Dogs make happy sounds like barking, panting, and whimpering, which bring joy to their owners. But if the sounds become persistent, harsh coughs, it could mean a more serious problem—a collapsed trachea. A common condition in small and toy-breed dogs, a collapsed trachea can indeed be a source of discomfort and pain for your pet. This blog post aims to provide a deeper understanding of the condition and how to manage the associated pain.
What is a Collapsed Trachea?
The trachea, or windpipe, is a tube made of flexible cartilage rings that transport air to and from the lungs. When the trachea collapses, the rings weaken, causing the windpipe to narrow and constrict airflow. This can lead to coughing, difficulty breathing, and other distressing symptoms.
Signs of Collapsed Trachea in Dogs
One clear sign of this condition is a loud cough. The cough can happen when the person is excited, eating, drinking, or when the leash is pulled slightly.
Dogs with a collapsed trachea may have difficulty breathing. They may also struggle with exercise and wheeze. Additionally, they may have blue gums or a blue tongue, which is caused by a lack of oxygen.
It’s essential for owners to be attentive to these symptoms, as a collapsed trachea can severely compromise a dog’s quality of life and may require medical intervention.
Signs of Difficulty Breathing
When dogs have a collapsed trachea, it’s hard for them to breathe, and they’ll often show signs you need to be aware of. We’ll go through each one so you know just what you need to look for.
Even if your dog doesn’t have a collapsed trachea, these signs are dangerous and should be taken seriously.
Heaving Abdomen in Dogs
Dogs with a heaving abdomen will breathe with an open mouth and likely pant excessively. You know what it’s like to try to catch your breath when you can’t breathe. For those of us who have asthma, the feeling could be somewhat comparable.
Blue Gums in Dogs
Blue-tinged gums mean your dog isn’t getting enough oxygen. Check your dog’s tongue, too. You’ll need to let your vet know if that is blue as well. Give your vet a call for an emergency visit.
Coughing in Dogs
Coughing with an outstretched neck, especially at night or even during the smallest exercise, could mean your dog is having a hard time breathing.
Is a Collapsed Trachea in Dogs Painful?
While dogs can’t verbalize their pain as humans do, they do show signs of discomfort. A collapsed trachea can indeed be painful, or at the very least, extremely uncomfortable, for dogs. The cough associated with the condition is often referred to as a ‘goose honk’.
It can worsen with excitement, eating, drinking, or hot weather. This coughing can cause throat soreness and difficulty breathing, which can lead to significant distress and a decreased quality of life for your pet.
Managing Pain and Providing Comfort
While a collapsed trachea can’t be cured without surgery, several management strategies can help alleviate your dog’s discomfort:
Weight Management
Excess weight can put additional pressure on your dog’s windpipe. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is crucial.
Harnesses, Not Collars
Collars can exacerbate a collapsed trachea by placing pressure on the throat. Switching to a chest harness can relieve this pressure, making walks more comfortable.
Avoid Smoke and Dust
Irritants like smoke and dust can aggravate coughing. Try to keep your pet’s environment as clean and smoke-free as possible.
Medications
Your vet may prescribe cough suppressants, bronchodilators, or steroids to reduce inflammation and ease breathing.
Surgery
In severe cases, your vet may suggest surgery to insert a stent or prosthesis to keep the trachea open.
How Full Spectrum CBD Helps With Collapsed Trachea in Dogs
While CBD is not a cure for a collapsed trachea, it may offer some benefits in managing the symptoms associated with this condition:
Natural Anti-Inflammatory For Dogs
CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the trachea, potentially easing breathing difficulties.
Pain Relief For Dogs
CBD may help alleviate discomfort associated with coughing and the strain of labored breathing, providing a more comfortable state for the dog.
Reducing Anxiety in Dogs
Dogs with breathing difficulties often experience anxiety. CBD has been noted for its calming effects, which can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs.
Cough Suppression
Some pet owners have reported that CBD can help reduce the frequency and severity of coughing, a common symptom of a collapsed trachea.
Improving Overall Well-Being
By potentially addressing symptoms like pain and anxiety, CBD can contribute to an overall improvement in the quality of life for dogs with this condition.
It’s important to note that while CBD can be a helpful supplement, it should not replace any treatment or medication prescribed by a veterinarian.
Conclusion
A collapsed trachea can indeed be a painful and distressing condition for your beloved canine friend. With proper management, you can ease your dog’s discomfort and ensure they have a happy, fulfilling life. Always consult with your vet if you notice symptoms such as persistent coughing or breathing difficulties in your pet. Early detection and intervention are important for managing a collapsed trachea and keeping your pet’s quality of life.