In today’s world, collapsed trachea is one of the most common canine respiratory problems. While there is currently no cure for a collapsed trachea in dogs, you can help your pet by reducing anxiety and treating inflammation-related symptoms. CBD oil is an all-natural therapy for dogs with a collapsed trachea.
What is Collapsed Trachea in Dogs?
Tracheal collapse is a gradual, degenerative respiratory illness in dogs that is characterized by honking and goose-like coughing.
Small and -toy breed dogs, such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Yorkshire terriers, and Mini-Schnauzers, are usually the most affected, but it can affect all dog breeds.
In dogs, collapsed trachea refers to the gradual collapse of the trachea, which connects the nasal passages to the lungs. The trachea, sometimes known as the “windpipe,” is a tube that connects the throat and lungs. It is kept open by cartilage rings that help maintain its shape, similar to a vacuum cleaner hose. This permits air to flow freely from the mouth to the lungs and back again.
Only roughly 83 percent of the circumference of the trachea is made up of flexible cartilage rings; the remainder is soft tissue. The structural rings of the trachea are U-shaped rather than perfect circles.
A collapsed trachea occurs when the trachea’s rings weaken with time and are unable to maintain the airway’s open configuration. The soft tissue continues to sag, eventually blocking the tube and, with it, the free flow of air.
It would be nearly impossible to take a breath or expel without these rings.
Imagine trying to drink a milkshake via a straw that has been flattened. Your dog is straining to breathe when they have a collapsed trachea.
The Cause of Collapsed Trachea
The specific cause is often unknown, though it may be inherited. A lot of variables that pet parents may be unaware of might aggravate this condition, including:
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Respiratory disease
- Heart disease
- Cushing’s disease
- Environmental toxins
You should always use a harness rather than a leash to avoid a collapsed trachea, especially in small breeds. A harness helps reduce strain on your dog’s neck, no matter how big or small they are. This is especially helpful when your dog is running faster than you can.
You must also keep track of your pet’s weight. Obesity can exacerbate tracheal collapse. The best diet for gut health and weight is a raw or freeze-dried diet.
It’s also crucial to keep irritants like smoke, excessive hair, and dust out of the dog’s environment.
We’ll talk more about both of these in other content here on the Drake Dog Behavior Foundation’s blog.
This disease is chronic, progressive, and irreversible, just like other degenerative diseases. It’s best to catch this condition before it’s too late, because an episode can be excruciatingly painful and last for several minutes. If the windpipe collapses for an extended period, oxygen levels can decrease to dangerous levels. In severe cases, this can result in death.
Signs Your Dog is Suffering from a Collapsed Trachea
It’s best to catch it early, like with any degenerative condition. Make an appointment with your holistic vet if your dog is showing any of the symptoms listed below. A radiograph, echocardiogram, or fluoroscopy may be needed to make a final diagnosis.
- Honking, goose-like cough
- Loud, abnormal, wheezy, or labored breathing
- Blue or purple gums
- Difficulty exercising
- Fainting
- Breathing changes when picked up
Conditions may worsen when:
- Excited or overactive
- After your dog eats or drinks
- When overheated
- In high humidity
- In the evenings
Treatment in Western Medicine
None of the medications in Western pharmacology’s inventory can effectively treat all symptoms of tracheal collapse. Instead, traditional veterinarians will prescribe a variety of medications to address all of the symptoms.
These pharmaceuticals have the potential to interact with each other as well as any other medications your pet may be on, in addition to their own side effects.
Common medications include:
- Anti-inflammatories
- Sedatives
- Antispasmodics
- Bronchodilators
- Analgesics
Are you looking for an alternative to the many combinations of pharmaceutical treatments that are currently being used to treat dogs with collapsed tracheas?
CBD-rich Full Spectrum Hemp Extract effectively manages symptoms without the risk of side effects or dangerous interactions from medications.
This extract is beneficial for managing various symptoms. And it’s a safer alternative to traditional medications.
