What is laryngitis?
Laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box (larynx). It can be caused by excessive barking, infections, allergies, inhaling irritants, tumors, trauma to the neck, or hypothyroidism. Laryngitis makes it difficult for dogs to bark and causes changes to their bark, including hoarseness, raspy noises, and loss of bark. It’s important to identify and treat the underlying cause of laryngitis. Mild cases may resolve on their own, but more severe cases need veterinary treatment.
What are the symptoms of laryngitis in dogs?
Symptoms of laryngitis in dogs include:
- Hoarse, raspy bark
- Loss of bark
- Difficulty barking
- Coughing or gagging
- Swollen larynx
- Discharge from the nose or mouth
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing or panting
If your dog shows these signs, especially loss of bark, see your veterinarian to determine the cause and proper treatment. Never give human cough or cold medications to dogs, as these can be toxic.
What causes laryngitis in dogs?
Some common causes of laryngitis in dogs include:
- Excessive barking, which strains the vocal cords
- Infection from bacteria, fungi, or viruses
- Inhaling irritants like smoke or dust
- Allergies to pollen, mold, or chemicals
- Trauma to the neck area
- Tumors or masses in the larynx
- Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone
Your vet can run tests to determine the specific cause in your dog. This may include blood work, cultures, biopsies, X-rays, or scoping the larynx. Treating the underlying condition is crucial for resolving laryngitis.
Can I treat my dog’s laryngitis at home?
Mild cases of laryngitis may be treatable at home, but more severe cases need veterinary attention. Here are some home care tips:
- Rest the voice by reducing barking. Use hand signals or rewards to reinforce being quiet.
- Keep the throat moist with cool mist humidifiers or vaporizers.
- Avoid irritants like cigarette smoke.
- Mix honey (1 tsp per 20 lbs of body weight) into warm water or broth to soothing the throat.
- Feed a bland diet like rice, chicken, and pumpkin.
- Give medications if prescribed by your vet.
- Use a harness instead of a collar to avoid further irritation.
However, if your dog has severe symptoms, take them to the vet immediately. Severe laryngitis may require:
- Intravenous fluids and nutritional support if unable to swallow.
- Oxygen therapy if breathing is impaired.
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections.
- Corticosteroids like prednisone to reduce swelling.
- Anti-fungal or anti-viral medications if due to fungi or viruses.
- Emergency tracheostomy if unable to breathe.
Never give your dog any medication without consulting your vet first. Human medications and over the counter products can be toxic to dogs. With proper treatment most dogs recover fully from laryngitis.
How long does laryngitis last in dogs?
The duration of laryngitis depends on the cause and severity. With treatment, mild viral or bacterial laryngitis may resolve in 1-2 weeks. More severe cases can last 4-6 weeks or longer. Recurring or chronic laryngitis suggests an underlying condition like allergies or hypothyroidism needs diagnosis and control. tumors or trauma may require surgery and extended recovery times. Follow all instructions from your veterinarian, and return for follow up appointments until your dog’s voice returns to normal. Seek immediate vet care if breathing problems develop or symptoms get worse instead of improving.
Is laryngitis in dogs contagious?
Laryngitis caused by infections from viruses, bacteria or fungi can be contagious to other pets. These include kennel cough (Bordetella), canine influenza, streptococcus, and ringworm. Prevent spreading illness by isolating affected dogs, washing hands and disinfecting surfaces. Dogs with non-infectious laryngitis related to allergies, trauma, hypothyroidism or tumors are not contagious to other pets. Check with your vet to determine if your dog’s laryngitis poses a contagion risk.
How can I prevent laryngitis in my dog?
You can help prevent laryngitis with these proactive measures:
- Limit excessive barking by training your dog and reducing stressful triggers.
- Treat underlying conditions like allergies, kennel cough and throat infections promptly.
- Avoid exposing your dog to irritants like cigarette smoke.
- Use a harness and leash instead of a collar, which can cause neck trauma.
