It is possible that your dog has a problem with his windpipe, if he has episodes of coughing and choking.Don't jump to any conclusions, there are other possible causes of a cough and many of these other issues are more common.Get your dog checked out by a vet.If you think your dog has a problem, it's a good idea to know what to look for and how your vet will diagnose it.
Step 1: A dry cough is what you should look for.
A dry type of cough is the main sign of a collapsing trachea.The cough may sound like a bird.Pulling on a collar is the most likely cause of a coughing episode.The dog may cough when you pick it up.
Step 2: You should watch for labored breathing.
Your dog may have a cough as well.He can be breathing normally or excited.This can cause respiratory distress.When your dog breathes, he may make a wheezing noise.Allergies, like smoke and dust, can cause labored breathing.
Step 3: Your dog is exercising.
Irritability is a sign of a collapsed trachea.This could be an inability to perform normal exercise or labored breathing.
Step 4: gagging is something to watch for.
A collapsed trachea is a sign that your dog is gagging while eating and drinking.The restriction in the tubes can cause this.Look for signs of coughing while the dog is eating and drinking.
Step 5: If you see blue gums, check them out.
If not enough air is getting into the dog's lungs, his mouth and tongue may be blue.When the dog is excited, he can turn blue.The dog could lose consciousness in extreme cases.
Step 6: Take your dog to the vet.
Take your dog to the vet when he starts showing symptoms.The vet will look for signs of a respiratory infection in your dog, such as a raised temperature, swollen lylas, or strange noises in the lung.The vet will want to do bloodwork and other tests.Other conditions may be similar to a collapsed trachea.Not every chihuahua that coughs is going to have a collapsed trachea.There are other coughs that can mimic this problem.Any cough should be checked out by your vet.
Step 7: The dog had his lungs X-ray.
The dog's lungs and throat will be x-rayed by the vet.The cause of the cough will be ruled out by this.The collapsed trachea may not be seen on the x-rays.
Step 8: Get your dog an exam.
A real-time x-ray can be used to watch the movements of the trachea.It is not always possible to get this type of equipment at every practice.
Step 9: Ask about an endoscopy.
Your vet can determine if your chihuahua has a collapsed trachea.While your dog is getting anesthetized, a small fiber-optic camera is being passed down the windpipe.The operator looks at the images to see if the windpipe narrows.Small dogs can have problems with endoscopy because the camera can take up most of the windpipe and stop the dog from breathing.The operator can only study the windpipe for a short time before the camera is withdrawn and more gas is given.
Step 10: There is a collapsing trachea.
The windpipe is a tube that takes air from the mouth to the lungs.When a trachea collapses, instead of the rings maintaining a completely open pipe or tube, they collapse.It makes it difficult for air to flow because water cannot pass along.The tricyle can collapse because the rings are too narrow and wide, or because of a combination of the two factors.In a chihuahua, flattening the windpipe can make the dog cough.The chihuahua is most at risk because of a genetic tendency for the rings to be flawed.Yorkshire terriers are one of the breeds commonly affected.
Step 11: Older chihuahuas should be monitored.
Collapsed tracheas can happen at any age.The condition appears around six to seven years of age.As your dog ages, keep an eye on him.
Step 12: Don't pull on collars.
The owner pulling on the collar can cause a collapsed trachea.The windpipe can collapse if enough force is put on it by jerking the collar or using a choke chain.When using a leash on your dog, use a harness instead of a collar.