Wynston was diagnosed with intrathoracic tracheal collapse in summer 2014. It had gotten progressively worse as he had gotten older to the point that he was coughing several times everyday. Some of Wyn’s coughing episodes were terrifying and turns out, it was up to me to help him. I didn’t want to put my boy through western medicinal treatments such as steroids and inhalers. What was I to do?! Wynston was suffering and I had to stop it. So I did – naturally!
This is the question I get almost daily: My dog has tracheal collapse. How can I help him/her?!
Warm steam vaporizer and eucalyptus oil: Even if I didn’t do anything else to help Wynston’s tracheal collapse, I think the vaporizer would rid him of his coughing episodes. It’s worked wonders and it’s all natural. Purchase a warm steam vaporizer. You can get one online or at any drug/big box store. They run only about $15 and you don’t need anything fancy. You will also need eucalyptus oil. I use eucalyptus, radiata from Aura Cacia. You can purchase the oil at any natural goods store or online. Fill up your vaporizer and put about 5-10 drops of eucalyptus oil in it. Put the vaporizer near the place that your dog sleeps most. Wynston sleeps in the guest bedroom most of the time so I put the vaporizer on the end table next to the bed. This way he’s breathing in the steam while he sleeps. The eucalyptus oil will help to clear your dog’s airways, making it easier to breathe. (It also helps humans!) If you can’t get a vaporizer, you can also use the shower. Turn on a HOT shower and let the bathroom steam up. Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the running water. You will quickly smell the oil. Bring your dog with you into the bathroom and allow your dog to breathe it for a minute or two. It will be extremely steamy so don’t stay in there too long. I use this method if Wynston is have a horrendous coughing episode, which hasn’t happened in several months because I use the vaporizer everyday. Wynston almost immediately stops coughing when I use the shower method.
Herbal supplements: I don’t think the supplements are a MUST, but they couldn’t hurt. I give all of my dogs a multi-vitamin for animals. This particular supplement from Animal Essentials has herbs, vitamins, essential fatty acids and amino acid chelated minerals in a balanced, health-support formula that includes prebiotic frutooligosaccharides (FOS) for optimum nutrient digestion. It provides broad-spectrum herbal support without interfering with normal body functions.
Fruits and veggies: It’s important to give your dogs fresh fruits and veggies at least three times a week. Did you know that dogs who eat leafy greens with at least three meals a week are 90% less likely to get cancer?! WOW. That’s a lot!!! Dog friendly fruits and vegetables have vitamins and minerals that help over all health and the immune system. Some options are spinach, carrots, apples, blueberries, green beans, bananas, watermelon and sweet potatoes.
For immediate results, purchase the warm steam vaporizer and eucalyptus oil. It changed our lives. Wynston hasn’t had a tracheal collapse coughing episode in about 6 months! In my opinion, it’s much better than putting Wyn on cough suppressants or steroids that may have bad side effects. If your dog has tracheal collapse I challenge you to try the vaporizer and let me know if you see results over time. Don’t forget the hot steam shower if your dog is having an episode – it will help them immediately stop coughing!
If you’re feeling hopeless, you aren’t alone. I felt that way also. Now the vaporizer is part of our routine and it really has been a life changer!
*I am not a veterinarian. I came up with this holistic treatment for tracheal collapse through my own studies of essential oils and being certified in natural animal care. For specific questions on your pet’s health, please consult your veterinarian.*
Are you still using the same products for trachea collapse?
Yes I am!
Thank you!
You are so welcome!
I’m going to try this, I’ve tried a humidifier, but I’m just not getting good enough results. I will sit with my 14 year old jack Russell in the bathroom with the shower on hot for a nice steam bath, which seems to help, but I really don’t enjoy doing this at 3am ! Hopefully the vaporizer will do the trick for allowing us both to sleep.
The humidifier is very different from a vaporizer. It is a pain to use the shower treatment, especially at 3am! Let me know how the vaporizer works!
Is a gagging sound the same as a cough? This first happened to my Shi Tzu when I took him to Petco for grooming. I looked through the window and they had him on the table with his head hyper extended too high. He gagged for two days after this. Now, two years later he’s starting to gag again. And I’m getting worried all over again.
The lead was probably pulling on the poor guy’s trachea 🙁 That’s why vets recommend harnesses as opposed to collar/leash for small dogs.
How long did it take to see a difference with the vaporizer. Used one for the first time last night and Shasta had her worst night ever. Neither of us has had a good nights sleep in weeks.
I saw results almost immediately. Within a month’s time, Wynston wasn’t having coughing episodes at all anymore.
Thanks, I guess my instant results were a little optimistic. lol But within a month sounds REALLY good.
I’ve heard of the eucalyptus oil before. I’m just curious if a diffuser would produce the same effects as a vaporizer.
Hi Tara. I cannot say 100%, but I don’t believe a diffuser would have the same effect because the warm steam from a vaporizer helps to open the airways.