- Have your dog screened for hypothyroidism if at risk.
- Follow up on any observed throat swelling or unusual sounds.
- Keep vaccinations current to prevent infections causing laryngitis.
While not every case is avoidable, these steps can reduce laryngitis from preventable causes. Be alert for any signs of throat trouble in your dog and seek veterinary care when needed. With prompt treatment, most dogs recover their normal bark and avoid chronic laryngitis issues.
Home Remedies for Soothing a Sore Throat in Dogs
If your dog has a mild case of laryngitis, some home remedies may help soothe their irritated throat while their voice box heals:
Honey
Honey has natural antibacterial and coating properties that can temporarily ease sore throats in dogs. Stir 1 teaspoon of honey per 20 pounds of body weight into warm water or broth. Give several small doses throughout the day. This can help ease coughing and discomfort.
Humidifier
Providing moisture in the air with a cool mist humidifier can keep your dog’s throat from drying out and becoming more inflamed. Place the humidifier near where your dog rests to maximize effects. Clean humidifiers regularly to prevent mold growth.
Throat Sprays
Chloraseptic and some natural mint or eucalyptus throat sprays made for humans can temporarily numb and soothe sore dog throats. Check with your vet on safety and proper dosing before using. Avoid menthol cough drops, which are toxic to dogs.
Salt Water Gargle
Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Dip a washcloth in the solution and squeeze a few drops into your dog’s mouth to gargle and rinse their throat. This can draw out inflammation and ease laryngitis discomfort. It’s most suitable for larger dogs.
Marshmallow Root
The mucilage in marshmallow root can coat and soothe sore throats. Simmer dried root in water to make tea or add powders to food. Give 1/4 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight twice daily. Check with your vet before using herbal remedies.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar per 20 pounds of body weight with water and give as a drink, or pour over food. The acetic acid may have antimicrobial effects to aid healing and reduces throat irritation.
Use home remedies only for mild cases and under veterinary guidance. Seek immediate medical attention if your dog has breathing issues, high fever, swelling or other concerning symptoms.
When to See the Veterinarian
While home treatment may help mild laryngitis, it’s crucial to involve your vet if your dog shows any of these signs:
- Difficulty breathing or panting
- Blue tongue or gums
- Distress or inability to swallow
- High fever or lethargy
- Swelling blocking airway
- Loss of consciousness
- Bloody cough
- Weight loss
- Persistent lack of appetite
- No improvement after 5-7 days
Severe laryngitis can lead to pneumonia, dehydration, or require oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids. Don’t delay getting veterinary assessment and treatment if your dog shows concerning symptoms related to laryngitis. Prompt medical care provides the best chance for your dog’s full recovery.
What will the vet do to treat laryngitis?
Your vet will start by reviewing your dog’s medical history and doing a physical exam. They will feel your dog’s throat for swelling, check lymph nodes, take a temperature, and listen to breathing. Tests may include:
- Blood work to assess overall health
- Urinalysis for signs of infection
- Throat cultures to identify bacterial or fungal causes
- Biopsy for tissue examination
- Endoscopy to view the larynx
- X-rays or MRI scans to identify masses, tumors or obstructions
Based on exam findings and test results, your vet will choose appropriate treatments, which may include:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Antifungal medication for fungal causes
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling
- Pain medication to reduce throat discomfort
- Oxygen therapy for breathing difficulty
- IV fluids if unable to eat or drink
- Surgery to remove obstructions or masses
- Bloodwork to diagnose and manage underlying conditions like hypothyroidism or allergies
Follow your vet’s treatment plan carefully, give all medications as prescribed, and return for follow up appointments to ensure your dog recovers fully.
Are there any risks to treating laryngitis at home?
Yes, there are some risks to be aware of with home treatment of laryngitis in dogs:
- Delaying necessary veterinary care. Serious cases need professional treatment.
- Giving inappropriate or harmful medications. Human cough/cold medicine can be toxic.
