Cats and Compulsive Scratching, Licking, and Chewing

Cats and Compulsive Scratching, Licking, and Chewing

Most cats are meticulous groomers, but what happens when the behavior goes into overdrive? For a variety of reasons, some cat licking, scratching, and chewing behaviors become compulsive, which can annoy you and damage your pet’s skin and coat.

If your cat is scratching, licking, or chewing herself compulsively, it is likely you regularly catch her in the act. But if you don’t, your first clue may be the disappearance of your cat’s fur, often in strips along her back or stomach. Cats with self-mutilating behaviors may also cause red, irritated areas called hot spots to form, but they are less likely than dogs to do so.

Although compulsive cat scratching, licking, or chewing behaviors can develop in any animal, they are more commonly observed in Siamese cats and other Oriental breeds. Female cats are more likely than males to lick, chew, or pull on their fur.

Because there are a number of medical problems that may result in scratching and licking behaviors, be sure to consult with your veterinarian to help determine the cause and the best course of action.

Why Do Cats Compulsively Scratch, Lick, or Chew?

Parasites. Fleas are often the culprits behind compulsive cat scratching or cat licking behaviors. Because cats are excellent groomers, they may actually remove all traces of fleas. If you notice your cat licking his lower back obsessively, with or without scabs on the neck, it is a sign that fleas might be causing the problem. Other parasites, including ticks, mites, and ringworm, can also prompt scratching, licking, or chewing.

Allergies. Just as some people develop skin irritations in response to certain foods or environmental triggers, cats may have itchy, irritated skin if they are allergic to something in their environment.

Dry skin. Dry winter air or nutritional inadequacies can contribute to dry, flaky skin that gets your cat started licking or scratching in search of relief.

Pain. If you notice your cat licking or biting at the same spot over and over again, it could be that he is experiencing pain or discomfort in that area.

Boredom, anxiety, or compulsive disorder. Compulsive cat chewing, scratching, or licking behaviors often develop in cats who are bored, stressed, or anxious. These mental disorders are more likely to occur in indoor cats, which may be due to the fact that they receive less exercise and excitement than outdoor cats. Compulsive disorders often begin when there are changes in a cat’s environment, including a new animal or baby in the house or a move to a new location. Also, behaviors that started in response to a medical problem sometimes persist as compulsions after the condition is resolved.

Treatment for Your Cat’s Scratching, Licking, and Chewing

Eliminating parasites. Because it can be difficult to diagnose flea infestation in cats, some veterinarians recommend trying reliable flea control products purchased from a veterinary office for six to eight weeks to see if it reduces the incidence of licking, scratching, or chewing. Similarly, treating mites or other parasites, if present, can eliminate your cat’s discomfort and the problem behaviors.

Changing foods. Putting cats that arescratching or chewing on a 6-week exclusion diet is a good way to find out whether food allergies are the problem. You may have to try several diets before you find one that works. Veterinarians may also prescribe the addition of certain fatty acids or other nutritional supplements if dry skin is to blame for your cat’s incessant scratching and licking. No other foods or treats should be offered during an exclusion diet trial.

Using medication. Depending on the extent of skin damage your cat has caused by licking, chewing, or scratching, your veterinarian may prescribe the use of steroids, antihistamines, and antibiotics. Additionally, some compulsive cat behaviors caused by psychological factors can be addressed with clomipramine, an anti-anxiety medication, or amitriptyline, which helps fight anxiety and also functions as an antihistamine.

Addressing anxiety or boredom. If you and your vet determine that there is no physical cause for your pet's behaviors, there are things you can do to improve your cat’s state of mind. Making sure your cat feels safe, loved, and comfortable in your home is important, as is providing adequate stimulation and exercise. You may find that desensitizing your cat by slowly and carefully exposing her to things she fears can be beneficial. Be careful to take baby steps if you try this so as not to overwhelm your cat and make the compulsive licking, scratching or biting worse. Counter-conditioning, by training your cat to associate something pleasurable, like a treat, with something he fears may also help reduce stress and anxiety. Many times, boredom licking (also known as psychogenic alopecia) is improved by adding another cat or pet. But, there is always the risk that the second cat could be a new stress in your pet's environment that could make the hair loss worse.

