A dry, harsh cough that sounds like a goose honking. It comes when your Pom gets excited, pulls on the lead, or right after drinking. It may be nothing. But in a Pomeranian, it can also be the sign of a collapsing trachea.
This article is for information only. A persistent cough should always be examined by a vet.
What is tracheal collapse?
The trachea, or windpipe, carries air to the lungs. It's held open by C-shaped rings of cartilage, closed by a thin membrane. When these rings weaken, or the membrane sags, the trachea flattens as the dog breathes. Air passes less easily, and the irritated trachea triggers a cough.
It's a progressive disease: the cartilage can keep weakening over time. It mostly affects adult dogs, most often between 4 and 14 years old.
Why Pomeranians are concerned
Vets regularly list the Pomeranian among the most affected breeds, alongside the Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso and Toy Poodle. A genetic component is suspected. It's not a given: many Poms will never suffer from it. But it's reason enough to know the signs, and to adopt a few good habits from the start.
Signs to recognise
- A dry, harsh cough, often described as a "goose honk".
- A cough that comes when it gets excited, pulls on the lead or when its neck is pressed.
- A cough that's more frequent at night, in hot or humid weather, or right after drinking or eating.
- In more advanced cases: noisy breathing, tiring quickly on exertion, gums turning blue. That last sign is an emergency.
Be careful: other diseases cause a similar cough, especially some heart conditions, which can also occur at the same time. That's why a vet's diagnosis is essential.
Diagnosis
The vet may suspect a collapse if light pressure on the trachea triggers coughing. To confirm it, they use X-rays, sometimes fluoroscopy (a moving X-ray) or endoscopy. They also check the heart, so as not to miss another cause.
Treatment
Most dogs are managed with medical treatment adjusted by the vet: medication for the cough and inflammation, sometimes bronchodilators, and treatment of any infection. In severe cases, surgery or an implant may be offered by a specialist team.
In every case, the aim is to control the disease rather than cure it. Many dogs keep a slight cough for life, and still live very well.
Day to day: what really helps
Whether or not your Pom has been diagnosed, these habits protect its trachea.
1. A harness rather than a collar
It's the recommendation every vet makes. A collar presses directly on the trachea with every pull, every time the dog pulls or you hold it back. A harness spreads the pressure across the chest and shoulders. For a Pom, choose a model that doesn't cross the front of the neck. We compare the options in harness or collar for a Pom.
2. A healthy weight
Excess weight clearly worsens symptoms. On a two-kilo dog, 300 extra grams is a lot. Ask your vet what your dog's ideal weight is, and keep an eye on treats.
3. Less excitement, less coughing
Big excitement (the doorbell, reunions, overly intense games) triggers coughing fits. Greet it calmly, and offer games that tire it out without overexciting it, like searching for treats.
4. Clean air
No smoking at home, no air fresheners or sprays near it, and fresh water always available. In hot weather, keep it cool: heat and humidity make the cough worse.
Frequently asked questions
My Pom sometimes makes reverse snorting noises. Is that the trachea?
Not necessarily. Reverse sneezing, a sort of loud inward sneeze, is common in small dogs and usually harmless. It lasts a few seconds and stops on its own. A dry cough that keeps coming back is different. If in doubt, film the episode for your vet: it's very useful.
Is tracheal collapse painful?
The cough is tiring and irritating, and the fits can worry the dog. Appropriate treatment relieves most dogs.
Can it be prevented in a puppy?
You can't change a predisposition, but you can avoid making it worse: a harness from day one, a watched weight, a smoke-free home.
Can a Pom with tracheal collapse still go for walks?
Yes, and it's even recommended, at its own pace, with a harness, avoiding hot hours and intense effort.
Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Tracheal Collapse in Dogs. This article is for information only and does not replace a vet's advice.