HI my 13 yr old german shep. mix has had a raspy bark for a few months and he makes gagging sounds while he is eating and sometimes when hes not, does anyone have any ideas?

I certainly don't want to be an alarmist, but there are a couple of things that come to mind. You really need to have your vet examine your dog to determine what's wrong, but here's what came to mind.

Congestive heart failure. Not at all uncommon in an older dog. It usually can be controlled with medication, but there's no cure.

Heartworms. Has your dog been on heartworm preventative?

Tumors of the throat, larynx or lungs. Not all tumors are cancer, but if there are any, you need to know it, and find out what they are.

Dental disease. Infected gums, dental abscesses, rotten teeth. Infection can spread to the throat and lungs, as well as the heart and kidneys. If the teeth are bad, it will also cause the dog to make some pretty strange sounds when he eats.

Do have your dog thoroughly examined by your vet. You need to know what's wrong, and then have a plan of action to treat it.

[wishbone]

Yeah that's pretty much on his health, hope you immediately get a vet appointment for him. I hear about raspy bark before and the problem on that dog was his throat.

[lil mutt]

Maybe your dog is eating too fast. Try giving your dog lesser portion then give the rest of his food by parts...