Do you see your pet coughing and not feeling good? Are you concerned that the nature of the cough suggests something more severe than what might be a minor coughing fit? Then it might be the right time to check whether or not your dog has tracheal collapse.
Although it is common in older dogs, you can do dog tracheal collapse home treatment to help manage the condition so your canine friend can continue to live a comfortable life.
If you want to know about this medical condition in detail, the symptoms, and how to treat it naturally, here is the information.
What is Tracheal Collapse in Dogs?
Tracheal collapse is a respiratory disease that can affect dogs, just like humans’ conditions. It affects male and female dogs equally. However, the one thing to note is that the state only becomes apparent once the dog reaches seven years.
One surprising fact about tracheal collapse is that it is not a disease. It is a condition where the trachea collapses when the dog inhales. The trachea is part of the respiratory system and helps to bring oxygen into the lungs during inhalation while removing carbon dioxide from the body.
A collapse in this part of the respiratory system causes increased breathing problems, coughing, and reduced exercise tolerance. Tracheal collapse is caused by an instability of the cartilage rings that hold the airway open. It causes the trachea to close or weaken when your dog takes a breath or inhales. The mucus membrane lining also swells because of a lack of oxygen, causing the dog to cough.
What are the Symptoms of Tracheal Collapse in Pets?
Here are some of the symptoms that you must not ignore:
- Loss Of Energy – The dog will experience a lack of energy, and you will notice that they are not as active as they used to be.
- Breathing Issues – Dogs with tracheal collapse usually have a chronic cough which increases during exercise or physical activity. You can examine if your canine friend has issues with their airway and chest wall vibration when they breathe.
- Change In Voice – If your dog has a chronic cough, you will notice that their voice sounds different between coughing spells. You may also find that the agent is high-pitched because their upper airway is blocked with mucus.
- Harsh Noises While Breathing And Snoring – If your dog is struggling to breathe normally, you will be able to tell by listening closely. You may hear gurgling and harsh noises when they inhale or exhale. It is also common for dogs with tracheal collapse to snore loudly because their airway collapses as they sleep.
- Coughing All The Time – Typically, tracheal collapse does not happen overnight. However, there are cases where it is severe enough to cause respiratory distress for the dog. If this happens, you will notice them coughing all the time.
- Runny Nose Or Other Nasal Discharge – If your puppy has a runny nose or other nasal discharge, it might be because of tracheal collapse.
What are the Natural Treatments For Collapsed Trachea in Dogs?
You can try natural remedies at home to help manage your pet’s condition. You can also do these alongside other treatments.
- CBD Oil
CBD is considered the most influential dog tracheal collapse home treatment. It reduces inflammation and promotes better breathing while improving their energy levels. According to reports, Americans spend an average of $20–$80 per month on CBD.
Here is how it is functional.
- It Reduces Inflammation – CBD is an effective pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. Using it on dogs with tracheal collapse can help them manage their condition better while getting back to their old self sooner.
- It is Useful For Allergies And Asthma – Allergies are common in dogs, especially if they have allergies to certain food ingredients. If your dog is suffering from allergies, CBD can help them be more comfortable. You can use topical solutions to apply the medicine directly to affected areas for faster relief.
- It Increases Appetite And Helps You Gain Weight – CBD stimulates appetite while reducing nausea and vomiting, making it an effective remedy for dogs with tracheal collapse. It also helps them gain weight faster, essential for larger breeds.
- Raw Honey And Cinnamon
Raw honey and cinnamon are known to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that support your dog’s health. They are effective home treatments for tracheal collapse, incredibly when mixed.
- Probiotics And Prebiotics
Probiotics support a healthy gut microbiome that reduces inflammation and keeps your pet’s immune system more robust. Prebiotics also promote gut health while preventing pathogenic bacteria from multiplying. Your dog will have better digestion and improved overall wellness with this combination.
How To Administer CBD To Dogs?
There are many methods to give CBD to dogs.
- Topical Solutions
One of the best methods to apply CBD oil is topical solutions, like lotions and ointments. This way, you can target specific areas on your dog’s body that have tracheal collapse. CBD lotions are best used on their paws, elbows, or neck for faster relief.
- Oral Solutions
For dogs who will not eat food with CBD, you can opt for oral solutions instead. This way, they ingest the medicine directly into their system without much fuss. If your dog is too tiny for topical solutions, you can also use this.
- Drops
It is probably the quickest and most convenient way to give CBD to your dog. Just put a little oil under their tongue, and they will be good in no time.
- Food Item
Consider a CBD-infused food item if you do not want your pet to feel unusual while ingesting CBD. Drops of oil can be added to their favorite treats for a more delightful experience. For instance, you buy CBD dog treats. You can buy CBD dog chews online, especially if your canine friend is selective with the type of medicine it eats. You do not have to think about the significance of CBD chews because they are made for dogs. Pet owners seem to love these things because they can feed them to their pets without changing their diet or lifestyle, and give a few of these healthy snacks here and there.