My Pomeranian chokes when drinking or excited. Is it serious?

Thanks for using PetCoach! In general, what you describe does fit with a collapsing trachea but I would also check out this video to make sure it’s not reverse sneezing you’re seeing. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U3L4v0W2_Sw If that is what you’re seeing, great news- it’s rarely anything to worry about. I’ve attached some links to more information about collapsing trachea but other, causes of coughing/wheezing include: kennel cough, allergic bronchitis (consider if anyone smokes anything in the home, incense, etc). And very unlikely but possible would be heart failure, fungal infection, and cancer. If it persists, worsens, or you’re concerned, it’s time to see the vet. Often x-rays are recommended to help narrow things down. https://www.petcoach.co/article/collapsed-trachea-in-dogs/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/coughing-in-dogs-and-cats-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment/ Hope this helps. Best of luck to you and Sophie!

It could be that Princess has a collapsing trachea. This is a common problem in toy breed dogs, and it can be brought on when drinking water or eating. I would have Princess seen by a vet. The vet can do a physical exam, blood tests, a urinalysis, and x-rays to diagnose if she does have it. Should Princess have a collapsing trachea, it can be treated medically, but it may need to be treated surgically. When a dog is obsess, that also contributes to the problem, and weight loss may be suggested. Using a harness to walk her is also recommended, as is staying away from respiratory irritants like cigarette smoke and air fresheners.

I am sorry to hear that your fur baby is having some coughing that seems to get worse with excitement or exercise. It sounds like your fur baby may have an issue with her trachea (i.e. tracheal collapse) that affects small breed dogs more often and causes coughing during excessive play. This can be easily diagnosed with an x-ray and treated if the condition gets worse or impedes your pets daily activity. It can be helped with medications prescribed by your vet in most cases, so its best to schedule an appt soon. Here is more information on the condition I believe your pet Baby girl has --> https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951968 Other possible causes for this are an underlying lung condition, or an airway infection. Best wishes with your fur baby and I hope that she feels better soon! Take care.

Has your dog ever had an xray of his throat (windpipe)? If not I highly recommend that you talk to your veterinarian about such an x-ray. Small dogs often suffer from a collapsed trachea (wind pipe) and this can be diagnosed easily with radiographs. Here is some information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/collapsed-trachea-in-dogs/ I hope that helps.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Bambi. I'm wondering if she has something like a collapsed trachea causing her breathing issues. You see problems with breathing in the condition with excitement and exercise, and it does worsen over time. This can explain what is going on with her. Without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain this is the cause. I recommend having her seen by a vet in the morning. The vet can diagnose what is causing her problems, and can discuss treatment options with you. If she does have a collapsing trachea, treatment options include medical management or surgery. I hope this helps!

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If heart and lung issues have been ruled out with Chole's veterinarian, the coughing may be due to a collapsing trachea which can cause a goose honking cough and can cause syncope or fainting due to lack oxygen. This can be diagnosed with an exam and chest x-rays. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) is not uncommon in dogs and can cause increased water consumption as well weight gain. I would recommend running a full Thyroid panel (Total T4, Free T4, and Thyroid stimulating hormone ) to confirm the presence of a thyroid problem. If Chloe is hypothyroid, thyroid hormone replacement medication is typically given. I hope this helps and thanks again for posting!

The most likely causes for what you have described in this breed would be: 1. collapsing trachea 2. reverse sneezing 3. heart disease/failure 4. kennel cough 5. asthma 6. heartworm disease Of course I cannot know what is going on without examining him myself. I suggest you try to find a way to get him seen by a vet. This may be nothing to worry about (like reverse sneezing) or it may be serious like heart disease.