In case your dog is having any breathing trouble, it’s essential to get them checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Tracheal collapse is a relatively common respiratory issue in dogs and can often be treated at home.
This blog post will help you get informed about the causes and symptoms of tracheal collapse in dogs. Additionally, this article will also look at dog tracheal collapse home treatment. Hopefully, this information will help you keep your furry friend healthy and happy!
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Tracheal Collapse in Dogs
While tracheal collapse is a severe condition, it is also relatively rare. The trachea, or windpipe, is a long, thin tube that carries air from the nose and mouth to the lungs. A series of cartilage rings support the trachea. In dogs with a collapsed trachea, the cartilage rings weaken and eventually collapse inward, narrowing the airway.
As a result, the dog has difficulty breathing and may make a honking sound when inhaling. Tracheal collapse can be caused by various factors, including genetics, respiratory infections, and injuries.
Which Dogs Are at a Higher Risk?
While all dogs are potentially at risk for developing tracheal collapse, some breeds are at higher risk than others.
One such breed is the pug. Pugs have an especially short muzzle, making them more vulnerable to problems with their airways. In addition, they also have a tendency to overeat and gain weight quickly, which can put extra strain on their respiratory systems.
Another high-risk dog is the French bulldog. Like pugs, these dogs have shortened faces which predisposes them to obstruction of their airways by swelling and a greater likelihood of collapsed tracheas.
What Are the Symptoms of Collapsed Trachea?
A prevalent symptom of a collapsed trachea is a harsh, dry cough. The cough is often worse when the dog is excited during exercise and may sound like honking or gagging. Other symptoms include:
-Wheezing
-Difficulty breathing
-Exercise intolerance
-Fatigue
-Collapsing during walks
If your dog is showing any of the aforementioned symptoms and signs, you should visit the vet as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Tracheal collapse can be fatal if left unchecked.
Ways To Prevent Tracheal Collapse in Dogs
The best way to prevent your furry friend from developing tracheal collapse is to keep them at a healthy weight. Here are some of the ways to do so:
1. Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight
One of the best ways to prevent tracheal collapse is to keep your dog healthy weight. Excess weight puts extra pressure on the trachea, leading to collapsing.
2. Avoid Using a Collar
If you must use a collar, choose one that is soft and doesn’t put pressure on the trachea. Examples include harnesses and halo collars.
3. Don’t Smoke Around Your Dog
Secondhand smoke is just as harmful to dogs as it is to humans. It can irritate their respiratory system and make them more susceptible to tracheal collapse.
4. Limit Their Exercise
Dogs with tracheal collapse should avoid strenuous activity. If your dog has this condition, take them for short walks instead of long runs.
5. Keep Them Cool
Hot weather can also aggravate symptoms in dogs with tracheal collapse. Keep them cool by giving them a cool bath or turning on the air conditioning.
6. See the Vet Regularly
Regular checkups can help you catch this condition early and start treatment immediately. Be sure to tell your vet if your dog has any respiratory problems.
Managing Tracheal Collapse in Dogs
If your dog has been diagnosed with tracheal collapse, you can do a few things to help them manage the condition. The best treatments for dog tracheal collapse include:
- Give Them Medication
One way to successfully manage tracheal collapse is to give your dog the appropriate medications regularly. Commonly used drugs include bronchodilators and corticosteroids. These meds can help support your dog’s airways and help prevent excessive coughing and other symptoms.
- Fight Infection
Another way to manage tracheal collapse is by preventing infections. This is important because respiratory infections can worsen the symptoms of this condition. Ensure to take your dog to the hospital at the first sign of an infection and follow their instructions for treatment.
- Limit Coughing
Try to limit your dog’s coughing as much as possible. It can help prevent further damage to their already fragile airway. One way to do this is by using a humidifier in your home, which can help soothe your dog’s throat and airways. You can also give them regular massages, which can help loosen mucus and phlegm.
- Holistic Therapies
There are also a few holistic therapies that can help dogs with tracheal collapse. These include acupuncture, essential oils, and chiropractic care. If you’re interested in trying one of these therapies, talk to your vet first.
- Using CBD for Tracheal Collapse
Given the recent popularity of CBD products, it’s no surprise that many dog owners are turning to hemp-derived cannabis extracts to treat chronic health conditions in their pets. One such condition often treated with CBD is tracheal collapse, a severe and potentially life-threatening disorder. The trachea weakens and narrows, leading to an increased risk of choking, coughing, and other issues.
There is some evidence from clinical trials that CBD may effectively treat this condition. For example, in one study, dogs given CBD experienced improvements in coughing frequency and severity compared to a control group. Although further study is required to prove and confirm this preliminary finding, there’s evidence that CBD may assist with the symptoms of tracheal collapse.
For dog owners considering CBD for their pets with this condition, it’s essential to work closely with a vet to determine the appropriate dosage and formulation and monitor progress over time. However, with careful management and close monitoring, many dogs can enjoy a high quality of life despite having this chronic illness. And by using a natural remedy like CBD, pet owners can help reduce the likelihood of unwanted side effects while providing much-needed relief to their furry friend.
Tracheal collapse is a severe condition that can be life-threatening for dogs. However, with dog tracheal collapse home treatment and management, many dogs can enjoy a good quality of life. CBD products may be a useful treatment option for this condition, and pet owners should work closely with their vet to determine the best course of action.