Source: Pets WebMD 

Dog Coughing After Eating? Here’s What’s Going On

Dog Coughing After Eating? Here’s What’s Going On

Is your dog coughing after eating? The reasons range from eating too fast to serious health concerns. Here's how to know the difference.

Most dogs eat so fast they easily would be top dog in the July Fourth Coney Island hot dog eating competition. That’s enough to make anyone cough. But coughing sometimes happens even when dogs eat slowly. So is your dog coughing after eating? There can be several reasons — some benign, some worrisome.

A dog coughing after eating could be eating too fast

A dog coughing after eating or drinking is common. Not surprisingly, the cause usually is eating or drinking too quickly.

“Some dogs will drink or eat large amounts at once and then regurgitate,” says Laurie Bergman, VMD, a veterinarian with NorthStar VETS in Robbinsville, New Jersey. “This isn’t usually a concern unless it’s happening very frequently.”

Speed-eating and food-guarding can be instinctive holdovers from the dog’s wild canid ancestors, who often were ravenous after a hunt and needed to eat quickly to protect their food from other predators. Even in a home environment where dogs are handed meals at regular times, the phrase “wolf down food” can be apt.

And other factors could be at play. “Enthusiastic eating might be competitive eating behaviors that developed as puppies or related to other dogs in the household,” says Jillian Marie Haines, DVM, an assistant professor at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, Washington.

“The bigger concern is if we see this behavior as indicative of a dog who is anxious,” says Dr. Bergman. “If that is the reason why the dog is gulping down food, then there is a quality-of-life issue.”

Dr. Haines agrees. “Causes of eating or drinking too fast may include general anxiety disorders or resource-guarding behaviors,” says Dr. Haines. “These behaviors could therefore imply an underlying behavioral issue and could also be associated with aggressive behaviors.”

A behaviorist can help. “The dog can be re-trained to eat at a normal pace,” says Leticia Fanucchi, DVM, PhD, a behaviorist and clinical instructor at Washington State’s veterinary college. She notes that not all dogs who eat fast are anxious but advises to be aware of your dog’s eating habits. “Some behavior disorders can cause medical conditions,” Dr. Fanucchi says.

Indeed, if a dog gulps food, not only is he chewing improperly, he’s likely also swallowing large amounts of air (known as aerophagia). This can suck food into the lungs, which can cause coughing and lead to bacterial infection and pneumonia. Additionally, digestive problems, hiccups and burping can result.

“It can also cause flatulence, which can be unpleasant to those sharing the household,” Dr. Haines says.

Or a dog coughing after eating could signal a serious health issue

In some cases, the culprit could be an underlying health issue. “Medical reasons should be ruled out, especially if the dog is really gagging, losing weight or it’s more than an occasional cough,” says Dr. Bergman, an American College of Veterinary Behaviorists diplomate. “These can include neurological problems affecting the ability to swallow, anatomical problems and upper-respiratory infections.”

The most common medical reasons involve the esophagus, trachea and larynx. Diseases of the esophagus can slow the movement of food and water to the stomach or cause it to stay within the esophagus or be regurgitated. Tracheal collapse can cause coughing depending on the severity and location. And a malfunctioning larynx might not close as it should to protect the airways during eating and drinking, Dr. Haines says. Obstruction, throat irritation, allergies and heart disease also can cause coughing.

How to determine when a dog coughing after eating is a cause for concern

Every dog is different, and not all dogs eat quickly or cough after consumption. Still, it’s best to keep an eye on your dog while he eats and drinks. If coughing becomes frequent or comes on suddenly, visit your veterinarian.

“Depending on the cause, if a medical condition is found, treatment may include surgery, medications or lifestyle changes,” Dr. Haines says. “I have certainly seen dogs with a chronic cough that responded rapidly to medical treatment, and their cough completely resolved within a couple weeks.”

Dog coughing after eating because he eats too fast? Check out these simple solutions

There are ways to slow down a chow hound and a dog coughing after eating or drinking.

