Using CBD for Collapsed Trachea in Dogs

As far as canine respiratory issues go, collapsing trachea is probably the most common. There is no cure for a dog's collapsed trachea, but there are ways to relieve the inflammation and anxiety associated with it.

Remedies like honey, coconut oil, and even CBD oil can be effective ways to relieve some of the discomfort from your dog's collapsed trachea.

Collapsed Trachea in Dogs: Overview

Collapsing trachea is a largely-genetic chronic respiratory disease in dogs with no cure. 

This condition causes the trachea (also known as the windpipe) to weaken and begin to flatten. This causes difficulty breathing and leads to an unmistakable cough that sounds like a honk.

In most cases, the trachea in dogs collapses at the point where it bends to enter the chest called the "thoracic inlet."

The trachea consist of cartilage rings that hold it open, but these degenerate and "collapse" over time for some dogs, leading to a collapsing trachea diagnosis.

Key Symptoms of Collapsing Trachea in Dogs

• Consistent dry cough that sounds distinctly like a "honk."
• Wheezing or general difficulty breathing.
• Unsuccessful attempts to "cough something up" triggered by the narrowing of the throat's activation of the gag reflex.
• Inability to exercise and move for as long as they used to.

The 4 Grades of Tracheal Collapse

Veterinarians use a scale to determine the severity of a tracheal collapse:

• Grade 1 = 25% collapse, which means 75% of the airway is unrestricted.
• Grade 2 = 25-50% collapse, which begins to compromise your pet's airway.
• Grade 3 = 50-75% collapse, which poses significant risk to your dog's airway as the tracheal cartilage is closing in some instances.
• Grade 4 = 75-100% collapse, which severely compromises your dog's airway.

Key Canine Causes of Tracheal Collapse

• Genes: Some small breeds like Yorkies, Pomeranians, Pugs, Toy Poodles, and Chihuahuas are born with genetic weakness in the tracheal cartilage. 
• Age: Tracheal cartilage naturally weakens over time for some dogs, causing it to collapse in old age.
• Weight: Dogs vulnerable to collapsed trachea increase their risk when they're overweight, as excess weight puts more pressure on the already-weak tracheal cartiladge.
• Environment: Fumes, toxins, dust, and smoke irritate the trachea and make it work harder. The same is true for collar pulling over time, which is why dogs with collapsed trachea might wheeze when wearing a collar. 
• Other respiratory issues: Issues such as bronchitis or a respiratory infection can put excess strain on the trachea and increase the risk of collapse.

Common Treatments for Collapsed Trachea

• Prescription Drugs: Sedatives, opioids, antibiotics, analgesics, bronchdilators, anti-inflammatory drugs, and bronchodilators are prescribed based on the dog's causes & symptoms.
• Cough Suppressants: Drugs, often opioids, are prescribed to reduce the frequency and severity of the dog's coughing to reduce their pain and discomfort.
• Natural Supplements: Different cartilage-supporting supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, or green-lipped mussels can be used to attempt to ward off the progression of the disease.
• Weight Management: It's crucial for your dog to maintain a healthy weight in order to prevent unnecessary progression of symptoms, although this can be difficult because exercise is harder with a restricted windpipe.

While veterinarian guidance and treatment is essential, there are some safe things you can do at home to improve your dog's quality of life and eliminate unnecessary harms to your dog's collapsed trachea.

How to Soothe a Dog's Collapsed Trachea at Home

You can soothe your dog's collapsed trachea by letting them lick a teaspoon of honey to suppress their cough naturally and use a humidifier near where they sleep. Lastly, attempt to relieve their tracheal discomfort with a natural option like CBD oil before bed.

1. Using Honey as a Natural Dog Cough Suppressant

Honey soothes the throat and reduces irritation, making coughing less likely. The beautiful thing is that dogs typically enjoy the flavor of honey so it's easy to give it to them. 

How to Use Honey for a Dog's Cough

• Use a natural local honey, if possible.
• Don't overdo it, just give them a teaspoon or two
• They'll gladly lick it from the spoon.
• if they don't, you can dilute it in some water and drizzle it over their food as a topping. This method might not be as effective, however.

2. Using CBD to Relieve Your Dog's Tracheal Discomfort

• CBD impacts the inflammatory system and can balance activity in the immune system to relieve some of the discomfort in your dog's trachea.
• CBD oil may also help with some of the emotional distress associated with tracheal issues.
• Overall, these effects may help your pup get rest without constant interruption or difficulty.

How to Use CBD to Help Collapsed Trachea

CBD oil may be the best way to support your dog with a collapsed trachea. By dropping the oil directly into their cheek, it gets absorbed by the dense concentration of blood vessels there.

Ensure that you give your dog the recommended dosage based on their size, and use it twice daily consistently for cumulative effects.

You can also use CBD soft chews as a tasty alternative that dogs tend to love. Soft chews can also include other supportive ingredients like glucosamine and green-lipped mussels.

