He is a 9 year old Akita... hasn't had any health issues aside from a urinary tract infection a few months ago. He seems sad and when he does get up and moving... he is gaggy. Any ideas?

In a younger healthy dog I would suggest a few fixes but an a 9 year old larger breed your first stop should be the vet.

Gagging and coughing can be a symptom of several problem from kennel cough to heart murmers and needs to be checked out.