“The first step is to make sure that the dog isn’t feeling threatened during a meal,” Dr. Bergman says. “A good starting point is to feed the dog alone. Keep others (dogs, sometimes all other pets, sometimes people, as well) out of the area when the dog eats. For some dogs, this means going as far as feeding in a room by themselves with the door closed.”

Dr. Haines also suggests raising dishes off the floor. “Some medical issues, such as esophageal disease, may improve with offering food or water from an elevated bowl,” she says.

Bowls designed to spread out food or scatter it around obstacles discourage devouring, as do puzzle toys that slowly dispense kibble in response to something the dog does, such as rolling the toy or pushing a button. Stuffing wet food in a hollow toy and freezing it also makes the meal last longer.

“These have the added advantage of being enrichment for the dog,” Dr. Bergman says. “Feeding in ways that make the dogs work, we’re not just slowing down how they eat, but we’re giving them some mental and physical exercise.”

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What dogs are most susceptible to coughing after eating?

Any dog can experience coughing (or making honking, wheezing or gagging sounds) during or after eating or drinking. However, that behavior can be a sign of conditions or diseases to which some dogs are more prone.

1. Puppies: prone to obstruction, throat irritation, bacterial and viral infections, digestive issues
2. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs: prone to gastrointestinal disease, esophageal inflammation,respiratory problems, aerophagia (swallowing large amounts of air)
3. Older or overweight small/toy dogs: prone to tracheal collapse
4. Older large dogs: prone to laryngeal paralysis, particularly Labrador Retrievers, but also Siberian Huskies, Dalmatians and Bouvier des Flandres
5. Large and giant dogs: prone to bloat

Source: Dogster 

Is Your Dog Restless at Night? Here’s What’s Going On

Is Your Dog Restless at Night? Here’s What’s Going On

Is your dog restless at night? Aging, anxiety and lack of exercise are some of the common causes. Here’s some help in getting him to rest (so you can, too). 

After a long day at work, you look forward to a restful night of sleep (with or without your dogs in the bed!). But your dog may have different ideas. Is your dog restless at night? While sleepless nights can be common for new puppies or even some younger dogs, the restlessness will usually die down once the dog matures.

However, if you notice that your dog is no longer sleeping through the night, is constantly changing positions, or pacing around the room or throughout the house, there may be a more serious underlying issue that needs to be addressed. A dog who’s restless at night may signify different age or behavior issues that require some gentle intervention.

Is Your Dog Restless at Night? Dog Restlessness and Activity During the Day

If you don’t provide your dog with the daily exercise he requires, it could result in behavioral issues. Simply put, puppies and dogs need to move and expend their energy. They need to play and run to burn off energy — plus it’s a perfect way to work on your bond, including the practice of some important training cues.

It could be as easy as a walk or a game of fetch. If you have an older, calm dog, he may simply need a short stroll down the block to burn some energy. If you have a young and/or excitable dog, you may need a daily play session in the backyard to adequately tire him out. Remember: A tired dog is a happy dog!

“Because exercise decreases anxiety overall, lack of exercise can contribute to anxiety-based conditions. More specifically, lack of exercise and mental stimulation can lead to attention-seeking and destructive behaviors,” says Stephanie-Borns-Weil, DVM, DACVB, head of the behavior clinic at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. “Ideally, a young, healthy dog should have a minimum of 20-30 minutes of daily aerobic exercise. Some ways to get your dog’s heart rate elevated include long walks, running, fly ball, games of Frisbee or fetch, and swimming. Swimming is especially great for older dogs as it is not as demanding and puts less stress on their joints than other kinds of aerobic exercise.”

Suffering from interrupted sleep yourself? Here are some natural restless leg syndrome treatments >>

Anxiety Can Cause Dogs to Get Restless at Night

Is your dog restless at night even though he’s getting enough exercise during the day? While activity can definitely help, canine anxiety can have many causes and may be subtle enough that some dog owners won’t necessarily notice. This can affect a dog’s sleep schedule and result in a dog who’s restless at night.

