yorkie-my yorkie has a "snorting cough" sound that he makes- sounds like a hog, but it comes from the throat.

Question

Should I be concerned about his traehcea? I observe no other health problems. He is seven months old and had all his regular Vet checks.

Answer 1

I think this is the list of likely diagnoses:

+ kennel cough
+ collapsing trachea
+ "backwards sneezing"
+ respiratory infection
+ heart problems

Yorkie's are prone to collapsing tracheas - this is worth getting a diagnosis for because it can cause major problems later on. It may also complicate any future anaesthetics the dog may have.

Even if it is "backwards sneezing" - this is still worth getting checked out. I recently learned a little more about this condition - dogs 'backwards sneeze' when they have an irritation of some sort - the one I just met had hugely inflamed tonsils that are going to be removed. Backwards sneezing can sound pretty awful, and is in fact a sign that the dog is in discomfort.

If there's no other symptoms, perhaps it can wait if you're taking your dog for his annual booster as some point - mention it to the vet.

This is an extremely useful article about tracheal collapse, certainly covers everything I know about the condition, and more!:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collapsing_trachea

Know that mild forms of this condition can be treated with medication to prevent it progressing to a serious form which requires surgery.

Chalice

Answer 2

Sounds like a reverse sneeze, to me. If your vet has seen the pup, I'm assuming you've told him your concerns and he has ruled out serious medical conditions (such as Canine Cough, pneumonia, etc). Yorkies are prone to having collapsible tracheas (it's a breed trait). Just be careful with his neck (use a harness, not a collar, if possible). Also, be aware that high speeds of air blown in the face can cause a windpipe to collapse. When choosing a groomer, be sure he/she will hand dry your dog (or at the very least, NOT use powerful dryers blowing in your dog's face!). Good groomers are knowledgeable about these types of conditions and which breeds are more prone to them, but to be safe, ask!

Answer 3

When is he doing it the most? sleeping? drinking or eating? just in general? Some dogs try to drink water too fast and do that others try to eat too fast. Some seem to relax too much or sleep too deeply and can get into those coughing type sequenses. If he's otherwise healthy and you can pin point it to a certain onset then I wouldn't worry too much but mention it the next time you have him into the vet. If it's a new thing and happens frequently, then probably best to get it checked out. Any way you can check with his breeder to see if it's common in his pedigree?

Answer 4

I'd have a vet check him out and just make sure it is not kennel cough.

It may also be a reverse sneeze, which can sound terrible when it happens but is typically harmless. They usually don't know what causes them. Sometimes they go away on their own or in the case of my dog which had one, she had it most of her life (it seemed to subside as she got older).

Answer 5

Could be kennel cough, let your vet check him out.
Kennel cough can sound like a gagging, honking cough... sounds aweful!

Answer 6

is it kind of like a weezing almost. if so then it is most likely a collapsing trachea and you would have to start using a harness to clip the leash on. this is what my cairin terrier has this problem
♥

Answer 7

my dog does that when she drinks too fast (she is also a small dog)
However it could be a sign of a collapsed traechea, if it happens regularly when he gets excited, you should mention it to your vet.

Answer 8

Might be Kennel-Cough.

http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/kenc.html

Answer 9

i would take my dog to the vet, he might have kennel-cough . or he was chewing on something, puppy;s like to chew.