Manuka Honey For Collapsed Trachea

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If your dog has been been diagnosed with a tracheal collapse you may be looking for some tracheal collapse home remedies for dogs in hopes of helping your dog feel a bit better. Tracheal collapse is a condition that occurs when there is weakening of the cartilaginous rings that make up the dogs trachea. These rings eventually end up collapsing causing the airway to suddenly narrow. The result is often a typical goose-honking cough that is aggravated by excitement and exercise. Correction of the problem requires surgery (placement of a tracheal stent, prosthetic ring placement ) but there are some things you can do at home to manage this condition.

If your dog is overweight, you may want to consider getting that weight down so that your dog can be more comfortable. One way to determine if your dog is overweight is by feeling the ribs. Can you easily feel your dogs ribs or must you push down to actually feel them? In a dog of ideal weight, you should be able to feel the ribs easily under the skin and distinguish one rib from another. If you have a hard time feeling them or cannot feel them at all, then most likely there is too much fat interfering.

Also, your dog should have a nice waistline behind the ribs. Your dog should have a tucked area behind the ribs compared to the diameter of the chest giving him an hourglass look. In some breeds like the Greyhound this feature is more distinct. Ask your vet if you are not sure whether your dog should shed some pounds or not.

If your dog is suffering from tracheal collapse and is overweight, consider that overweight dogs have a harder time dealing with this condition, points out veterinarian Dr. Kristen McMahon. Shedding a few pounds may be beneficial for the long term. Even half a pound can make a differences!

You can give your dog Manuka honey mixed with a little warm water in a bowl. Give this up to three times a day depending on how often your dog is coughing. Honey, or honey with lemon juice or MCT oil can be soothing as needed. Give 1 tsp per 20 pounds.

Can you put Manuka honey on a dog’s open wound?

It contains natural oils and waxes designed to reduce stinging associated with application of pure honey, and can be used on wounds in dogs, cats, horses and other pets. Before applying Manuka honey, wounds should be flushed (but not scrubbed) with sterile saline.

How do you give a dog honey?

If your beloved dog isn’t a fan of being hand fed new foods or liquids, drizzling a teaspoon of honey directly onto his kibble at mealtime will make him eat it. Alternatively, you can mix 1 teaspoon of honey with a teaspoon of water or lemon juice. Give the mixture to your dog on a spoon for him to lick.

Calm Your Dog

Coughing due to tracheal collapse can be often triggered by strong emotions such as enthusiasm, fear and excitement. Its therefore important to keep your dog calm. This can be easier said than done with some dogs, but there are many calming aids out there that can help. Thundershirt, pheromone plug-ins and calming supplements are just some choices on the market nowadays. Providing your dog with training and mental stimulation can also help your dog become a calmer, better under control companion.

Some dogs with tracheal collapse may get anxious when they are having a coughing episode which only makes matters worse. If your dog gets anxious and starts gulping big breaths in, this only causes the trachea to remain in a collapsed position.

To calm your dog down and encourage her to breath normally, you can try this. With your dog standing in front of you, lift the front legs up so that your dogs back is resting against your shins and start gently rubbing the belly. This seems to help straighten the trachea and therefore calms the dog down, explains veterinarian Dr. Fiona. Some dog owners find that they can calm their dog down by extending the neck and rubbing the throat area.

Its always a good idea to keep an eye on your dogs gums when he or she is having an episode. If your dog allows you to (dont do this if you fear your dog may bite) lift the lip and look at the gums. They should be a normal bubble gum pink color. If the gums appear pale or blue, please see your vet.

FAQ

How can I calm my dogs collapsed trachea?

Bronchodilators (e.g., theophylline, terbutaline, or albuterol) – these medications can widen small airways within the lungs, which eases the pressure put on the trachea. Sedatives (e.g., butorphanol or acepromazine) – when dogs become anxious or excited their symptoms often get worse. Light sedation can help.

What should you feed a dog with a collapsed trachea?

Solid Gold Fit and Fabulous Weight Control Dog Food

For dogs with limited exercise tolerance and tracheal collapse, a healthy diet goes a long way towards keeping their weight in check and their breathing optimal. One low-fat option is Solid Gold’s Fit & Fabulous dry dog food.

What helps the trachea from collapsing?

Tracheoplasty: A surgical procedure that provides support to the weak/floppy trachea, preventing its collapse during breathing.

What makes tracheal collapse worse?

Panting or rapid breathing for any reason makes the collapse and anxiety worse, which unfortunately tends to generate more rapid breathing and a vicious cycle of distress. Making things worse still is the inflammation generated in the trachea.