Talk to your dog’s veterinarian if medication is warranted, or even an appointment with a board-certified animal behaviorist. Also, there are calming supplements on the market that can be beneficial, but be sure to check with your vet first before you purchase anything to be sure if it’s safe and appropriate for your particular pet. 

Aging and Dogs Who Are Restless at Night

Still looking to find out why your dog is restless at night? As dogs get older, they can easily become restless at night — and the reason why is pretty common. Age typically brings on joint and muscle pain, which can make sleeping more difficult due to discomfort. The onset of dementia can also cause sleep disturbances in dogs. It is important to try and help the quality of life for a senior dog. Again, a consultation with your veterinarian is helpful in a case like this.

For an older dog with typical aches and pains, you might want to consider providing an orthopedic dog bed (younger animals may benefit from this, as well).

Source: Dogster  

Can You Give a Dog Aspirin? Are Human Pain Meds Safe for Dogs?

Can You Give a Dog Aspirin? Are Human Pain Meds Safe for Dogs?

Can you give a dog aspirin or ibuprofen? The answers aren't clear cut when it comes to human medications for dogs — and you should always consult a vet.

My excellent nine-year-old dog took ill recently. She seemed to be walking gingerly, as though in some discomfort, if not explicitly in pain. My dad announced that he was just going to crush up an Advil and toss it in the bowl along with her food. I thought I should consult with some reputable and reliable sources first. I was certain that we weren’t the first dog owners to wonder: Are human pain meds safe for dogs? Can you give a dog aspirin? Can you give a dog ibuprofen?

As dog owners, naturally, when our pets appear to be suffering, we want to do anything and everything in our power to help. In the case of aspirin and ibuprofen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs) for humans may be easily attainable and ready to hand, but they are almost universally toxic to dogs. There are veterinarian-approved and prescribed NSAIDs specifically formulated for dogs — always consult with a veterinary health care professional before attempting to treat your dog at home. So, can you give a dog aspirin? And can you give a dog ibuprofen? Let’s take a peek.

Can you give a dog aspirin?

As far as your dog’s health goes, regardless of whether you have a very large dog or a very small one, the immediate answer to “Can you give a dog aspirin?” is no. The simple fact about normal, over-the-counter aspirin is that it can cause ulcers to form in a dog’s stomach, disrupting the normal operation of a dog’s digestive system. Aside from wreaking havoc on a dog’s stomach, repeated exposure to aspirin can also cause damage to a dog’s kidneys. In a large enough single dose or over time, aspirin can impair kidney function — a condition called analgesic nephropathy — or even cause kidney failure. If you want to relieve your dog’s pain, taking the simplest route by going to your medicine chest and pulling out the aspirin may end up doing just the opposite.

But can you give a dog aspirin if you consult your vet first? If you speak with your vet and consider your dog’s physique, height, weight and general health history, aspirin with a coating, also called buffered aspirin, or even baby aspirin, can be administered to dogs in carefully measured doses and over a short period of time only. We will not recommend an aspirin dosage for dogs here, simply because there are so many types, breeds, and sizes of dogs out there and too many factors to take into account before proceeding.

Can you give a dog ibuprofen?

Now that we’ve answered, “Can you give a dog aspirin?” … Can you give a dog ibuprofen? When it comes to ibuprofen for dogs, all of the same terms and conditions for over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin apply. While buffered aspirin and buffered baby aspirin may be given to dogs — only with great care, and preferably after a veterinary consultation — ibuprofen has an even narrower margin of safety.

In fact, ibuprofen for dogs is even worse and more dangerous than aspirin, and should be avoided at all costs. The same issues caused by aspirin can be caused by ibuprofen, including stomach ulcers and kidney failure. If a possible side effect of a medication is death, it’s probably not worth the risk when there are canine-specific NSAIDs that your vet can prescribe.

