Tracheal collapse is when the cartilage rings supporting the trachea flatten or collapse. The dogs that are more prone to collapsed trachea are the ones that are middle-aged or seniors.
However, some younger dogs might be affected as well. The most common breeds susceptible to tracheal collapse are small breeds. These include Yorkshire Terriers, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Maltese, etc. Dogs with tracheal collapse need the utmost care and concern.
You should mostly take into account the dogs’ posture when they sleep. A wrong sleeping posture may aggravate their condition even more.
Understanding Collapsed Trachea in Dogs
Let’s understand what collapsed trachea is before we move on to the sleeping posture that must be maintained for a dog facing such a condition.
1. What is Collapsed Trachea?
Tracheal collapse is a condition affecting the windpipe or trachea of dogs. The tracheal wall has small cartilage rings which help maintain the trachea’s tube-like shape. These rings cover around 83% of the windpipe’s circumference, not the whole. The thin membranous tissues connecting each ring help complete the circle.
When the rings lack rigidity and strength, they become flattened and weak, causing the trachea or windpipe to collapse.
2. What are the Signs of Collapsed Trachea?
Some of the clinical signs that might indicate that your dog may have collapsed trachea are mentioned as follows:
- Persistent cough similar to a goose-honk
- Breathing trouble, wherein your dog will also breathe noisily
- Intolerance to exercise; where the dog will tire easily
- Coughing up yellow or white foam (seen in some dogs)
- Bluish or purplish tongue or gums ( that may occur in severe cases, indicating lack of oxygen)
- Rapid breathing (means a sign of emergency)
3. What are the Causes of Collapsed Trachea?
There are several reasons for a dog to experience tracheal collapse. However, genetic factors could be associated with this condition. The condition is more prevalent in some smaller breeds like Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Toy Poodles, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, etc.
Dogs with underlying medical conditions like heart disease or chronic bronchitis are also more susceptible to tracheal collapse. Moreover, canines that are obese may even be affected by collapsed trachea. When they are overweight, additional pressure is exerted on the trachea causing it to flatten or collapse.
4. How is Collapsed Trachea Diagnosed?
When your dog shows any of the symptoms mentioned above, you must take him to the vet immediately.
After conducting a thorough physical examination, the vet will also advise some tests like a radiograph or x-ray, fluoroscopy, bronchoscopy, and endoscopy to get a confirmation that your dog has collapsed trachea.
5. How is Collapsed Trachea Treated?
The treatment depends on the severity of the dog’s condition. Sometimes it might be just medicines like corticosteroids and bronchodilators. They will help open the blocked airways and lessen inflammation, making breathing easier for your dog.
Surgical treatment might be needed to open the tracheal passage in severe cases. If the dog has an excessive breathing problem, he must be given oxygen therapy to improve his breathing.
Besides the medical treatment, care must be taken at home as well. Owners should check the dog’s weight as obesity could trigger the condition. They should even be kept away from pollens that could trigger bouts of coughing. Place humidifiers in the room where your dog stays. It helps the air to remain moist and helps to minimize coughing.
Recommended Sleeping Positions and Tips for Dogs with Collapsed Trachea
If your dog has collapsed trachea, he will have breathing difficulties that can aggravate even more when he lies down. That’s why it is essential to maintain a proper sleeping position when your dog has been diagnosed with this condition.
1. Elevate Your Dog’s Head
When your dog’s head is elevated while sleeping, it will help him to breathe with ease. You could do this with the help of a pillow. You may even opt for bed wedges especially designed for your dog.
It keeps their neck and head in an elevated posture. It will help the airways to remain open. It will even lessen excessive episodes of coughing and ensure proper breathing.
2. Make Your Dog Sleep on His Side
Many dogs enjoy side-sleeping just like humans. It’s a posture where their limbs appear extended, and the belly is partly exposed. When a dog sleeps on his side, he is in a relaxed and comfortable state of mind.
If your dog is already a side sleeper, then it will make your work easier. Else, you’ll have to get him to sleep in that position when he has collapsed trachea. It will provide more comfort to your dog when he has breathing issues. You could arrange for blankets or a supportive bed to help them retain this posture throughout the night.
Additional Tips for Promoting A Comfortable Night’s Sleep to Dogs with Tracheal Collapse
Besides the sleeping postures mentioned above, here are some tips to keep in mind to make your dog sleep comfortably throughout the night when he has a collapsed trachea.
- Ensure that the air in your dog’s room is clear and healthy. It should be free of artificial scents, particularly those emitted from air fresheners, perfumes, or aromatic candles. When the air is pure, your dog can breathe without any hassles.
- It would help if you did not smoke when your dog is around; otherwise, it will make breathing difficult for your dog. And, if your canine has tracheal collapse, you would have to be all the more cautious. Even the slightest trigger may worsen his condition.
- Please do not allow your dog to sleep with a collar on his neck. Neither should he be made to wear one when on a walk. A harness would be a better choice.
- Ensure your dog’s bed is soft enough for him to lie down comfortably. Beds with raised sides have a dual purpose. As your dog lay on it, he could use the sides to rest his head. Give him a soft rolled-up towel or blanket to rest his head. It would give him the required comfort and help your dog breathe easily.
- If your dog prefers to sleep on his back, you should ensure that there isn’t much pressure on his neck. If putting a blanket under his neck, make sure you go for a soft one. Using tight and heavy blankets may exert additional pressure on the neck. Rolled-up towels would be a better option in this regard.
Consultation with a Veterinarian
Correcting the sleeping posture is one of the many ways to relieve your dog when he has respiratory distress. But if you sense that night times are getting worse for your dog day by day, and all his symptoms are likely to point to a tracheal collapse, you shouldn’t delay consulting a vet. The sooner the condition is detected, the earlier the treatment will begin, helping your dog to recover the earliest.
FAQ’s
Is herbal treatment good for treating tracheal collapse in dogs?
Herbal remedies are effective in relieving cough and making breathing easy. Certain ingredients have been highly functional in herbal medicine and are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Some on the list include ginger, licorice, yuca, alfalfa, devil’s claw, etc. Then there are marshmallow roots, manuka honey, plantain, etc.
However, when your dog has a collapsed trachea, it is important to contact the vet first and discuss several treatment options. You should even contact a canine herbalist for further details on herbal treatments for dogs.
Can tracheal collapse kill dogs?
In most cases, dogs with collapsed trachea can lead a proper life if they are treated at the earliest and given proper care and medication. Everything depends on lifestyle management. However, when the affected dog coughs continuously, it triggers respiratory distress. In severe cases, it may result in death as well.
Which harness and career is good for dogs with tracheal collapse?
The harnesses with a front clip are a better choice as it doesn’t strain the throat. When it comes to careers, soft-sided careers are better and more flexible than hard-sided ones. You must always go for careers that provide proper ventilation.
Conclusion
Tracheal collapse may sound big, but your dog will be just fine with proper treatment and care at home. You would need to take special care of his sleeping posture. Any deviation or mismanagement could trigger their coughing and respiratory problems.
Elena Gherman is a highly skilled and knowledgeable animal care expert. At the start of her career, she gained practical expertise with multiple animals. In addition to that, she works as a DVM veterinary editor for Joy Pet Products, which focuses on offering reliable information on pet health and wellbeing. She meticulously reviews each piece of writing before it is published to make sure pet owners get the most precise and updated information possible.