Trachea or the windpipe is an important part of the dog's anatomy as it connects the dog's throat to his lungs. Tubular in shape, the trachea is made up of many cartilage rings. The pet health may be compromised when these rings collapse from top to bottom causing a collapsed trachea and lead to coughing, especially in the case of small and toy dog breeds.



For both humans and animals, the trachea or windpipe is an important part of the body's structure. Tubular or tube-like in shape, the trachea connects the throat to the chest, especially the lungs. Its primary function is of directing the air into the respiratory tract in both man and animal.

Made up of a number of strong cartilage rings, these rings also maintain the shape of the trachea. When these rings collapse or fall down from top to bottom, the pet health is affected as its airway gets blocked causing coughing.

Tracheal Collapse Symptoms

Dog health care requires you to ensure that your pet is well-taken care of. Typically affecting smaller and toy dog breeds, this breathing condition can even lead to death depending on the severity. Dogs affected by this condition will find it difficult to breath and particularly so, during exercise. The harder your pet tries to breathe the more chances of the tracheal rings collapsing further. Pet health is also jeopardized because the further the rings collapse the more air flow becomes restricted and the lesser air reaches the lungs. Some of the most common symptoms of tracheal collapse that affect pet health include:

1.Shortness of Breath

2.Excessive Coughing in an attempt to clear the air passage

3.Occasionally cough hard and likely to sound like goose honk

4.Tongue as well as gums turn blue due to restricted breathing

5.Fatigue

Tracheal Collapse Risks

Tracheal collapse affects pet health and restricts a regular life. Overweight, small, and diminutive dogs are at a great risk than any other type. Despite trachea collapse, dogs can lead a normal life but pet health care become extremely important for such animals. If left untreated, this condition can put unnecessary stress on the lungs and the heart of the pet, as they attempt to breathe properly.

Tracheal Collapse Treatment

Best dog health care demands that you take your pet to a good and experienced veterinarian for examination, diagnosis, and treatment for tracheal collapse. The vet will examine the canine with fingers and order x-rays to confirm the diagnosis of the condition. The seriousness of the condition will command the medications prescribed by the vet. Medicines that help dilate the dog's airway will be given, while coughing suppressant such as Torbutrol will alleviate pet health from coughing.

As part of the dog health care routine, you must not encourage too much activity as this may further complicate the condition leading to damage of the pet health. And most importantly, make sure that your dog wears a harnesses and not a dog collar to ensure easy intake of fresh air!