Why Is Your Dog Coughing Like He’s Choking? Tracheal Collapse & Updated Holistic Remedies!
Understanding and Treating Tracheal Collapse in Dogs: Natural Remedies that Work
What is Tracheal Collapse?
If your dog has a persistent, dry, goose-honking cough, especially if they’re a smaller breed, they might be suffering from a condition called tracheal collapse. In this video, I’ll walk you through what tracheal collapse is, some surprising new remedies, and the steps you can take at home to bring relief to your pet. If you’re interested in learning more about natural pet health, click the link to subscribe to Veterinary Secrets for more tips.
1. Understanding Your Dog’s Trachea
The trachea, also known as the windpipe, connects the throat to the lungs. It’s a tube supported by rings of cartilage, resembling a rigid, firm structure, much like a plastic tube. In a normal, healthy trachea, these rings provide support, allowing the trachea to stay open even with gentle pressure. However, in dogs with tracheal collapse, these cartilage rings weaken and become floppy. Imagine pressing on a tube with soft, weakened rings—the trachea folds in on itself, making breathing difficult and triggering persistent coughing.
Signs and Symptoms of Tracheal Collapse
One of the most common signs of tracheal collapse is a persistent dry, honking cough. This is often seen in smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Lhasa Apsos, Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers. There may be a genetic component, and in some cases, an autoimmune response that weakens the tracheal cartilage.
2. First Steps to Support Your Dog’s Airway
Before diving into specific remedies, let’s start with some simple adjustments:
- Switch to a Harness: If your dog wears a collar, switch to a harness. This reduces pressure on their trachea, preventing further irritation.
- Minimize Irritants in Your Home: Avoid smoking indoors and using aerosol cleaners that can irritate your dog’s airway.
- Invest in an Air Purifier: Cleaner air will help your dog breathe easier and reduce the frequency of coughing episodes.
3. Home Remedies for Cough Relief and Inflammation
Let’s focus on four primary areas to help manage tracheal collapse:
Symptomatic Cough Relief
To relieve your dog’s cough naturally, I recommend:
- Dark, Unpasteurized Honey: This works wonders in soothing your dog’s throat and can be given long-term.
- Slippery Elm: An anti-cough herb that coats the throat, slippery elm can provide immediate relief. For a 20-pound dog like Tula, mix one teaspoon of dark honey with one 400 mg capsule of slippery elm, adding a bit of warm water to create a smooth, gelatinous mixture. Give about a teaspoon of this blend four times a day. Most dogs enjoy the taste, making it an easy, effective remedy.
Anti-Inflammatories for Long-Term Relief
Tracheal collapse causes significant inflammation each time the trachea collapses inward. Here are three anti-inflammatories that I find effective:
- Propolis (Bee Glue): Known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties, propolis can be given long-term. A standard dose is 100 mg per 10 pounds of body weight daily.
- 95% Curcumin: This natural anti-inflammatory works well in reducing inflammation. A typical dose is 250 mg per 50 pounds daily, making it easy to dose for smaller dogs.
- CBD Oil: CBD has proven to be safe and effective for inflammation and pain relief. I recommend starting with 3 mg per 10 pounds of body weight once or twice daily.
Strengthening Cartilage for a More Resilient Trachea
Supporting the tracheal cartilage is key to slowing down the progression of collapse. Consider these supplements:
- Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM: Common joint support ingredients that strengthen cartilage, these supplements can help prevent the trachea from becoming weak and floppy. I suggest daily doses of 100 mg glucosamine, 50 mg chondroitin, and 100 mg MSM per 10 pounds of body weight.
- Collagen Supplementation: Adding type II collagen, which provides structural support for tracheal rings, can be helpful. Start with a small amount, around 1,000 mg per 20 pounds daily, and increase gradually.
4. Liver Support: A Surprising Connection
Interestingly, dogs with tracheal collapse often have underlying liver issues. The liver plays a crucial role in producing nutrients vital to maintaining healthy cartilage. If blood tests show elevated liver enzymes, consider a liver support supplement containing milk thistle, SAM-e, turmeric, and dandelion root. Supporting your dog’s liver health may also improve tracheal health over time.
Managing Tracheal Collapse Holistically
Tracheal collapse can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and supportive supplements. These steps help reduce coughing, strengthen the trachea, and decrease inflammation, improving your dog’s quality of life. Thank you for watching this edition of Veterinary Secrets. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell icon for more natural pet health tips.
