If you own a Chihuahua, you may have noticed that sometimes they make a strange noise that sounds like they are choking or gasping for air. This can be very alarming and make you wonder if your dog is in distress or needs immediate medical attention. However, before you panic, you should know that there are several possible reasons why your Chihuahuas make choking noise and not all of them are serious or life-threatening.
In this article, we will explain some of the common causes of choking noise in Chihuahuas, how to identify them, and what to do about them. We will also give you some tips on how to prevent or reduce this problem and keep your Chihuahua healthy and happy.
What Causes Choking Noise in Chihuahuas?
One of the most common causes of choking noise in Chihuahuas is a condition called collapsing trachea. This is a disorder that affects the cartilage rings that support the windpipe or trachea. These rings can become weak or damaged over time and collapse when the dog breathes in, causing a narrowing of the airway and difficulty breathing. This can result in a honking, wheezing, or gagging sound that resembles choking.
Collapsing trachea is more common in small breed dogs, especially those with long necks and short noses, such as Chihuahuas. It can be triggered by various factors, such as obesity, allergies, infections, stress, excitement, exercise, or environmental irritants. It can also be inherited or congenital, meaning that some dogs are born with it.
Another possible cause of choking noise in Chihuahuas is reverse sneezing. This is a harmless reflex that occurs when the dog inhales air through the nose and causes a spasm of the soft palate and throat. This can produce a snorting, snuffling, or hiccuping sound that may seem like the dog is choking or having an asthma attack.
Reverse sneezing is usually caused by irritation or inflammation of the nasal passages due to allergies, infections, dust, pollen, smoke, perfume, or other substances. It can also happen when the dog gets excited, eats or drinks too fast, pulls on the leash, or changes temperature or humidity. It usually lasts for a few seconds to a minute and stops on its own.
Other less common causes of choking noise in Chihuahuas include foreign objects stuck in the throat or mouth, such as bones, toys, food, or grass; infections of the respiratory tract, such as kennel cough, pneumonia, or bronchitis; heart disease or heartworms that affect the blood flow to the lungs; tumors or growths in the throat or chest; and dental problems that cause pain or inflammation in the mouth.
How to Identify the Cause of Choking Noise in Chihuahuas?
The first step to identify the cause of choking noise in your Chihuahua is to observe their behavior and symptoms carefully. Here are some clues that can help you determine what is causing the problem:
– If your Chihuahua makes a honking, wheezing, or gagging sound that gets worse when they breathe in and improves when they breathe out, they may have collapsing trachea.
– If your Chihuahua makes a snorting, snuffling, or hiccuping sound that lasts for a few seconds to a minute and stops on its own, they may have reverse sneezing.
– If your Chihuahua makes a coughing sound that is dry and harsh and produces mucus or blood, they may have an infection of the respiratory tract.
– If your Chihuahua makes a coughing sound that is soft and moist and accompanied by difficulty breathing, bluish gums, fainting spells, or weight loss, they may have heart disease or heartworms.
– If your Chihuahua makes a choking sound and also paws at their mouth, rubs their face on the ground, drools excessively, vomits, or loses consciousness, they may have a foreign object stuck in their throat or mouth.
– If your Chihuahua makes a choking sound and also has bad breath, swollen gums, loose teeth, or difficulty eating or drinking, they may have dental problems.
Of course, these are only general guidelines and not definitive diagnoses. The best way to confirm the cause of choking noise in your Chihuahua is to take them to a veterinarian for a thorough examination and testing. Your vet can rule out any serious conditions and prescribe the appropriate treatment for your dog.
How to Treat Choking Noise in Chihuahuas?
The treatment for choking noise in Chihuahuas depends on the underlying cause of the problem. Here are some of the possible treatments that your vet may recommend:
– For collapsing trachea, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, bronchodilators, cough suppressants, or antibiotics to reduce the inflammation and infection of the airway and ease the breathing. In some cases, surgery may be needed to insert a stent or a ring to support the trachea and prevent it from collapsing.
– For reverse sneezing, your vet may advise you to gently massage your dog’s throat or cover their nostrils with your hand to stimulate them to swallow and stop the spasm. You can also try to calm your dog down and remove any potential irritants from their environment. In some cases, antihistamines or steroids may be prescribed to reduce the allergic reaction or inflammation of the nasal passages.
– For infections of the respiratory tract, your vet may prescribe antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals to fight the infection and clear the mucus. You can also help your dog by keeping them hydrated, providing a humidifier or a steamy bathroom to loosen the congestion, and avoiding exposure to other sick dogs or people.
– For heart disease or heartworms, your vet may prescribe medications to improve the heart function and blood flow, such as diuretics, vasodilators, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers. You can also help your dog by reducing their salt intake, limiting their exercise, and monitoring their weight. In some cases, surgery may be needed to correct a heart defect or remove the heartworms.
– For foreign objects stuck in the throat or mouth, your vet may try to remove them manually or with special tools. If the object is too large or too deep, surgery may be required to extract it. You can also help your dog by checking their mouth regularly for any signs of injury or obstruction and avoiding giving them bones, toys, or food that can break off or get stuck.
– For dental problems, your vet may perform a dental cleaning and extraction of any infected or damaged teeth. You can also help your dog by brushing their teeth daily, providing them with dental chews or toys, and feeding them a high-quality diet that promotes oral health.
How to Prevent Choking Noise in Chihuahuas?
While some causes of choking noise in Chihuahuas are unavoidable, such as genetics or aging, there are some steps you can take to prevent or reduce this problem and keep your dog healthy and happy. Here are some tips:
– Keep your Chihuahua at a healthy weight. Obesity can put extra pressure on the trachea and make it more prone to collapse. Feed your dog a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and avoid overfeeding them or giving them too many treats. Consult your vet for the ideal weight and portion size for your dog.
– Avoid using collars that put pressure on the neck. Collars can worsen the symptoms of collapsing trachea by compressing the airway and causing irritation. Instead, use a harness that distributes the pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders. Choose a harness that fits well and does not rub or chafe your dog’s skin.
– Avoid exposing your Chihuahua to irritants that can trigger reverse sneezing or infections. Keep your home clean and free of dust, pollen, smoke, perfume, or other substances that can irritate your dog’s nasal passages. Also, avoid taking your dog outside when the weather is too hot, cold, dry, or humid. If you have to go out, protect your dog with a coat or a blanket.
– Limit your Chihuahua’s excitement and stress levels. Excitement and stress can cause your dog to breathe faster and harder and trigger episodes of choking noise. Try to keep your dog calm and relaxed by providing them with a comfortable environment, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement. Avoid situations that can cause anxiety or fear in your dog, such as loud noises, strangers, or other animals.
– Take your Chihuahua for regular check-ups with your vet. Routine visits can help detect any signs of choking noise in your dog and diagnose the cause before it becomes worse. Your vet can also advise you on the best treatment and prevention options for your dog’s condition and monitor their progress.
Conclusion
Choking noise in Chihuahuas is a common problem that can have various causes and degrees of severity. While some causes are harmless and temporary, such as reverse sneezing, others are serious and chronic, such as collapsing trachea. It is important to identify the cause of choking noise in your Chihuahua and seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
By following the tips in this article, you can help treat choking noise in your Chihuahua and prevent it from happening in the first place. You can also improve your dog’s quality of life and enjoy a long-lasting bond with them.
