Chihuahua with hacking cough

[Jeffjense]

My little guy coughs and gags only at night. Usually 3 or 4 coughs and then like a dry heave. Any ideas

[writerwife]

My toy fox terrier did that, it was the onset of congestive heart failure. Same with my sisters dog. Certain smaller dogs are more prone to it.

[WolgastE]

It's a terrible thing to stand by and watch happen. It's common. Through my research I found out that making COUNTER CLOCKWISE circles on the back of their necks it helps stop it very quickly. It's temporary but works great.

[hunterseat]

I have a small dog - constantly mistaken for Chihuahua so I'll weigh in here.
She's 13 now but as a pup she did this. Took her to the vet and he said it's a small dog thing.
She's been doing it her whole life normally after a drink of water.

[nobodysbusiness]

My rescued chi is around 13 years old. He started gagging and passed out a few times. The last time, he almost died. It turns out he has congestive heart failure. He is on three medications now, and has not had one gagging incident.

I think "coughing" is often perceived as gagging.

I thought he had anxiety - no clue his ticker was bad.

[gouligann]

One more thing... re: nobodysbusiness's post above concerning heart disease

Small dogs often have dental problems, (yorkies and chi's- very common)
dental problems can in turn, cause heart disease, (they swallow the infected saliva and it affects their organs)
heart disease can in turn, cause them to hack and cough.

Have your small dog's teeth checked and cleaned by a Vet if the Vet suggests it is needed.
Costly yes, but an ounce of prevention.

[Rowan123]

Originally Posted by Jeffjense

My little guy coughs and gags only at night. Usually 3 or 4 coughs and then like a dry heave. Any ideas

A vet visit is in order ASAP to figure out what's going on.