I believe my Maltese has tracheal collapse. He’s currently taking Vetmedin, Enalapril and salix for heart murmur issues. Would I be able to try your suggestions for the cough?
Here’s an article that will surely help:
Most dogs with tracheal collapse have a history of chronic coughing, especially after exercise or excitement. This is typically in small breeds, such as Poodles, Yorkies and Pomeranians.
CAUSES
The trachea is the windpipe that connects the nose and throat to the lungs. It is made up of rigid circular cartilages. In tracheal collapse the cartilage gets weak, and the trachea collapses in on itself. Panting makes the collapse worse, which then leads to more respiratory distress. The collapse causes increased inflammation thus promoting yet more coughing which creates yet more inflammation – the inflammatory cycle.
SOLUTIONS
SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN. If your pet has breathing difficulties, have your veterinarian do a thorough exam, and check for this disease. A breathing emergency requires immediate intervention with sedation, a breathing tube inserted into the airway, and medication to decrease the swelling. Surgery for this condition is an option, but most dogs can be managed without surgery.
METHYLSULFONYMETHANE. MSM is a supplement, found in some plants such as Horsetail. It works by reducing inflammation in the joints, and may reduce tracheal inflammation by acting as an antioxidant. The MSM dosage is 50 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
JENNY CRAIG. Any additional weight puts incredible strain on the larynx. If your pet is overweight, get him on a diet. A safe weight loss target is 15% of the body weight in a 6 month period. If you are serious about having your pet lose pounds you will see a dramatic improvement. Feed a high-quality, calorie-reduced, or elevated-fiber diet, and stop giving all table scraps and treats.
THE MEDICINE CABINET. Aspirin is safe to use in dogs, but not with cats. The ASA dose is 325 mg (1 regular tablet) per 40 lbs of body weight given twice daily. Give 1/4 tab to a 10 lb dog. If side effects are seen, such as diarrhea or vomiting, then stop. I recommend uncoated regular aspirin, as the coated aspirin may pass right through your pet.
FLOWER POWER. Bach Rescue Remedy soothes some pets and can help calm anxiety due to inability to breathe. 3 drops given 2-3 times a day have been helpful for some pets.
T-TOUCH. Massage can calm your pet. Tracing circles on their tail, mouth and ears each day has a surprisingly calming effect. We have often used a form of this to calm nervous animals in the exam room – the ear tips are especially sensitive.
ACUPRESSURE:
For anxiety relief.
YING TANG. At base of the nose, between eyes.
GALL BLADDER MERIDIAN. An important one for anxiety. It starts at the outer corner of the eye, flows to the outside of the ear, down the neck.
GB13. On the outside tip of the ear. This area is also used in T-Touch for anxiety.
GV24. Point immediately above the eyes.
HERBAL:
A variety of herbs are used at different times for inflammation. The ones I have seen to be most effective include the following.
DEVIL’S CLAW. Used in traditional African medicine and has scientific studies to back its effectiveness, give 100 mg or 10 drops per 10 lbs of body weight.
WILLOW BARK. A source of salicylate, the active ingredient in Aspirin, therefore not for use in cats; give 100 mg or 10 drops per 10 lbs of body weight.
BOSWELLIA. Another anti-inflammatory, popular for arthritis in India, give 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight three times daily.
HOMEOPATHIC:
ARSENICUM. Often helpful with asthma. Give Arsenicum 6C every 2-3 hours in a severe relapse then the 30C dose once a week.
ACONITE. Used for fear/anxiety, and it may help in this condition. Dose is 12C every 2 hours in a sudden situation then 30C once weekly.
BREATHING CRISIS
If your pet goes into respiratory distress, stay as calm as possible, keep him calm, and COOL him down.
COOL DOWN. Run cold water over the back of your pet’s head. Place cold packs wrapped in towels between the back legs, on the belly and in the armpits. Wet towels can be used instead. You can use a garden hose to run the water over the back of his head.
ALCOHOL SOLUTION. Rubbing alcohol will also speed up heat loss; it can be applied to the belly and groin, cooling as it evaporates. Liberally spread it on the skin; the most important thing is reducing the temperature in a controlled way.
HOMEOPATHIC (Shock Remedy):
ARNICA. An effective pain remedy that is safe for dogs and cats is Arnica. The dose is two 30C tablets twice daily.