CBD for Dogs with Collapsing Trachea
This is one of the most well-known properties of cannabis. Inflammation-fighting compounds in cannabis are plentiful and diverse. THC and CBD are the two main phytocannabinoids in cannabis and are both anti-inflammatory. CBC, CBG, and THCV have also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Researchers from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine’s Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology discovered that activating cannabinoid receptors had a significant impact on inflammatory conditions in their test participants.
Several studies demonstrate that cannabis reduces inflammatory responses by down-regulating cytokine and chemokine production and, in some models, up-regulating T-regulatory cells, according to research.
CBD has the ability to relieve irritation and pressure in the pulmonary system, as well as prevent future deterioration of the trachea and supporting cartilage, by avoiding and reducing inflammation.
CBD Oil for Dogs with Collapsing Trachea Causing Anxiety
The honking cough associated with a collapsed trachea can be triggered and exacerbated by stress, anxiety, and panic. Fortunately, CBD is a wonderful, natural approach to preventing fear and anxiety without drowsiness, like medicines such as Trazodone.
In addition to influencing baseline anxiety levels, current studies reveal an important function for the endocannabinoid and glucocorticoid systems in the modulation of emotional states and extinction of painful memories in animals, according to a 2013 paper published in Neuropharmacology.
HEAL CBD for Dogs
HEAL is a proprietary full-spectrum CBD oil for dogs, designed to enhance your dog’s endocannabinoid system and address a variety of health conditions including pain and inflammation.
In other words, CBD can aid in the extinction of negative emotions associated with triggers, as well as the management of anxiety and panic disorders in humans and animals. Perfect for preventing the anxiety that occurs with tracheal collapse episodes, for example.
CBD for Collapsed Trachea in Dogs Struggling to Breathe
CBD not only helps to relieve inflammation and anxiety in pets, but it also has the ability to serve as a bronchodilator, widening the airways and allowing more air to enter.
The last thing you want during a collapsed trachea episode is for the bronchioles to get constricted as a result of the attack.
The activation of CB1 receptors on bronchial nerve terminals has bronchodilator effects via acting on the airway smooth muscle and may be useful in airway hyperreactivity, according to this study from the University of Florence in Italy.
CBD For Handling Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms, both locally and across our dogs’ bodies, are one of the side effects of a collapsed trachea episode. As our dogs attempt desperately to get a breath of fresh air, coughing bouts trigger involuntary convulsions and muscle spasms.
Muscle relaxants and antispasmodics can have dangerous interactions with other medications and are highly sedative. CBD from full-spectrum hemp extract is very safe for our pets and does not harm their quality of life.”
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine reported that individuals who took cannabis had a one-third lower level of spasticity than those who were given a placebo in a 2012 trial. Furthermore, cannabis lowered the patients’ sense of pain by 50 percent.
Dosage Recommendations with the EASE Tincture from CBD Dog Health
Contrary to popular belief, the size and weight of your dog have very little bearing on CBD dosage. Sensitivity varies significantly among dogs, and it might even vary over time as a result of age or chronic illness.
As a result, the most effective dosage is calculated by taking into account each animal’s individual physiological condition.
The Ease tincture, a full-spectrum extract containing 550mg of CBD and prepared with frankincense and turmeric to address inflammation, is recommended for collapsed trachea. A daily dosage of between 9-18 mg is generally recommended for collapsed trachea.
The Ease tincture is designed such that one full dropper (1mL) is equivalent to one normal dose (9mg of CBD). Applying the tincture directly to the gums in two to three successive applications throughout the day is the best approach to ensuring regular use.
Pet owners are frequently concerned that giving their pets too much CBD would harm them. When a pet doesn’t have the expected reaction, it’s usually because they aren’t getting the dosage they require for their disease.
If you are concerned about experimenting to determine their sensitivity’s upper limit, rest assured that it has been found to be completely safe.
Read more:
Tracheal Collapse Fact Sheet | Davies Veterinary Specialists.
Tracheal Collapse in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospital
Can CBD Oil Help My Dog’s Collapsing Trachea? [Educational Guide]
Tracheal Collapse Fact Sheet | Davies Veterinary Specialists.