- Aggravating throat irritation with harsh home remedies.
- Aspiration pneumonia if liquids accidentally get into lungs.
- Nutritional deficits if dog stops eating due to throat discomfort.
- Dehydration from reluctance to swallow liquids.
- Progression to breathing distress or obstruction without medications.
- Underlying conditions like tumors or hypothyroidism going undiagnosed.
While mild laryngitis may be managed at home, it’s essential you monitor your dog closely and involve your vet promptly if symptoms worsen or persist more than a few days. Serious laryngitis can become life-threatening without proper veterinary treatment. Never attempt to diagnose or treat your pet without professional guidance.
What is the prognosis for dogs with laryngitis?
With appropriate treatment guided by a veterinarian, most dogs make a full recovery from laryngitis. However, the prognosis depends on the cause and severity:
- Viral laryngitis usually resolves in 7-10 days with supportive care.
- Bacterial laryngitis has a good prognosis with antibiotic treatment.
- Fungal laryngitis may require 4-6 weeks of anti-fungal medication.
- Allergic laryngitis can be well managed but may recur seasonally.
- Laryngitis from neck trauma may heal over several weeks with rest.
- Tumors or growths have a guarded prognosis and may require surgery.
- Laryngitis from hypothyroidism can resolve with thyroid medication.
The outlook is more guarded if:
- Laryngitis causes respiratory distress.
- There are multiple episodes of chronic laryngitis.
- The dog develops aspiration pneumonia.
- A tumor or mass recurs after removal.
- There is permanent laryngeal paralysis or collapse.
Follow all your vet’s recommendations closely to help your dog achieve the best possible outcome. Seek prompt care if symptoms worsen or fail to improve with treatment.
How can I help my dog recover from laryngitis?
To help your dog recover from laryngitis:
- Give all medications as directed by your vet.
- Make sure your dog rests quietly with minimal barking.
- Use a harness instead of collar to prevent further irritation.
- Feed soft foods and monitor appetite and hydration.
- Provide cool, humidified air.
- Gently wipe your dog’s face to keep their nose and mouth clear of discharge.
- Attend all recheck appointments with your vet.
- Notify your vet immediately if symptoms worsen or if you have any concerns.
- Prevent re-injury by removing smoke, dust, collar pulls or other sources of trauma.
- Manage underlying conditions like allergies or hypothyroidism.
With good supportive care at home and follow up veterinary care, most dogs fully get back to their normal barking and activity levels after laryngitis. Stay vigilant for any recurring signs of throat trouble.
How can I prevent laryngitis from recurring?
You can help prevent future episodes of laryngitis with these measures:
- Identify and avoid allergy triggers if laryngitis was allergy-related.
- Treat underlying conditions like hypothyroidism or reflux.
- Use a harness instead of collar.
- Limit barking and stressful situations.
- Keep your dog current on vaccines like kennel cough.
- Feed a high quality diet to support immune health.
- Follow parasite prevention to avoid overlap with heartworm disease.
- Avoid exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke.
- Use humidifiers to keep your home’s air moisture healthy.
- Have any throat masses or tumors removed surgically.
Prompt treatment of mild laryngitis can also prevent it from worsening into chronic laryngitis. Stay alert for any signs of throat trouble, and contact your vet right away if you have concerns. With diligent care, most dogs can avoid recurrent bouts of painful laryngitis.
Conclusion
Laryngitis can cause distressing vocal changes in dogs, but it often responds well to treatment of the underlying cause. While home remedies may provide some comfort for mild cases, more severe laryngitis requires veterinary attention. Antibiotics, steroids, and surgery may be necessary in some dogs. Monitor your pet closely, stay up to date on vaccines, and avoid irritants to help prevent laryngitis. With an accurate diagnosis and proper care, most dogs can recover full use of their bark after laryngitis. Stay alert for any signs of respiratory trouble, and involve your vet promptly to ensure the best outcome for your furry friend.