Dogs that wheeze due to seasonal allergies may only have problems during part of the year. In the dog, the windpipe is comprised of cartilage in a C-shape that is closed by a membrane that is flexible. In some small breed dogs, that membrane can get loose or floppy over time, and as the dog breathes in, the trachea can collapse on itself, narrowing the airway and making it more difficult for the dog to breathe.
Excitement or exercise can make this type of wheezing worse. Chronic bronchitis can also cause scarring in the airways, which can make the bronchi less flexible, leading to constant wheezing and coughing. Dogs that have congestive heart failure due to heart valve disease can also wheeze due to fluid build-up in the lungs. Dogs that have wheezing due to heart failure are typically older, though they can also be young, in rare instances. They tend to have a low energy level along with a persistent cough.
Wheezing due a foreign body in the airways is always an emergency. This tends to be a problem in dogs that chew on bones, balls, or toys; especially younger dogs. Dogs that like to run with balls in their mouth have been known to accidentally suck the ball down their throat. If a foreign body completely obstructs the airway, a dog will pass out from the lack of oxygen.
If the object only partially obstructs the airway, the dog will wheeze violently and may panic. If you suspect that your dog is wheezing due to something he inhaled, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately for treatment. This issue cannot be resolved at home. This may include:.
Make sure you feed your dog a healthy, well-balanced diet. A complete diet will help give your dog the nutrition they need to keep their immune system healthy. If necessary, your vet may recommend feeding your dog a low-allergen diet to help control symptoms. If your dog is overweight or obese, they can have a lower tolerance for exercise and their respiratory system can be compromised. Your vet may recommend:.
If your dog is showing signs of breathing difficulties such as wheezing, always err on the side of caution and take them to the vet. The sooner an underlying condition is caught, the better. Even with lifelong conditions such as chronic bronchitis, symptoms can be controlled with the right treatment.
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Search - Optional. Combined Shape Created with Sketch. Why Is My Cat Coughing? Respiratory Conditions in Cats. Medication Choice. Breathing Together Program. Why Is My Dog Coughing? Respiratory Conditions in Dogs. Shop AeroDawg. Dust and indoor allergies. Some dogs are more prone to irritation from dust than other allergens. Indoor irritants that cause wheezing include scented candles, perfumes, and cigarette smoke.
Sometimes when central heating is used in the winter it can also irritate your pup. Dog influenza. Especially in the winter, dogs with lighter coats are prone to influenza causing wheezing. Dog coughing, eye discharge, and fever are other possible symptoms.
Over excitement. This running around and excitement may cause a bit of wheezing. When to worry about wheezing Wheezing is something to worry about when your dog is having difficulty breathing. Asthma and chronic bronchitis. Outdoor and indoor pollutants can trigger asthma. Excessive panting and coughing in addition to wheezing may be a sign that your dog has asthma. Kennel cough. This is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It causes wheezing along with symptoms like a runny nose, hacking cough, sneezing, and a low-grade fever.
Kennel cough is caused by a bacterial infection and can turn to a secondary condition like pneumonia. They are called lungworm and cause inflammation in the respiratory system. Other things to look out for are weight loss and general weakness. If your dog is overweight, it can cause general stress to their immune and respiratory system.
This can also be an issue if your dog has an exercise intolerance. Nasal mites. Dogs contract mites via other dogs. They disrupt the nasal passages. They can also cause itching, nasal discharge, reverse sneezing, and repeated head shaking. Collapsing trachea. This is more common in small breeds.
This is either genetic or caused by respiratory illness. In addition to wheezing, your dog will have noticeable trouble breathing. Obstruction from a foreign body. Your dog could have swallowed a small toy or a treat that was too big. Gagging might also be present. For the most part, wheezing is a treatable condition in most dogs. Avoid triggers that can cause allergic reactions and wheezing by timing your walks when pollen counts are low and using purifiers to keep the air in your home clean.
Wheezing can be an uncomfortable experience for your dog. Reduce your pet's panic by talking in a calm, soothing voice or giving your dog a calming soft chew. Give your furry friend lots of love and affection and try to make things as comfortable as possible. After the wheezing subsides, hit the trails or take your dog to their favorite spot for playtime.
The exercise will help improve their overall health. Header Search Loading. Your cart is currently empty! Continue Shopping. Table of Contents You wake up one morning and hear your pup coughing and wheezing.
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