If your dog is experiencing tracheal collapse, they’re going to have a harder time breathing and will have frequent coughing fits.
Unfortunately, as of now, there is no known cure for collapsed trachea in dogs. However, there are a variety of methods you can use to help your dog live better with this condition, including options like CBD.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally-occurring compound in the hemp plant that has a variety of potential therapeutic properties for dogs.
Research suggests CBD may have mentally and physically soothing benefits for dogs, so it may be beneficial for dogs with tracheal collapse.
In this article, we’re going to explore the potential benefits of CBD for dogs with collapsed trachea and talk about how it compares to traditional methods.
What is Collapsed Trachea in Dogs?
The trachea, or windpipe, is the tube that connects your dog’s throat to their lungs.
Small rings of cartilage and a tissue membrane circle the inside of the trachea and help it to maintain its round shape.
Tracheal collapse happens when the cartilage loses rigidity or the tissue membrane sags, causing the space where air normally passes to flatten and become very small. This makes it difficult for your dog to get air into their lungs.
Tracheal collapse occurs most frequently in small dogs that are middle-aged to senior (4-14 years).
The most common clinical sign is a persistent, dry, harsh cough. It is sometimes described as a ‘goose honk’ cough.
The cough may worsen at night, and certain things may trigger it, such as excitement, pressure on the trachea, hot or humid weather, and eating and drinking.
Currently, the cause of tracheal collapse is unknown.
How is Collapsed Trachea in Dogs Treated?
There is no cure for collapsed trachea. Instead, treatments focus on improving quality of life.
According to Cornell University, collapsed trachea is often treated either with medication or lifestyle adjustments.
Medications that are used include cough suppressants, sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and antibiotics (if infection is involved).
Lifestyle adjustments that can be made include switching from a neck collar to a harness, avoiding irritants like cigarette smoke, and avoiding hot and humid environments.
In a respiratory emergency, dogs with tracheal collapse require immediate attention by a veterinarian as well as the medications discussed previously.
In rare cases, veterinarians consider surgery for dogs with tracheal collapse if they do not respond well to medical management or experience respiratory emergencies.
The procedure involves placing a stent within the trachea to help prevent collapse, and this operation is performed by a board-certified veterinary surgeon.
Can CBD Help With Collapsed Trachea in Dogs?
CBD cannot reverse tracheal collapse or stop your dog’s trachea from collapsing.
However, it may promote calmness, which can help your dog not to become overly excited in certain circumstances and begin coughing.
CBD may also promote physical comfort and render benefits for dogs who deal with inflammation and pain as a result of their condition.
Below, we take a look at some of the ways CBD may have therapeutic potential for dogs with collapsed trachea.
CBD may promote mental relaxation in dogs
Excitement is one of the main things that can trigger a coughing episode in dogs with tracheal collapse. CBD may help your dog stay calm, so it may be beneficial in this area.
Research suggests CBD may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties in dogs.
In a 2023 study, researchers tested the effects of CBD for dogs with separation anxiety and travel anxiety.
The dogs underwent two tests: being left alone in a familiar room, or going on a short car journey. The researchers gave some of the dogs CBD, while they gave others a placebo.
Dogs who received a 4 mg/kg dose of CBD showed fewer signs of stress than those who didn’t, with the researchers noting that in some tests, the dogs who were given CBD experienced “a significant reduction in canine stress compared to the placebo group” [1].
While this is just a single study, it suggests that CBD may help your dog stay calm and avoid coughing fits.
CBD may promote physical comfort in dogs
Dogs with tracheal collapse cough a lot due to the difficulty they have breathing. This can result in inflammation in the windpipe and throat and make infection more probable.
Research suggests CBD may have analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties in dogs.
In a 2018 study, dogs were given either CBD oil or placebo oil every 12 hours for 4 weeks. The researchers found that, across two tests, dogs who were given CBD oil showed a significant decrease in pain and increase in activity [2].
Additionally, a 2023 research review identified five different studies in which CBD “significantly reduced pain and increased activity in dogs”, thereby improving their quality of life [3].
Another study found that CBD had anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties in dogs [4].
CBD isn’t a treatment for inflammation, and more research is needed. However, what we have so far shows that CBD has beneficial physical properties for dogs with tracheal collapse.
CBD may promote bronchodilation in animals
Tracheal collapse occurs when the tissues inside the trachea responsible for holding its shape begin to collapse, changing the shape of the trachea and making it more difficult for your dog to get air to their lungs.
A 2013 study on guinea pigs found that CBD reduced certain types of airway obstruction caused by collapsing muscles within the bronchi, tubes that carry air from your windpipe (trachea) to your lungs.
The researchers went on to say that “this molecule [CBD] may have beneficial effects in the treatment of obstructive airway disorders” [5].
Again, this is a single study, and it doesn’t look at the impact of CBD within the trachea, but rather within the bronchi. It also doesn’t focus on dogs, but rather guinea pigs.
But while this study isn’t strong evidence that CBD can directly reduce tracheal collapse, it does indicate that CBD has therapeutic potential for obstructive airway disorders and needs to be studied further for its potential benefits in dogs with tracheal collapse.
CBD vs. Conventional Treatments for Tracheal Collapse
Commonly-prescribed medications for tracheal collapse are cough suppressants, sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and antibiotics (if infections occur).
Medication is often a necessary part of your dog’s treatment plan for tracheal collapse, but some medications have a lot of side effects which make them an undesirable route for treatment.
For example, the cough suppressant dextromethorphan may cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, sleepiness, drooling, or anxiousness. More serious side effects include rapid heartbeat, collapse, muscle tension, incoordination, muscle twitches, seizures, and abnormal eye movements.