Symptoms of accidental aspirin or ibuprofen ingestion in dogs

What if the circumstances are different? What if you’re not wondering can you give a dog aspirin or ibuprofen but wondering what to do if your dog ate ibuprofen or aspirin? How do you spot accidental ingestion of these NSAIDs? Since the primary ill-effects dogs suffer from these medications are related to digestion and filtration, the symptoms of poisoning are reliably related to those systems. Things to look out for if you suspect your dog has gotten hold of human pain meds include vomiting. If the dog has enough aspirin or ibuprofen in its system, that vomit may contain blood, as may the dog’s feces, which may express itself as bloody diarrhea.

Seemingly innocuous symptoms include lack or loss of appetite, which can lead to fatigue and lethargy. In large enough amounts or given enough time, the dog may experience abdominal pain, which can lead the dog to hunch over or struggle to find a comfortable resting position. The dog may also seem confused or disoriented. In more advanced cases, a dog who has ingested aspirin or ibuprofen not meant for them can have seizures and even lapse into a coma. Basically, it’s bad news all the way around.

Is your dog in pain? Consult a vet!

Can you give a dog aspirin? Technically yes, but only under certain conditions and doses. Can you give a dog ibuprofen? Best not to. The rule of thumb to follow is that if it’s human pain medication, don’t offer it to your dog, even with the purest motives and the best of intentions. After you think twice, put the bottle of ibuprofen or aspirin back in the medicine cabinet. If you cannot get to a vet, then at least give one a call — in the long run, it’s possible you’ll spare your dog further and completely unnecessary pain.

If you have dogs, especially if they have free reign of the house, make certain that all human medications are safely and securely bottled. Then see to it that your cache of aspirin, ibuprofen and all your other medications for that matter, are stored in cabinets, boxes, cupboards or other home-storage facilities well out of reach. As we all know, dogs can get into mischief around the house; knock the wrong thing over, or the wrong thing open, and trouble can follow.

Source: Dogster 

Cat Care

Cat Care

Have you recently added a feline friend to your family? Congratulations! We know you’ll be thrilled to have your new cat in your home. If you are considering adopting a cat, please visit your local shelter. We encourage you to browse our directory of adoptable cats in your area, or use our shelter finder to start your search.

Read on for useful tips for new cat parents, and for those looking to brush up on their pet care skills.

Feeding

We recommend purchasing high-quality, brand-name kitten or cat food. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your new cat or kitten and determine the best diet. Factors such as age, activity level and health make a difference in what and how much a cat should eat.

• Cats require taurine, an essential amino acid, for heart and eye health. The food you choose should be balanced for the life stage of your cat or kitten. Properly balanced foods will contain taurine.
• You will need to provide fresh, clean water at all times, and wash and refill your cat’s water bowls daily.
• Treats should be no more than 5-10% of the diet.
• Many people feed baby food to a cat or kitten who is refusing food or not feeling well  Please read labels carefully: If the baby food contains onion or garlic powder, your pet could be poisoned.
• Take your pet to your veterinarian if signs of anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting or lethargy continue for more than two days.
• Please visit our People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets page for a list of off-limits items, as well as our Cat Nutrition Tips page for more information.

Grooming

Most cats stay relatively clean and rarely need a bath, but you should brush or comb your cat regularly. Frequent brushing helps keep your cat's coat clean, reduces the amount of shedding and cuts down on the incidence of hairballs. Please visit our Cat Grooming Tips page for more information.

Handling

To pick up your cat, place one hand behind the front legs and another under the hindquarters. Lift gently. Never pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck or by the front legs.

Housing

Your pet should have her own clean, dry place in your home to sleep and rest. Line your cat's bed with a soft, warm blanket or towel. Be sure to wash the bedding often. Please keep your cat indoors. Outdoor cats do not live as long as indoor cats. Outdoor cats are at risk of trauma from cars, or from fights with other cats, raccoons and free-roaming dogs. Coyotes are known to eat cats. Outdoor cats are more likely to become infested with fleas or ticks, as well as contract infectious diseases.

Identification

If allowed outdoors, your cat must wear a safety collar and an ID tag. A safety collar with an elastic panel will allow your cat to break loose if the collar gets caught on something. And for both indoor and outdoor cats, an ID tag or an implanted microchip can help ensure that your cat is returned if he or she becomes lost.

