What is a collapsed trachea in dogs?
A collapsed trachea, also known as tracheal collapse, is a condition in which the cartilage rings that form the trachea (windpipe) weaken and flatten, causing the trachea to narrow or compress (ACVS). This compression prevents normal airflow and oxygen exchange.
Some common symptoms of tracheal collapse in dogs include (ACVS):
- Dry, honking cough
- Coughing when excited or pulling on a leash
- Difficulty breathing
- Exercise intolerance
- Cyanosis (blue gums)
Tracheal collapse is often caused by genetic factors that lead to weakened cartilage, especially in small and toy breed dogs. Other risk factors include (Dallman, 1984):
- Obesity
- Older age
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
Veterinarians use diagnostic imaging such as radiographs or endoscopy to evaluate the degree of tracheal collapse and look for secondary factors contributing to symptoms (Today’s Veterinary Practice). The collapse is graded on a scale from 1 (mild) to 4 (severe).
Why coughing occurs with a collapsed trachea
A dog’s trachea, also known as the windpipe, is normally made up of strong C-shaped rings of cartilage that help keep the airway open and stable. With a collapsed trachea, these cartilage rings weaken and flatten, causing the trachea to narrow and making it prone to collapsing when the dog breathes in or out (VCA Animal Hospitals).
When the trachea collapses, it blocks or restricts the flow of air into and out of the lungs. This irritation leads to coughing as the body tries to open up the airway. The cough has a characteristic honking or goose-like sound.
The severity of the cough depends on how much the trachea has collapsed. Mild collapses may only cause occasional coughing, while severe collapses can lead to near-constant and distressing coughing episodes. The cough is often worse at times when more airflow is needed, like with exercise or excitement.
Dangers of Persistent Coughing
Persistent and severe coughing can lead to several issues for dogs with collapsed tracheas, including:
Straining and irritation of the throat: Persistent coughing places strain on the throat and vocal cords, according to evaluating-and-managing-chronic-cough-in-dogs/. The constant irritation can cause inflammation and discomfort.
Aspiration pneumonia: Dogs with collapsed tracheas are prone to aspirating saliva, food, or water into their lungs when coughing, states elwoodvet.net. This can lead to aspiration pneumonia, a potentially serious lung infection.
Collapse of airways: Forceful, chronic coughing exacerbates the collapsed trachea, according to petmd.com. The airways can completely collapse, cutting off the air supply.
When to see the vet
If your dog’s cough becomes frequent or severe, it’s important to have them seen by a veterinarian. Persistent coughing episodes can be dangerous and even life-threatening for dogs with a collapsed trachea.
Specifically, you should take your dog to the vet if their cough leads to gagging, choking, or respiratory distress. A collapsed trachea can make it difficult for air to pass through the windpipe, and forceful coughing may further constrict the airway.
Also watch for coughs that sound loud, harsh, or have a high-pitched honking noise. These can be signs the trachea is severely narrowed. Your vet can examine your dog’s throat and airway to determine if the collapsed trachea is worsening.
Getting prompt veterinary attention for troubling coughs gives the best chance at stabilizing your dog’s condition before it worsens. Your vet may adjust medications or recommend surgery if the collapsed trachea is significantly impacting breathing and quality of life.
Medical options for treatment
Since persistent coughing can be dangerous and distressing for dogs with a collapsed trachea, vets may prescribe medications to help suppress the cough reflex and open the airway. Common medications include:
Cough suppressants like hydrocodone, tramadol, or butorphanol can help reduce coughing spasms (VCA Hospitals). These act on the brain to decrease the cough reflex. However, they can cause sedation.
Bronchodilators may be prescribed to open the airways and make breathing easier. These relax the muscles around the bronchial tubes (Cornell Veterinary Medicine).
Antibiotics may be used short-term if a secondary infection develops that exacerbates coughing. Reducing infection can help calm the airways.
Anti-inflammatory medication like prednisone helps reduce tracheal irritation and swelling. However, long-term use has side effects.
In severe cases, surgery may be an option to place prosthetic rings to open the trachea. However, this is a last resort due to risks.
Potential side effects of medications
Some medications used to suppress coughs in dogs can have side effects. The most common side effects of cough suppressants like dextromethorphan include:
- Drowsiness – Dextromethorphan acts on the brain and can cause sedation. Dogs may seem sleepy or lethargic when taking this medication (source).
