Difficulty swallowing

What is dysphagia?

Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, is a disorder of food intake characterized by difficulty chewing, transporting or swallowing food or water. Dysphagia can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, vomiting, coughing or aspiration pneumonia.

How do I recognize swallowing difficulties in my dog?

Swallowing difficulties can manifest themselves in different ways, depending on whether they occur in the mouth, throat or esophagus. The typical signs include

• increased drooling
• Reduced interest in food or water
• Food or water falling out of the mouth
• gagging or clearing the throat when eating or drinking
• Changed body posture when eating or drinking
• Frequent licking of the lips or mouth
• Noises when breathing or swallowing
• Nasal discharge or sneezing
• bad breath

What are the possible causes of swallowing difficulties in dogs?

Swallowing difficulties can be caused by various factors, which can be mechanical, neurological, infectious, inflammatory, immune-related or tumorous. The most common causes include

• Foreign bodies in the mouth, throat or esophagus
• Dental problems such as tooth decay, tartar or gingivitis
• Injuries to the mouth, throat or oesophagus caused by bones, toys or other objects
• Muscle diseases such as myasthenia gravis or polymyositis
• Nerve diseases such as botulism, tetanus or brain tumors
• Infections in the mouth, throat or esophagus caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites
• Inflammation in the mouth, throat or oesophagus caused by allergies, autoimmune diseases or irritants
• Tumors in the mouth, throat or oesophagus

How are swallowing problems in dogs treated?

The treatment of swallowing problems depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, drug therapy may be sufficient, in other cases surgical intervention may be necessary. Possible treatment options include

• Removal of foreign bodies from the mouth, throat or esophagus under anesthesia or endoscopy
• Dental treatment such as tartar removal, tooth extraction or root canal treatment
• Antibiotics, antifungals or antiparasitics for infections
• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants for inflammation
• Chemotherapy or radiotherapy for tumors

How can I prevent swallowing problems in my dog?

To reduce the risk of your dog having difficulty swallowing, you should take a few precautions. These include

• regularly checking your dog's mouth and teeth for abnormalities
• Regular professional cleaning of your dog's teeth at the vet
• Avoiding hard, sharp or sticky food items such as bones, cartilage or dry food
• Avoid toys or objects that your dog could swallow
• Avoiding allergenic or irritating substances such as perfume, smoke or cleaning products
• Avoiding stress or anxiety in your dog, which can lead to increased swallowing