At i-Care Veterinary Hospital in Coombs, BC, we recently met Zoey, a spirited small-breed dog who came in with a persistent, hoarse cough. Her family noticed it would flare up during excitement or activity and weren’t sure if it was something to worry about. This case is a great opportunity to help pet parents understand a common yet often misunderstood issue: tracheal inflammation and its connection to a condition called collapsing trachea.
What Is Tracheal Inflammation?
The trachea (or windpipe) is a soft, flexible tube supported by rings of cartilage. In some small dogs, these rings weaken or the airway becomes irritated, narrowing the passage of air. This can lead to coughing that sounds dry, raspy, hoarse, or even similar to a goose honk. This condition may be diagnosed as collapsing trachea or tracheal inflammation, depending on severity and imaging.
Common triggers include excitement, pressure on the neck from a collar, or inhaling irritants like smoke or dust. Toy breeds such as Shih Tzus, Yorkies, and Pomeranians are especially prone to this condition.
Zoey’s Exam and Diagnostic Plan
When Zoey came in, our first step was to gently examine her throat to rule out the possibility of a foreign object. It is important to ensure nothing is physically lodged in the airway, as that can be a medical emergency.
After finding no obstruction, our team performed chest X-rays to look for signs of airway inflammation or collapse. In Zoey’s case, there was no obvious collapse, but we did see signs of tracheal irritation.
It is worth noting that collapsing trachea is a dynamic condition, which means it may not be visible on X-rays taken while the dog is calm and breathing normally. That is why a combination of history, symptoms, and physical exam findings is so important.
Treatment and Monitoring
Zoey was sent home with a cough suppressant to help soothe her airway. Her family was asked to monitor her closely over the next 3 to 5 days for any changes.
We also recommended the following supportive measures:
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Switch to a harness instead of a collar to reduce pressure on the trachea
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Maintain a healthy body weight to ease strain on the airway
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Avoid exposure to smoke, dust, or strong cleaning products
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Keep excitement to a minimum to reduce coughing episodes
With these steps, many dogs with mild tracheal inflammation improve quickly and comfortably.
When to Seek Urgent Care
While many cases of tracheal irritation are manageable at home, there are times when a cough can signal something more serious.
You should seek veterinary care urgently if your dog:
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Has sudden, severe coughing fits
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Appears to be struggling to breathe
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Collapses or becomes extremely lethargic
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Has blue-tinged gums or tongue (a sign of low oxygen)
These signs could indicate severe airway obstruction, pneumonia, or other critical issues and require immediate medical attention.
Final Thoughts
If your small dog is developing a persistent, hoarse cough, even if it seems mild at first, it is best to have it checked out. Early care can improve your dog’s comfort and help prevent complications.
At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we are here to support pet parents on Vancouver Island with compassionate, professional care. If you are worried about your dog’s breathing or cough, do not wait. Reach out to us. We are just a phone call or tail wag away.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is showing signs of illness, please consult your veterinarian.