Tracheal collapse in dogs is an all too common problem for many pet owners, who often first encounter the problem when they hear their dog wheezing with a distinct honking sound that is the hallmark of the problem of tracheal collapse. Tracheal collapse is considered to have fully occurred when the cartilage rings in the trachea become misshapen and effectively look as if they have collapsed.
There are several reasons why tracheal collapse can occur in dogs, ranging from genetic predisposition to the condition to collapse exacerbated by other health problems such as obesity, to collapse which can occur because of damaged caused by external factors like tight collars or repeatedly pulling on a leash. If you have a dog with a collapsed trachea, there are several treatments you can do in order to reduce the risk of further trachea damage and to help you dog breathe easier. Let’s take a look at the following treatments designed to help alleviate the problems caused by a collapsed trachea in dogs.
Use a harness instead of a regular collar
If you know that your dog has a collapsed trachea, you should not use a standard collar that goes around the neck. Instead, you should use a harness for dogs with collapsed trachea; these types of harnesses are designed to avoid putting any pressure in the general area of the throat. If your dog has this I problem, then a harness for dogs with collapsed trachea should be used at all times, even on walks.
Help your dog lose weight if it is obese
Obese and overweight dogs are at a higher risk for collapsed tracheas, and the extra weight on their bodies can make it more difficult for dogs with this problem to breathe. You should actively work on helping your dog lose weight in a healthy way, which will minimize how much work your dog’s body has to do in order to breathe.
Make sure your home is irritation-free
For dogs with collapsed tracheas, even previously “acceptable” irritants in the air can cause an increase in breathing problems. It is best for your dog to make sure that your home is as free as possible of anything that could irritate their throat and cause them to cough or cause their airway to constrict. This includes cigarette smoke, dust, and allergens. In addition to regularly vacuuming any area where your dog might go in the home, it is recommended that you don’t smoke or allow anyone to smoke around your dog. You could also install a home air purifying filter to help remove irritants that can’t be vacuumed up, such as dust and particles, from the hair. The filters should be used in rooms where your dog regularly goes.
Use an elevated feeding bowl
Elevating your dog’s food bowl reduces the pressure on your dog’s neck and allows them to eat in a more natural position. This, in turn, elevated feeding bowl makes it easier for the dog to breathe by reducing overall stress placed on your dog’s airway.