Golden Retriever Constant Dry Heaving: Possible Causes

Part 1: Common Causes of Dogs' Dry Heaving

Dogs have a relatively welldeveloped vomiting center, which often leads to symptoms like vomiting and dry heaving. However, it's important to differentiate these symptoms from a cough, as they can be quite similar in golden retrievers. As a pet owner, being able to distinguish between them is crucial.

Firstly, indigestion can trigger dry heaving in dogs. This might occur if your furry friend has eaten too much too quickly, consumed a variety of foods in a short period, or has a sensitive digestive system with slow intestinal motility. This can result in not only dry heaving but also loss of appetite and diarrhea.

Secondly, dry heaving could be a sign of internal parasites. Certain intestinal parasites can continuously irritate a dog's gastrointestinal tract, leading to excessive stomach acid production and dry heaving. This might also be accompanied by a loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, and in severe cases, vomiting or passing worms.

Lastly, golden retrievers might experience dry heaving if they've ingested bones, fish bones, or other foreign objects that get stuck in their throat, irritating the esophagus. This often results in repeated dry heaving, difficulty breathing, and sometimes, the dog may cough up saliva or foam.

Part 2: How to Handle a Dog's Dry Heaving

When your golden retriever is suffering from dry heaving, it's essential to identify the cause based on their specific symptoms and choose the appropriate course of action.

1. If the dry heaving is due to indigestion, it's best to temporarily withhold food. Mix a small amount of pet probiotics with water and let your dog lap it up. This can help balance their gut flora and aid digestion. Additionally, be mindful of your dog's diet, ensuring they eat small, frequent meals at regular intervals to prevent overeating or eating too fast.

2. For dry heaving caused by parasites, it's crucial to administer deworming medication promptly. You can start with a broadspectrum dewormer like Fenbendazole tablets. If the symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian for a fecal examination to identify the specific type of parasite and receive targeted treatment. Don't forget to give your dog probiotics to soothe their digestive system.

3. If the dry heaving is due to a foreign object like a bone or fish bone, carefully observe your dog. If they can't expel the object on their own, it's best to seek veterinary care.

If, after reading this, you're still unsure about the cause of your dog's dry heaving, it's advisable to consult an online veterinary expert or take your pet to the vet for a thorough examination.