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.