Reasons Why Your Old Dog May No Longer Bark
If your dog has barked more than usual, he may have over-used his vocal cords. Consequently, his vocal cords might have swollen. Laryngitis is a condition that develops when the vocal cords and larynx swell. Laryngitis does not only swell because of over-barking; it could also be due to an infection. In either case, your dog should be able to bark after some rest. In the case of an infection, your vet might prescribe an anti-biotic to help with the inflammation.
In many ways, dogs are like humans. In this busy world, dogs can be stressed and feel anxious due to many reasons, such as the feeling of being abandoned, a loud environment, or the presence of strangers and other animals. Stress can lead to many abnormal changes in behavior. One of which can be acting strange or not barking. If your dog has stopped barking, could it be due to a change in environment or living conditions?
Health conditions can affect the larynx or voice box of your old dog. There are two conditions in particular that might explain why your old or senior dog is no longer barking:
1) laryngeal paralysis in which the larynx or voice box loses its structure. In this case, the muscle that supports the vocal cords collapses. As a result, its function is altered or impaired. The cords become weak or paralyzed.
2) a tumor that grows in the trachea or larynx of your dog could also result in your dog no longer barking. Cancer, or chondrosarcoma can grow slowly in the trachea or larynx and has characteristics of a malignant tumor. Your dog might be unable to eat or drink, and it can impact barking.
These two conditions can be serious and impact your dog’s barking, and it is important to find the cause to implement an effective treatment.
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