK, For starters, you need to rule out Heart Problems....The xray will not only show the heart, but also the lungs...This is important....
With Heart Disease, the weak heart cannot pump as well...Fluid builds into the lungs causing the cough..The cough is usually MOIST like they're choking on congestion...Actually, they are...The cough is worse in the mornings & during periods of running, playing & excitement....Fluid will show in an x ray of the lungs.....This would normally be for Senior Dogs......

Heart Disease is NOT a death sentence.....It's rather common in dogs!  Dogs can live many ,many years on medications just like humans can.....Meds. to improve function of the heart & also lasix to clear fluid from the lungs......An EKG or ECG can detect what part of the heart is having a problem.....They usually run around $100.....Some Vets will suggest this test, some will not...They will just go ahead and treat...

Next- Kennel Cough- This is a virus and antibiotics will do nothing.....Cough syrup is very necessary to help this run it's course.....Lasts a few weeks & the cough is excessive!!!!

Collapsing Trachea- Common in small breeds- This cough is more like choke-gasp, choke/gasp....It sounds like a goose honking....Meaning like when your sucking through a straw & it collapses. Like it kinda sticks then opens, etc. It is actually doing just that.....The trachea collapses then opens back up...This ailment is treated by weight control & Medications for lung disease....Cough meds, bronchial dilaters, Asthma meds., steroids when necessary, etc.

Respiratory Diseases cause coughing....Asthma & Bronchitis are treated with the same meds as Trachea Collapse. This is more of a dry cough with wheezing at times or both....With this, sometimes the Heart shows enlargement,but it is not a Heart Problem! It's from lack of oxygen through the respiratory system.....Steroids are useful as needed for allergy season that can be a trigger.....Dust mites in the house affect this a lot (Especially in the winter when the heat is on and the house is closed up tight).......It seems they breath better outside.....Something else: Dust Mites in DRY dog food alone can trigger this.....This disease can be controlled for years once you know what to do.....

There's a common cough called A "Reverse Sneeze"...You can google it to know what it sounds like.....I can't describe it....It kinda sounds like all the above, dammit!!!  ;)  Although it sounds awful, it's really harmless.....Lots of dogs do it their whole life...

Then of course, Heart worm Disease will cause a cough....Also will show an enlarged heart....Will be seen on an x ray....Can be ruled out with a blood test...

Oops.....I just thought of another one...Post Nasal Drip will cause a cough...As the fluid trickles down the back of the throat....It tickles....Thus the cough!  The throat & tonsils will be red and irritated if this is what your dealing with....Can be worse during periods of excitement, also.....This is usually allergy related or can be linked to Stress...I know that sounds impossible, but it can happen......Take care............Karla

[KeyD]

she was seen by the vet, they did lab work. she doesn't seem overweight. i have wondered about allergies too.

[courtney48]

Your dog may have allergies.  Ask your vet about the dosage for an allergy med and maybe try that?  Is your dog overweight?  Our vet said this coughing/gagging may be due to fatty around the trachea.  Has your dog had an exam besides the $$$ xray?  Wondering if the thyroid gland is enlarged and putting pressure on the throat?  Just some thoughts.  Hope you figure this out.