Respiratory & Lung Conditions
Chronic bronchitis, laryngeal paralysis, tracheal collapse, and pulmonary fibrosis in senior dogs.
What is Respiratory & Lung Conditions?
The senior canine respiratory tract is prone to several structural and inflammatory conditions: chronic bronchitis (long-term airway inflammation), tracheal collapse (weakening of tracheal rings in small breeds), laryngeal paralysis (the laryngeal cartilages fail to open properly, common in older Labradors), and pulmonary fibrosis (progressive lung scarring seen in West Highland White Terriers).
Common signs and symptoms
Signs vary between dogs and can be subtle at first. Watch for the following, especially if several appear together or persist for more than a few days:
- Persistent cough, often described as 'goose-honk' with tracheal collapse
- Noisy breathing, especially on exertion or in heat
- Change in bark or voice
- Exercise intolerance and increased effort to breathe
- Gagging when eating or drinking
- Blue-tinged gums in severe episodes
Risk factors
Certain dogs are more predisposed. Understanding risk helps you screen earlier and act sooner.
- Tracheal collapse: Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Chihuahua
- Laryngeal paralysis: senior large breeds, especially Labradors
- Chronic bronchitis: small breeds exposed to smoke, dust, or aerosols
- Pulmonary fibrosis: West Highland White Terrier
- Obesity worsens all of the above
When to see a vet
Use this as general triage guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Book a routine appointment if: you notice a change in bark, exercise intolerance, or a cough lasting more than a week.
- Seek urgent care if: open-mouth breathing at rest, blue/grey gums, severe stridor, or collapse — especially in heat.
Diagnosis and management
Diagnosis may include chest X-rays, upper airway exam under sedation, and sometimes CT or bronchoscopy. Management combines weight control, avoiding heat and stress, harness (not collar) walking, and targeted medications. Laryngeal paralysis has a surgical option ('tie-back') that dramatically improves quality of life in appropriate candidates.