Hoarseness

Causes of hoarseness in dogs

The most common cause of hoarseness in dogs is an infection of the upper respiratory tract, such as a cold, bronchitis or laryngitis. These can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi and lead to swelling and reddening of the mucous membranes. Other possible infections are kennel cough, distemper or rabies.

Another common cause of hoarseness in dogs is an allergy to pollen, dust, mold or other substances in the air. These can lead to a hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system, resulting in inflammation and mucus formation in the airways. Other possible allergens are food, medication or insect bites.

A rare but serious cause of hoarseness in dogs is a foreign body in the throat, such as a bone, a toy or a piece of food. This can cause mechanical irritation or injury to the larynx or vocal cords and become a choking hazard. Other possible foreign bodies are grass, hair or threads.

An even rarer but equally serious cause of hoarseness in dogs is a tumor in the larynx or vocal cords. This can lead to a narrowing or blockage of the airways and impaired breathing and speech. Other possible tumors are in the nasal cavity, throat or lungs.

A final possible cause of hoarseness in dogs is injury to the larynx or vocal cords due to an accident, surgery or overuse. This can lead to damage or scarring of the tissue and a change in the voice. Other possible injuries are from a blow, bite or electric shock.

Treatment of hoarseness in dogs

The treatment of hoarseness in dogs depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, conservative therapy consisting of the following measures is sufficient:

• Rest: Give your dog plenty of rest and avoid encouraging him to bark. This protects his vocal cords and promotes healing.
• Fluids: Make sure your dog drinks enough and provide him with fresh water. This will moisturize his mucous membranes and soothe the irritation.
• Humidification: Place a humidifier or a pot of hot water near your dog. This increases the humidity and makes breathing easier.
• Medication: After consulting your vet, give your dog anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. This will reduce the swelling and discomfort.
• Antibiotics: After consulting your vet, give your dog antibiotics if he has a bacterial infection. This fights the pathogens and prevents complications.
• Antihistamines: After consulting your vet, give your dog antihistamines if he has an allergic reaction. This blocks the release of histamine and reduces the symptoms.
• Expectoration: Help your dog to clear the mucus from his airways by gently tapping or massaging him on the chest. This makes it easier to cough up and breathe.

In some cases, surgical therapy is necessary, which consists of the following measures:

• Removal: remove the foreign body from your dog's throat if he has one. This clears his airways and eliminates the cause of the hoarseness.
• Biopsy: Take a tissue sample from your dog's larynx or vocal cords if he has a tumor. This enables an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
• Surgery: Operate on your dog's larynx or vocal cords if he has a tumor. This will remove the diseased tissue and improve his breathing and voice.

Prevention of hoarseness in dogs

Preventing hoarseness in dogs depends on avoiding the possible causes. This includes the following measures:

• Vaccination: have your dog regularly vaccinated against infectious diseases, such as kennel cough, distemper or rabies. This protects him from the pathogens and strengthens his immune system.
• Hygiene: Keep your dog clean and groom his coat regularly. This prevents the accumulation of dirt, hair or threads in his mouth or throat.
• Nutrition: Feed your dog high-quality food and avoid giving him hard or sharp objects, such as bones, toys or pieces of food. This will protect his teeth, throat and larynx.
• Allergy test: Have your dog tested for possible allergies if he frequently exhibits hoarseness. This will identify the triggering substances and allow you to adjust his environment or diet.
• Caution: Be careful with your dog and avoid encouraging rough play or fighting. This will protect him from injury to the larynx or vocal cords from a blow, bite or electric shock.