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Respiratory problems:

In the summer months especially, in the middle of heat and dehydration, you may notice your dog’s respiratory problems.  Also known as tracheal collapse, the trachea is a tube that carries air.  It is like a highway for air: it moistens and warms the air while passing it into the lungs.  It also protects the system from an accumulation of foreign particles.

Middle-aged, small-bred dogs (in particular, poodles, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers), are more susceptible to tracheal collapse, when the inner diameter of the trachea becomes narrowed.

When your dog has respiratory problems, you’ll notice a “goose-honk” noise which is actually a cough. You’ll also notice noisy breathing, gagging, wheezing, hacking, and intolerance.  Dogs with respiratory problems may also have a blue hint to the gums and skin due to lack of oxygen.  Keep in mind, some dogs with respiratory problems may not exhibit all of these symptoms. Some of the dogs may not cough at all, while other dogs with respiratory problems may faint.

While the cause of tracheal collapse is attributed to a variety of factors including genetic predisposition, nutrition, degeneration of the tracheal cartilage, and neurology abnormalities, your veterinarian is in the best position to conduct tests to diagnose the dog’s respiratory problems. 

Treatment of your dog’s respiratory ailment usually includes reducing the cough and trachea injury, keeping the dog away from extremes such as extreme cold, extreme heat, using a harness instead of a collar, reducing food consumption if the dog is overweight (it’s not uncommon for obese dogs to suffer from respiratory problems), and vaccinations to prevent tracheal inflammations. 

In severe cases of dog’s respiratory ailments, your veterinarian may suggest surgery.  Surgery doesn’t cure the disease itself but it may lessen the signs of tracheal injuries.  Post-surgery dogs are typically more active, they breathe better, and cough less.

At The Dog Bowl, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being.  For more information about dog respiratory problems be sure to ask your vet.