Litter Box

All indoor cats need a litter box, which should be placed in a quiet, accessible location. In a multi-level home, one box per floor is recommended. Avoid moving the box unless absolutely necessary, but if you must do so, move the box just a few inches per day. Keep in mind that cats won't use a messy, smelly litter box, so scoop solid wastes out of the box at least once a day. Dump everything, wash with a mild detergent and refill at least once a week; you can do this less frequently if using clumping litter. Don't use ammonia, deodorants or scents, especially lemon, when cleaning the litter box. If your cat will not use a litterbox, please consult with your veterinarian. Sometimes refusal to use a litter box is based on a medical condition that required treatment. Please visit our Litter Box Problems page for more information.  

Scratching

Cats need to scratch! When a cat scratches, the old outer nail sheath is pulled off and the sharp, smooth claws underneath are exposed. Cutting your cat’s nails every two to three weeks will keep them relatively blunt and less likely to harm the arms of both humans and furniture. Provide your cat with a sturdy scratching post, at least three feet high. The post should also be stable enough that it won't wobble during use, and should be covered with rough material such as sisal, burlap or tree bark. Many cats also like scratching pads.

Health

Your cat should see the veterinarian at least once a year for an examination and annual shots, and immediately if she is sick or injured.

Medicines and Poisons

Never give your cat medication that has not been prescribed by a veterinarian. If you suspect that your animal has ingested a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for 24-hour animal poison information at (888) 426-4435.

Spaying and Neutering

Female cats should be spayed and male cats neutered by five months of age. Please visit our Spay/Neuter Your Pet page to learn more.

Vaccinations

Your veterinarian will make recommendations based on your cat's age and health. Please visit our Pet Vaccinations page to learn more.

Cat Supply Checklist

• Premium-brand cat food
• Food dish
• Water bowl
• Interactive toys
• Brush
• Comb
• Safety cat collar with ID tag
• Scratching post or scratching pad
• Litter box and litter
• Cat carrier
• Cat bed or box with warm blanket or towel

Source: ASPCA 

What to Do About a Collapsed Trachea in Dogs

What to Do About a Collapsed Trachea in Dogs

When a dog has weak cartilage in her windpipe, it can collapse. Here's what you need to know about a collapsed trachea in dogs. 

Recently my inbox has been inundated with questions from dog owners from around the world. That, in and of itself, is not unusual. However, lately I have noticed a marked uptick in questions about what to do about a collapsed trachea in dogs.

First, what is a trachea?

Before we discuss a collapsed trachea in dogs, let’s first define what a trachea is. In medicine, every structure and condition has a fancy name. Freckles are called lentigo simplex. A mole is a nevus. A wart is a papilloma. Eyes with more than one color are said to exhibit heterochromia iridis. The word trachea refers to the windpipe.

The windpipe, as you no doubt know, transmits air from the nose and mouth to the lungs. It sounds like a simple structure, but of course like everything in the body, it is more complex than it sounds.

The windpipe is a tube made out of tissue membranes. Those of you who have studied physics know that when air moves, its pressure goes down. This reduction in pressure, called Bernoulli’s principle, can generate strong forces. It is what allows jumbo jets weighing over a million pounds to climb into the sky. When a dog breathes, air moves rapidly through the trachea, causing the pressure inside of it to go down. This creates a tendency for a collapsed trachea in dogs.

Evolution solved this problem by adding firm structures, made of cartilage, to the trachea. A series of cartilaginous rings holds the trachea open when dogs breathe.

So, what is a collapsed trachea in dogs and why do dogs’ tracheas collapse?

Unfortunately for some dogs, humans have meddled with their evolution. The natural size for a dog is 40 to 50 pounds. When we created smaller breeds of dogs through inbreeding, we inadvertently created a tendency for them to have weak cartilage in their windpipe.

A collapsed trachea in dogs, therefore, occurs almost exclusively in small dogs. Chihuahuas, Miniature and Teacup Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers are especially predisposed to the condition.