Potential Benefits of CBD for Dogs with Breathing Issues

CBD has shown promise in supporting dogs with various health challenges, including conditions like collapsed trachea. While not a cure, it may help manage symptoms by addressing several key factors:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: CBD may help reduce inflammation, which could be beneficial for dogs with respiratory issues by reducing irritation in the trachea and airways. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to support the balance of inflammatory responses.

2. Anxiety Reduction: Anxiety can worsen symptoms of collapsed trachea, like coughing and difficulty breathing. CBD may help reduce anxiety in dogs without the sedative effects of some traditional medications, helping to keep your dog calmer during stressful episodes.

3. Bronchodilator Properties: Some research suggests CBD might act as a bronchodilator, potentially helping to relax the airways and allow for easier breathing. This could be useful during coughing episodes associated with tracheal collapse.

4. Muscle Relaxation: CBD may also support relaxation of the muscles, potentially reducing spasms caused by coughing or difficulty breathing, which is common in dogs with collapsed trachea.

5. Pain Relief: For dogs experiencing discomfort due to breathing difficulties, CBD may offer mild analgesic effects, helping to alleviate pain by influencing the way pain signals are processed in the body.

While CBD shows potential for these benefits, it is important to note that it should be used as part of a comprehensive care plan, and should never replace professional veterinary advice or treatment. Always consult your vet before introducing new supplements or treatments for your dog.

3. Using a Humidifier to Soothe The Airway

Moisture wards off the dryness in your dog's airway and allows them to breathe easier. The humidified air isn't as harsh to the tracheal cartilage, and you should see that coughing fits are reduced in dogs whose condition isn't extremely severe.

Don't Use Humidifiers Excessively, as They Can Promote Mold & Mildew

Mold & mildew can worsen your dog's symptoms and are more likely when a room's humidity is about 50%. Aim to keep the room at a moderate humidity level of 30-50% to keep the environment safe for your dog.

Here are some tips on buying and controlling home humidifiers.

4. Encouraging "Breathable" Sleeping Positions

Dogs should sleep in a position that allows them to breathe easily when they have a collapsed trachea. Using a supportive head pillow to elevate their head can remove tracheal pressure and encourage easy breathing.

Best Sleeping Positions for Dogs with a Collapsed Trachea:

• Side Sleeping: Lying on their side can keep the chest and lungs in an open position, making it easier to breathe.
• There may also be merit to encouraging your dog to sleep on their right side, as it could be less constrictive to the heart and allow the circulatory system to function more effectively.
• Elevated Head Position: Using a slightly elevated pillow or bolster can help keep the head raised, which may reduce airway obstruction.
• Sphinx Position: Some dogs naturally adopt this position, lying on their belly with front legs extended, which can also ease breathing.

5. Use a Harness Instead of a Collar

Dogs with a collapsed trachea can struggle a lot with traditional collars, as they put constant pressure on the trachea. However light the pressure might be without a leash, it is still pressure.

On walks, tugs on the collar press directly into the tracheal area and can cause your dog severe discomfort or even worsen their condition.

If your dog has a collapsed trachea, use a harness that doesn't apply pressure to their neck. This is a simple action you can take to immediately improve your dog's quality of life.

6. Facilitate a Calm, Restful Environment in Your Home

Stress, anxiety, loud noises, and overall activity can trigger coughing fits. Anything you can do to keep your dog relaxed will help keep their condition from getting worse. 

What You Can Do to Reduce Anxiety or Stress Related Coughing Fits

1. Identify any stressful triggers in your home or environment. Wherever possible, remove those triggers from your home or remove your dog's resting environment from those triggers.
2. Keep a calm and loving tone of voice when speaking to your dog. Don't yell at your dog or speak to them in a way that could cause anxiety. This should be common practice for all dogs, but it's especially important for dogs with a collapsed trachea.
3. Create a rest area for them away from high-activity areas. Give your dog a quiet, calm, and comfortable place to retreat to whenever they want. This can be a place that they associate with relaxation, free from anxiety-inducing or exciting triggers.
4. Avoid unnecessary excitement whenever possible. Riling your dog up or causing them to get overly excited should be avoided. Excitement, just like anxiety can exacerbate symptoms even though it's unavoidable in some cases. Don't prevent your dog from feeling happy or loved, but avoid getting them overexcited without good reason.

7.  Prioritize a Healthy Weight

Ensuring that your dog is eating healthy foods and getting exercise is extremely important when it comes to cases of collapsed trachea. 

Excess weight puts pressure and strain on the trachea and be a huge risk factor for the condition to get worse. Of all of the things you can do to support your dog, this is the most surefire one that will protect and support them. 

Conclusion & Summary of Collapsed Trachea Remedies for Dogs

While there's no cure for collapsed trachea, various at-home remedies can help alleviate discomfort and improve your dog's quality of life. Honey, CBD oil, humidifiers, and a calm environment can provide relief, while managing weight and encouraging proper sleeping positions can prevent further strain.

Always consult your vet before introducing new treatments to ensure the best care for your pet. By taking these steps, you can help ease your dog’s symptoms and keep them comfortable.