Reputable sources buy these ct herbs supplements
My schnauzer won’t take ANYTHING that smells or tastes bad
I’m immobile and alone and can’t do much. Medicare help won’t help me with MoMo who is 14. Has enlarged heart and is pancreatitis
Any help for me would be wonderfully appreciated
Thank you Phyllis
Here’s an article that will surely help:
Five common signs of heart disease in dogs
1. Cough – Dogs with heart disease have coughs that don’t resolve within a few days. Dogs with heart disease cough for many reasons. Fluid can begin to accumulate in the lungs because the heart isn’t pumping efficiently. This leads to a “back-up” of blood in the lungs, which can result in fluid leaking out of blood vessels and accumulating in lung tissue, resulting in cough. Some heart diseases lead to heart enlargement. The enlarged heart can press on airways and stimulate coughing. Any persistent cough that lasts more than a few days should be checked by a veterinarian.
2. Fainting or collapse – When heart function decreases, vital organs such as the brain can become deprived of nutrients, especially oxygen. Blood flow to the brain can be compromised in dogs with heart disease, leading to fainting (syncope) or collapse. Syncope and collapse in dogs with heart disease is usually triggered by exercise, although sometimes coughing can trigger an episode.
3. Difficulty breathing – Dogs with heart disease often will have difficulty breathing (dyspnea). A dog may breathe more rapidly, or with more force. Some dogs will sit or stand with their legs wide apart and with their neck stretched out. Dogs with severe heart disease have more trouble breathing when lying down, and will often sit or stand for long periods of time.
4. Fatigue, inability to exercise – Dogs with heart disease will tire out more quickly on walks and during exercise. They may sleep or rest more than usual.
5. Behavior change – Many behavior changes can be seen in dogs with heart disease, including poor appetite, isolation, and a reluctance to play or engage in previously pleasurable activities.
Signs of heart disease can mimic those seen with diseases such as arthritis, seizures and chronic lung disease. Your veterinarian can narrow down the diagnostic possibilities with a good history and diagnostic tests. Tests helpful in heart disease diagnosis include:
Chest X-ray – X-rays remain a good way to assess heart size, and remain one of the best ways to assess fluid build-up in and around the lungs.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) – An ECG is the best way to detect an arrhythmia. Sometimes a veterinarian will have a dog wear a Holter monitor to look for irregular heartbeats over several days while a dog is at home
Echocardiogram – An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. This non-invasive test has revolutionized the diagnosis of heart diseases in both people and dogs. An echocardiogram performed by a skilled veterinarian can provide important information not only about disease, but also provide measurements to assess therapy.
Your veterinarian can help select which therapies are best for your four-legged friend.
Some alternative options to consider
DANDELION. In heart disease, fluid will accumulate in the lungs and abdomen. Dandelion is a very safe diuretic herb. Dose is 1ml of the tincture per 20lbs daily or as needed. The other important benefit of dandelion is that it is rich in potassium, which gets lost in the urine with diuretics. By comparison the conventional diuretic furosemide (lasix), causes potassium loss, and pets then may need to be supplemented with potassium.
HAWTHORN. Has been shown to increase the ability of the heart to contract, as well as causing the outside blood vessels to dilate, making heart contraction easier. The dose is 1/2 ml per 20lbs twice daily.
COENZYME Q. This supplement has been effective in people as an antioxidant and in decreasing damage to the heart muscle. The dose is 5 mg per ten pounds of body weight.
THOSE FATTY ACIDS. The omega-3 fatty acids are effective in strengthening a failing heart. They make it easier for the heart to beat and decrease the severity of arrhythmias. They lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of blood clots. A good canine source is found in krill oil, at 500mg per 25lbs daily.
when your dog has collaspe trachea you have propolis, green tea, honey, and remedies with it, but then to help with inflammation or liver you need other things, do i have to buy all the stuff for that or can you just buy your ultimate canine and sprinkle that in food to suffice having to use dandelion, milk thistle etc, as well as strengthing the cartiedge, it would be much easier to use one product that has everything in it to help all issues, and then just use propolis green tea or honey mixture for the cough episodes?
Can all these remedies be used if they’re on heart meds ?
Yes, many natural remedies for tracheal collapse and coughing can be used along with heart medications, but it’s important to proceed with caution, as their suitability depends on your pet’s specific condition.