Most small dogs are born with cartilage that is sufficiently strong to hold the trachea open. However, age takes its toll on cartilage, as it does on so many things. As cartilage ages, it becomes weaker. Symptoms of a collapsed trachea in dogs thus occur most commonly in older dogs.

What are the symptoms of a collapsed trachea in dogs?

The first symptom of a collapsed trachea in dogs is usually coughing. As the windpipe narrows during breathing, dogs appear to feel a tickle in their throat. The symptoms of a collapsed trachea in dogs tend to be most prominent when air is moving faster and the forces leading to collapse of the structure are stronger. Therefore, the symptoms of a collapsed trachea in dogs are more likely to occur when dogs breathe harder. They often cough when they are excited or when they engage in strenuous exercise.

The coughing caused by a collapsed trachea in dogs generally is dry and often sounds like a goose honking. The coughs may come in clusters, or they may be solitary. They may be triggered by pressure on the windpipe such as occurs when a dog who is leashed to a collar pulls hard. Vets sometimes can trigger coughing in dogs with the syndrome by gently stimulating the windpipe.

The symptoms of a collapsed trachea in dogs can be identical to those of canine infectious respiratory disease, also known as CIRD, and known colloquially as kennel cough. In its early stages, the condition is sometimes mistaken for kennel cough (and the two conditions are not mutually exclusive). However, kennel cough is self limiting. Its symptoms generally resolve within a week. A collapsed trachea in dogs is a lifelong, progressive syndrome.

How is a collapsed trachea in dogs diagnosed?

A collapsed trachea in dogs can be diagnosed in two ways. Radiographs (X-rays) are the most common method. The trachea is visible on chest radiographs. The diagnosis is made if it is seen to narrow on the images. However, a collapsed trachea in dogs is a dynamic phenomenon. The windpipe narrows when the dog inhales, and then snaps back to its normal shape. If the image is acquired when air is not moving, the trachea will appear normal.

A collapsed trachea in dogs can also be diagnosed with endoscopy. An endoscope is a medical instrument with a camera on its end. It can be inserted into the trachea, and the windpipe can be observed visually for evidence of collapse.

What is the prognosis for a collapsed trachea in dogs?

I am sorry to say that severe cases of a collapsed trachea in dogs can have fatal consequences. The narrowing of a collapsed trachea in dogs can become so severe that sufficient air cannot make it into the lungs, and affected dogs may die of respiratory distress.

The news, however, is not all bad. Life-threatening cases of a collapsed trachea in dogs are rare in my experience. Most dogs with the condition experience coughing but do not progress to respiratory distress.

How do you treat a collapsed trachea in dogs?

Treatment for a collapsed trachea in dogs starts with basic lifestyle changes. Leashes should be attached to harnesses rather than collars in order to avoid pressure on the windpipe. (In fact, I recommend harnesses for all dogs, not just small ones.) Obesity exacerbates the syndrome, so special attention should be paid to the weight of dogs with collapsing trachea. Dogs need to move more air through the trachea when they pant on hot days and when they exercise. Therefore, a collapsed trachea in dogs means that dogs should avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day.

Cough suppressants sometimes are prescribed to treat collapsed trachea in dogs. As the syndrome progresses, some dogs benefit from treatment with so-called bronchodilating medications, which open airways and facilitate breathing.

Dogs with crises of respiratory distress due to collapsing trachea may be treated with sedation, supplemental oxygen, and steroids to reduce inflammation and swelling of the trachea. In severe cases, dogs may be anesthetized so that a breathing tube can be placed in order to provide ventilation.

Is there a cure for a collapsed trachea in dogs? What can you do about it?

There is no cure for a collapsed trachea in dogs, but dogs who suffer from advanced forms of the condition sometimes benefit from a procedure called tracheal stenting. Tracheal stenting involves permanent placement of a rigid structure inside (or in some cases, outside) of the windpipe to hold it open.

I recommend that owners of small dogs who frequently cough discuss collapsing trachea with their veterinarians. A good vet should be able to help come up with a comprehensive treatment plan to keep dogs breathing well.

Source: Dogster