So Dillon was coughing and gagging this morning as if something was stuck in his throat but I couldn't see anything - and he hadn't been chewing up his toys or had access to sticks.

I took him to the vet and she thinks he has tonsillitis! The tonsils are swollen enough to make him gag, poor little thing. He has had some antibiotics injected and he should be fine in a day or two.
The vet said if he has coughing fits (atm he just coughs/gags once or twice every now and then) then I can give him a teaspoon of Children's Benylin cough mixture to soothe his throat.

I was surprised because 1) I hadn't realised that dogs could get tonsillitis and 2) I didn't know they could have 'human' medicine!*

Now he is curled up in his basket looking miserable and is refusing all treats - probably because his throat hurts.

I do feel sorry for him but I'm glad it wasn't anything serious


* obviously, only things recommended by a vet.

Sounds like Kennel cough to me

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I work my life around my dog, not my dog around my life

me to, and there is a lot about at the moment

Tala was diagnosed with kennel cough 2 weeks ago, she was coughing (not much) but it was like she was going to be sick, her whole body was retching. She had 2 injections, anti biotics and some magic dust stuff, and now she is right as rain.

She didnt want to eat, not even treats, was very lethargic, wouldnt go for walk etc.....

Sound familiar?

Kennel cough was what I was afraid of when I knew he wasn't choking on anything. But he was eating his food (just ignoring treats) and otherwise behaving normally.
He didn't have a temperature and the coughing noise was the kind of cough he makes when he vomits. The cough that comes with kennel cough is generally a lot more forceful and sustained according to various things I have read/been told.

Anyway, he seems fine today, I haven't heard any cough at all and he's even had a dried liver jerky chew so I think he is ok.

Thanks for your concern about the diagnosis everyone, I know that vets are not infallible!