By contrast, CBD may cause dry mouth, drowsiness, vomiting, lethargy, inappetence, and diarrhea in dogs — significantly milder side effects.
While CBD can’t replace many medications, it tends to have a lower ceiling for potential negative side effects. Therefore, it’s worth considering as an alternative to traditional medications.
However, you should never wean your dog off medications without your veterinarian’s guidance; CBD may substitute medications in some cases, but not all, and this determination needs to be made by your vet.
CBD Dosage for Dogs With Collapsed Trachea
If your dog is dealing with collapsed trachea, the goal of giving them CBD is to promote general mental and physical wellness.
Therefore, we recommend starting with a low-strength dose of CBD.
While the optimal CBD dosage is slightly different for every dog, using a formula like the one below provides a good starting estimate:
(0.1) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your dog’s daily dose of CBD
You’ll also want to be sure to give your dog CBD daily for at least 2 weeks to begin seeing improvements.
CBD takes time to begin working; it’s important not to tweak your pup’s dose too much before that time.
Best CBD for Collapsed Trachea in Dogs
If you’re looking for the best CBD products for collapsed trachea in dogs, here are three lab-tested, American-made options that can promote health for your dog.
1. Best CBD Oil for Collapsed Trachea: Natural Ways Bacon Flavored CBD Oil for Dogs
Type of CBD: Full-spectrum CBD
Potency: 250mg, 500mg, or 1000mg CBD per bottle
Size: 1 oz. (30 ml.)
Price: $20.00 (250mg), $35.00 (500mg), or $38.50 (1000mg)
Our bacon-flavored CBD oil for dogs is a delicious way to give your pup the benefits of hemp.
We formulated this oil specifically for therapeutic use, and it’s available in three strengths to support mental calmness and physical comfort for dogs of all sizes and needs.
Since it contains full-spectrum CBD, it will render stronger and more effective therapeutic support than CBD isolate products, and it won’t cause your dog to feel inebriated in any way.
And with all-natural bacon flavoring, you won’t have any trouble getting your dog to take this product: they might even look forward to their daily dose!
Shop: Bacon Flavored CBD Oil for Dogs
2. Best CBD Treats for Collapsed Trachea: Earth Buddy Pet Calming CBD Soft Chews
Type of CBD: Full-spectrum CBD
Potency: 10mg CBD per treat
Size: 4.5 oz. bag
Price: $40.00
Earth Buddy’s Pet Calming CBD Soft Chews combine 10mg full-spectrum CBD with beef and pumpkin to create a soft treat that your dog will find delicious and easy to consume.
These treats are grain-free and have beef as the first ingredient: a healthy, easy way to keep your dog mentally and physically calm.
Shop: Calming Chews for Dogs
3. Best CBD Dog Bone for Collapsed Trachea: Chew’ems CBD Bones
Type of CBD: CBD isolate
Potency: 100mg CBD per bone
Size: 2 oz. (small) or 5 oz. (large)
Price: $10.00 (small) or $15.00 (large)
Chew’ems CBD bones are a safe, healthy, and long-lasting CBD chew toy for dogs.
Each bone contains 100mg hemp-derived CBD along with vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s diet while contributing to their fun.
These bones come in four flavors: bacon, beef, chicken, and salmon. Needless to say, your dog will enjoy chewing their bone just as much as they enjoy the relaxation it brings to them!
Shop: CBD Dog Bones
Other Natural Remedies for Collapsed Trachea in Dogs
CBD isn’t your dog’s only natural alternative for collapsed trachea:
- Natural anti-inflammatory remedies include antioxidants, omega fats, and probiotics.
- For coughing, you can give your dog plantain, manuka honey, and marshmallow root.
CBD should be used in combination with other natural options – and with your dog’s existing treatment plan – to get the best results.
Conclusion: Is CBD a Natural Alternative for Collapsed Trachea in Dogs?
While there isn’t yet a cure for tracheal collapse in dogs and CBD isn’t a proven treatment for this condition, CBD may help your dog to live better despite their condition.
CBD’s calming properties may reduce your dog’s reaction to events that can trigger a coughing spell, and CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory properties may help your dog stay healthy despite all the coughing.
CBD for Collapsed Trachea in Dogs: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about CBD for collapsed trachea in dogs.
Can CBD help dogs with collapsed trachea?
CBD may promote mental and physical health for dogs with collapsed trachea, however, there isn’t any research to show that CBD can reduce tracheal collapse itself.
How can I soothe my dog’s trachea?
Plantain, manuka honey, and marshmallow root all may have a soothing effect on your dog’s trachea.
What is the best cough suppressant for dogs with collapsed trachea?
Plantain, manuka honey, and marshmallow root are all natural cough suppressants that work to reduce irritation in your dog’s trachea and throat.
Sources
[1] Hunt, Alysia B G et al. “A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 10 1112604. 22 Feb. 2023, doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604
[2] Gamble, Lauri-Jo et al. “Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 5 165. 23 Jul. 2018, doi:10.3389/fvets.2018.00165
[3] Di Salvo, Alessandra et al. “Pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of cannabidiol in dogs: an update of current knowledge.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 10 1204526. 30 Jun. 2023, doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1204526
[4] Gugliandolo, Enrico et al. “Effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Canine Inflammatory Response: An Ex Vivo Study on LPS Stimulated Whole Blood.” Veterinary sciences vol. 8,9 185. 4 Sep. 2021, doi:10.3390/vetsci8090185
[5] Dudášová, A et al. “The effects of cannabidiol on the antigen-induced contraction of airways smooth muscle in the guinea-pig.” Pulmonary pharmacology & therapeutics vol. 26,3 (2013): 373-9. doi:10.1016/j.pupt.2013.02.002