- Loss of appetite – Some dogs experience a decreased appetite or refusal to eat while on dextromethorphan. This side effect is usually temporary (source).
- Increased thirst and urination – Dextromethorphan can sometimes cause mild diuresis leading to increased water consumption and urination in dogs.
- Vomiting – Vomiting is an occasional side effect of dextromethorphan use in dogs. It tends to be mild and transient.
If side effects persist or seem severe, it’s important to contact your veterinarian. They may adjust the dosage or recommend trying a different medication or natural cough remedy instead.
Natural Cough Remedies
There are several natural remedies that can help soothe a cough in dogs with collapsed trachea without the side effects of medications. Some options to consider include:
Honey – Honey is a natural cough suppressant that can coat and soothe an irritated throat. Give dogs 1 teaspoon of local, raw, unpasteurized honey per 10 pounds of body weight 2-3 times daily. Make sure it is dog-safe honey without xylitol. Honey may also help with allergies affecting the trachea.
Licorice root – Licorice root contains antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce coughing. Give dogs 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight [1]. Look for deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) which is safer for dogs. Licorice can interact with some medications so consult your vet.
Slippery elm – The inner bark of the slippery elm tree can coat and soothe the throat and trachea when made into a tea or broth. Give 1-2 teaspoons per 10 pounds of body weight daily.
Marshmallow root – Like slippery elm, marshmallow root contains mucilage which can coat and soothe irritation. Brew into a tea or add powder to food. Give 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily.
Thyme – Thyme has antispasmodic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Give dogs 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of thyme per 10 pounds of body weight 2-3 times daily. Look for thyme tea or add dried thyme to food.
Dosage and Administration
When using natural cough remedies, it’s important to administer the proper dosage for your dog. Here are some typical dosages for common natural ingredients:
For honey, a typical dosage is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, given 2-3 times per day. Start with a lower dosage and increase slowly if needed. Give the honey by itself or mixed into food or drinks (1).
Coconut oil can be given at a dosage of 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, divided into 2-3 doses throughout the day. It can be given directly by mouth or mixed into foods (2).
For slippery elm bark, a typical dosage is 400-500 mg per 10 pounds of body weight, given 3 times per day. The powder can be mixed into food or made into a paste with water (1).
With any natural cough remedy, they should be given for at least 2-3 days but can be continued for 1-2 weeks as needed to control coughing. Discontinue use if any side effects occur. Always check with your vet before starting any new supplement.
When to avoid natural remedies
While natural cough suppressants can provide relief for many dogs, there are some situations where they should be avoided:
If the cough is severe or worsening, natural remedies may not be strong enough to provide adequate relief. It’s best to see a veterinarian, as more aggressive treatment may be needed (1). Severe or worsening cough can be a sign of underlying illness, so veterinary examination is recommended.
Dogs with certain medical conditions may not be good candidates for natural cough suppressants. For example, dogs with heart disease or high blood pressure could experience complications from ingredients like licorice root (2). Dogs with liver or kidney disease may not metabolize some herbal ingredients well.
Natural cough remedies could potentially interact with medications a dog is taking. For example, sedating cough suppressants like dextromethorphan should not be combined with many prescription medications (3). It’s important to consult a vet before giving natural cough remedies to dogs on medication.
In summary, natural cough remedies are not recommended for dogs with severe or worsening coughs, certain medical conditions, or those taking other medications. It’s best to consult a veterinarian first in these cases.
Lifestyle changes
Making some lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms in dogs with a collapsed trachea. Since coughing and breathing difficulties are often exacerbated by activity, keeping your dog calm and quiet is recommended. Activities that are overly stimulating or strenuous should be avoided. It’s best to restrict exercise to short, gentle walks on level ground using a harness instead of a collar. This prevents putting pressure on the trachea when pulling on the leash.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also very important, as excess weight puts more strain on the breathing. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals may help limit rapid eating and gulping of air, which can trigger coughing fits. Controlling humidity levels in the home can also make breathing easier. Using a humidifier is helpful, especially in drier climates. The air should not be too dusty or contain strong fumes or fragrances from household cleaners, perfumes, candles, etc as that can further irritate the airways.
Making thoughtful lifestyle adjustments tailored to your dog’s needs can go a long way in minimizing symptoms and discomfort associated with a collapsed trachea.
