Category Archives: small dogs

Collapsing Trachea in small dogs – how to cope

Does your dog honk like a goose when you go for a walk? Do you avoid playing with your dog so he/she doesn’t start coughing? Does the hacking start as soon as your dog gets excited Is he/she overweight? Is your dog a toy breed? Your dog may be suffering with Collapsing Trachea.

Collapsing Trachea isn’t your fault, and, in most cases, can be managed without surgery and with an excellent long-term prognosis. According to Veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker, the majority of dogs with the condition do just fine with “medical” management.

So what is Collapsing Trachea and how do dogs “get” it? VetStreet says it happens when “the trachea’s normally firm cartilage rings of support are softer and less supportive than they should be. In these cases, inhaling air during the normal act of breathing can cause the trachea to collapse on itself (much like a flimsy straw would with a thick milkshake), which typically elicits a hacking cough.”

Don’t blame yourself – you didn’t cause Collapsing Trachea!

And don’t blame yourself – Collapsing Trachea is an inherited condition. We haven’t done anything to cause it. And there’s quite a few things we can do to keep it under control.

The most important thing is to stop the cycle of throat irritation and inflammation. Veterinarians often prescribe cough suppressants, bronchodilators, and even steroids to get the flare-up under control. But there are things you can do help your dog breathe better right at home.

Use a harness

Don’t use a collar. Find a harness that fits your dog right. There’s no single harness that suits every dog, person, or situation. That’s why we carry so many different styles in a variety of sizes, materials, and colors. There’s one that will be perfect for you and your dog. If you need some Use harnesses to minimize Collapsing Trachea symptomshelp, you can use our Do It Yourself Online Harness Selector, or ask for personalized help from our expert staff. We’d love it if everyone could bring their dogs into the shop for a custom fitting – but we’ll make sure you and your dog are happy before we consider any order complete.

Watch their weight!

Next is to make sure your dog is the proper weight. According to Veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds, “Additional pounds or ounces cause respiratory distress because hauling weight around requires a higher level of exertion.” This may be even harder, says Dr. Dodds, if the dog is on medication for the condition, “Many pet parents may struggle with this point if their companion dogs require exercise restriction or are taking corticosteroids prescribed to dampen the inflammation as they often cause weight gain. It’s a vicious cycle.”

Other ways to help

You can also help your dog by minimizing anxiety as much as possible. If your dog tends to be “high strung” and easily excitable, you might consider supplementing with CBD treats or oil. CBD is the non-psychoactive, healing compound derived from hemp.

Other ways to ease the symptoms of Collapsing Trachea include: adding some moisture to dry food to minimize irritation, and using some natural supplementation of glucosamine and chondroitin to reduce deterioration of the cartilage. In fact, Beef Trachea chew treats are a good source of these nutrients.

Who’s at risk?

There are specific breeds that are most prone to problems with Collapsing Trachea, including: Chihuahua, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Pomeranian, Pug, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle and Yorkshire Terriers. Those vulnerable would also include any mixed-breeds that include these.

While Collapsing Trachea is a serious concern, there are many ways to help your dog breathe easier.

Why do people dress their dogs?

Fran on Friday –

121212tangoOwning a pet supplies business, we see a lot of products that manufacturers want us to carry in the shop. Much of it is reasonable – dog bowls, fences, ramps, carriers, collars, leashes, toys, treats, food, and on and on. We consider every addition to our product line very carefully. New products have to serve a purpose, they have to be attractive (reasonably), and affordably priced. Some items that we carry are, admittedly, frivolous (like the bow tie – but Booker looks so cute in it!). But most do serve a purpose.

But, I will never understand why people put dresses on their dogs. Dogs are not little people. Dresses on dogs do not serve any purpose. The cuteness factor? Well, perhaps, but I don’t see it. There’s one company that we know of that produces tutus for dogs. I don’t even understand tutus on prima ballerinas. (I love the dance, but don’t get the costume. One day I”ll have to research its origin.) When we were first starting out, Hope and I were at a trade convention and saw one vendor’s wedding dresses and tuxedos for dogs laid out on their table. We looked at each other, said, “No!” and walked on.

The furthest I will go is to leave Tango’s bandana on until I take his picture after I get him back from the groomer’s.

“Fran on Friday” – Play with your dog!

Hi – Fran here! Hope suggested that I name my Friday posts. OK – Done!

060313_bkrplayI’m really surprised at how many people who own dogs don’t know how to play with them. They think that watching their dogs play with toys qualifies as playing with their dogs. Not in most trainers’ books. Dog trainers, and people who have a solid bond with their dogs, know that playing with their dogs actually does strengthen the relationship with them. In our training classes playing between exercises helps to keep the dog engaged which produces better attention and focus on the work. In agility class play keeps the dog’s energy up. With some dogs rewarding only with treats slows a dog down.

How to play? Tug, play fetch, or chase your dog! Get down on the floor and have fun!

That’s me in the picture playing with Booker. He’s a fierce tugger when he’s not at class. I’m working on play at class, but he’s so distracted by everything around him that he can’t even focus on the toy he loved at home 20 minutes earlier. So at class I’ll try asking him to perform play-like behaviors such as jumping up, dancing on his hind legs then lying down. And I’ll try putting a really yummy, stinky treat in a sock or something else that has a loose weave and tugging. A work in progress. We’ll get it one day.