Have you ever thought about what causes your dog to choke? Dog owners know that it can be terrifying to see their pet with something lodged in their throat or even just coughing.
Choked throat, coughing, and bleeding can signify a collapsed trachea in dogs. This type of disease is common in toy and miniature breed dogs.
It’s essential to understand the dangers of a collapsed trachea in dogs and the symptoms that appear before it happens. Fortunately, you can take certain measures to prevent this from happening and ways to recognize if this condition is becoming an issue for your pet so you can get them the treatment they need before it becomes life-threatening. Here are the dangers of a collapsed trachea in dogs.
What is a Collapsed Trachea?
When a dog’s tracheal tube or windpipe becomes abnormally narrow due to inflammation, scarring, or other causes, it can cause severe problems for the animal. It is commonly called collapsing trachea or kennel cough, leading to breathing problems and even death. Collapsed tracheas usually affect middle-aged large breed dogs, although smaller pets can be affected as well.
Causes of a Collapsing Trachea
Some factors contributing to its development include rapid weight loss and gain, lack of exercise, smoking around your pet, allergies, or irritation. Dogs can also be born with the condition known as congenital collapse.
The disease progresses through inflammation and dilates (expands) narrow airways. Since some breeds have narrower tracheas than others, they are also more susceptible to problems such as collapsing tracheas.
Early Symptoms
Excessive barking, shortness of breath, coughing, labored breathing. Increased thirst and appetite are often signs of a collapsed trachea in dogs. Also, tumors and cancerous growths can form on or near the trachea, causing compression, collapse, or constricting the airway. Some causes of the collapsed trachea are congenital, while others are acquired. In some cases, there won’t be any symptoms at all. That’s why it’s necessary to know how to identify if your dog has a collapsed trachea. It can save his life.
Late-Stage Symptoms
If your dog’s symptoms have progressed to this point, it is generally a dire situation. Aside from coughing, dogs with a damaged trachea might be more tired and inactive than usual. They might also experience problems breathing while they sleep—their legs and paws might kick involuntarily while they doze off.
As their condition worsens, your dog’s breathing will become very difficult; eventually, he won’t be able to breathe without opening his mouth. It’s essential to know if your pet has reached late-stage symptoms because these indicate a dire need for emergency care.
How Can CBD Help Deal with a Collapsed Trachea in Dogs?
Since a collapsed trachea in dogs is often caused by inflammation, CBD oil can be an effective natural treatment. CBD oil is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the swelling in the trachea and improve your dog’s breathing.
In addition, CBD oil also has analgesic (pain relief) properties that can help your pup feel more comfortable without the pain and discomfort of a collapsed trachea.
The positive effects of CBD are remarkable for dogs who have undergone surgery or still have cancerous tumors around the trachea. The soothing effects of CBD can also help your pup fall and stay asleep.
For best results, you should use full-spectrum CBD oil, which has all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids working together to heal your pup’s body from the inside out.
Treatment Methods Vary
There is no single solution that works for a collapsed trachea in dogs, and treatment can range from surgery to a temporary fix and everything in between. Surgery for a collapsed trachea may involve inserting a stent into your pet’s airway or inserting another device that makes it easier for your pet to breathe.
The Bottom Line
If you suspect your pet has symptoms, take it to a veterinarian immediately so it can be given antibiotics and exceptional food or medicine. There are also several non-medical methods you can try at home to help alleviate his symptoms.
