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.*
SUSAN BROWN says
Are you still using the same products for trachea collapse?
Amanda says
Yes I am!
SUSAN BROWN says
Thank you!
Amanda says
You are so welcome!
Jane says
How is your dog doing? I will try the vaporizer method. Thank you!
Nicole says
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.
Amanda says
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!
Judy says
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.
Amanda says
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.
Rhonda Glisson says
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.
Amanda says
I saw results almost immediately. Within a month’s time, Wynston wasn’t having coughing episodes at all anymore.
Rhonda Glisson says
Thanks, I guess my instant results were a little optimistic. lol But within a month sounds REALLY good.
Tara Hopper says
I’ve heard of the eucalyptus oil before. I’m just curious if a diffuser would produce the same effects as a vaporizer.
Amanda says
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.
Cathie says
Yes, it works great in a diffuser! I made the eucalyptus discovery a few years ago. I’ve met a lot of naysayers who tell me that ALL essential oils are harmful for dogs. But eucalyptus oil works! My poor Chloe would be greatly suffering without it. Also, losing weight around her neck helps tremendously by taking excess pressure off of her trachea.
Bonnie says
2 years later but my Puggle is having this same issue.
I am seeing when researching that eucalyptus is not safe for dogs.
Did you have any issues with your baby after using the oil for extended period of time.
The coughing is exhausting to watch, I can’t imagine how our babies are feeling.
BooBoo is 13 years old and diagnosed recently with congestive heart failure and collapsed trachea. We take our daily walk, she is eating and drinking. Drinking a lot. But vet is suggesting euthanasia. My heart is broken. I hope you are doing well.
Amanda says
I haven’t had issues with Wynston. Praying for you!
Lisa E. Holmes says
I have my sweet cocker spaniel..just diagnosed with Tracheal collapse…I am trying the oil/Vaporizer..treatments….and praying I have the results as you have with Wynston.
Please keep sharing on this blog… this has given me and so many more hope for our Beloved dogs.
With Appreciation.
Lisa and
Family of TinaMarie/cocker spaniel
Amanda says
I pray it works for you! xoxo
Preston Wiginton says
My Pomapoo is a little over weight. Her coughing only occurs after she gets really exited or after strenuous exercise.
If she loses a little weight will it help this condition ? She is almost 4 years old .. her weight has varied between 6.4lbs and 8 lbs … okay she knows every steak house in Austin Texas
Amanda says
I recommend asking your veterinarian, as every dog is different! xoxo
Cathie says
Weight loss helps reduce pressure on the trachea.
Jan says
I do use a humidifier I haven’t tried it with her yet to notice..My little poodle who weighs about 8 1/2 pounds she has just start with tracheal collapse the heart is fine..And I get hot real easily from medication that I take and I cannot be in hot ..I can’t I use a fan every night but what can I do to use the vaporizer to help but not have it on all night long in my bedroom..SHe sleeps on a pad at the corner of my bed every night she is just turned 12 years old..
Cathie says
Maybe try the oil in a diffuser. It works for us.
Tracey Thomas says
Hi, my chihuahua Riley has just started showing signs of it at she 7. Worried sick! I read this article I couple of weeks ago , and have ordered Vicks Vaporizer plus oil. Hope it helps him. No animals deserve this horrible condition.
Aeryn says
Thanks for sharing your own experience. My pug started coughing last year from what likely was an allergic reaction to some pollens after we moved to a new place. He was treated with steroids, bronchodilators and has been on inhalers 2x a day ever since. The vet says its a combination of respiratory problems that Brachycephalic breeds have that includes collapsing trachea, Recently he started having coughing episodes again despite the daily inhalers. I feel really helpless since it feels like i have tried everything – herbal supplements, fresh food diet, top of the line air purifier. I just got the vaporizer and started using it for 2 nights. I havent seen a major difference yet – hes still having his coughing bouts but i want to keep doing it daily. Wanted to check how long before you really started noticing a difference in your pup’s coughing?
Cathie says
I use a diffuser with eucalyptus oil. The first night is always kind of rough, but I usually see great results from the next day on.
Patty Mestas says
My pug has been diagnosed with a collapsed trachea over a year ago. He honks constantly. When he walks down the hall, when he gets excited, and all during the day and night. He is 16+ years old and weighs 23lbs. I’ve been using a humidifier and my asthma medication for my machine on him. I took him to the vet last week and his lungs are not sounding good that’s why I started using the humidifier. Which is best a humidifier or vaporizer?
Cathie says
I use a diffuser with eucalyptus oil, and it works great for my four legged gal.
Nicole says
Hi,
Recently my Chihuahua, Callie began coughing out of nowhere. I’d heard about tracheal collapse in small breed dogs before, so I took her to the vet. I was unable to get her officially diagnosed when I was told it would cost me 570.00. I have done my research and from what the vet said I’m 99% sure it’s tracheal collapse. Callie was given 3 injections and take home meds and is doing better for now. I did read about the hot steam so I’ve been running this thing 24/7. I did want to ask you if you also let it run all day and through the night, or only at night? I’m sick to my stomach with this. My entire world revolves around her since the day she came home with me. I cannot imagine life without her. I’m so glad I came across this, it has given me hope.
Cathie says
I use a diffuser with eucalyptus oil. I let it run all night. I find we don’t need it in the daytime as bad, but I put a teaspoon of honey in my gal’s food dish twice a day. That seems to get her through the day, with just the occasional honking cough. If she needs something more, I put the diffuser and oil out for her in the daytime as well.
Judy says
I love that you are doing everything naturally. I am concerned about the Eucalyptus oil as it is supposed to be toxic to our pets as many of the essential oils are. Maybe just the steam would be a huge help. Blessings
Cathie says
Hi Amanda, you and I must have discovered this treatment at about the same time. The only difference is that I use a diffuser with my eucalyptus oil. It makes such a difference!! I also give a teaspoon of honey twice daily in Chloe’s food. And I found that having her lose some excess weight around her neck also made a noticeable difference. I found a lot of people telling me how dangerous ANY essential oil is for dogs, but I’ve been using it for several years now, especially in the winter when she needs it most. I can’t afford much in the way of veterinary care, and this works!!! It’s good to know that I’m not alone in discovering this. Thanks for getting the word out there!