Lena Torres
There are many reasons why your dog might sound hoarse. Usually, it is nothing to worry about, especially if your dog has been barking excessively or excitedly. However, there are some serious underlying medical conditions that can cause hoarseness, such as laryngeal paralysis, gastroesophageal reflux, hypothyroidism, or a tumour on the voice box. If your dog's hoarseness persists for more than a week or two, it is important to take them to the vet so they can rule out any serious causes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Excessive barking | Temporary hoarseness |
| Underlying medical causes | Ingesting poisonous plants, laryngeal paralysis, laryngeal trauma, hypothyroidism, laryngeal edema, laryngitis, gastroesophageal reflux, masses or tumors, everted laryngeal saccules |
| Other symptoms | Yelping, coughing, gasping for air, bluish gums, increased heart rate, fever, throat irritation, lip licking, decreased appetite, regurgitating food, weight loss, lethargy, cold intolerance, loss of fur, ear and skin infections |
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What You'll Learn
Excessive barking
Dogs bark for many reasons, including excitement, anxiety, fear, boredom, and as a means of communication with other dogs and their owners. Some breeds are also more prone to excessive barking than others. For example, small dogs tend to bark more, and certain breeds like beagles and dachshunds have a predisposition to bark excessively due to their breeding and the roles they were traditionally used for, such as hunting and guarding.
If your dog is a frequent or excessive barker, this could be the main cause of their hoarse voice. You may also notice other symptoms associated with excessive barking, such as a sore throat or even cough. It is important to address the underlying cause of the excessive barking to prevent it from becoming a chronic issue and to ensure your dog's comfort.
There are several ways to reduce excessive barking. Firstly, identify the triggers that set your dog off and try to minimize their exposure to these stimuli. Provide your dog with plenty of exercises and stimulation to burn off excess energy, and consider using positive reinforcement training techniques to teach them a 'quiet' command. You can also try using a bark collar, which emits a harmless spray or vibration when your dog barks, but always ensure you are using these tools safely and effectively to avoid causing distress or confusion.
If you are concerned about your dog's barking habits and hoarse voice, it is always best to consult your veterinarian for advice. They may be able to provide further guidance on behavior modification techniques or recommend a specialist in animal behavior who can work with you and your dog to reduce excessive barking.
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Laryngeal paralysis
The clinical signs of acquired laryngeal paralysis vary widely, potentially making it an underdiagnosed condition. One of the primary reasons for this is that the initial signs often only involve a reduction in exercise, commonly associated with age. Other signs include noisy breathing, gagging or coughing, excessive panting, a change in the sound of the bark, or having trouble breathing. In sudden, severe cases, the dog may develop respiratory distress with bluish mucous membranes (cyanosis) in the mouth and may even collapse.
The diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis is based on the dog's medical history and clinical signs. Coughing and shortness of breath are often the only early signs of the condition. Diagnostic tests that may be recommended include blood and urine tests and chest radiographs (X-rays). However, an examination of the larynx with an endoscope or laryngoscope is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Mild cases of laryngeal paralysis may be managed with medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, sedatives, antibiotics, or doxepin. It is recommended to avoid hot environments and strenuous exercise, and to use harnesses instead of collars that put pressure on the dog's neck. In severe or congenital cases, surgery is often the best option, with the most common procedure being a "tie-back" surgery, which helps open the larynx to improve breathing. While the surgery does not cure the larynx's function, it can help avoid respiratory emergencies and improve the dog's quality of life.
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Laryngitis
Dogs with laryngitis may exhibit symptoms such as coughing, gasping for air, bluish gums, increased heart rate, and fever. The treatment for laryngitis depends on the underlying cause. For example, if the laryngitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. If it is purely due to inflammation, anti-inflammatory medications may be used.
In some cases, laryngitis in dogs can be caused by gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus and irritates the back of the throat. This can also lead to weight loss in dogs. Laryngitis can also be caused by vomiting episodes, which can irritate the throat and cause inflammation of the larynx.
It is important to note that hoarseness in dogs can also be caused by other factors such as excessive barking, laryngeal paralysis, masses or tumours, and everted laryngeal saccules, which are small sacs in the larynx that can become turned inside out and pulled into the windpipe. If your dog exhibits hoarseness for more than a week or is having difficulty breathing, it is recommended to seek veterinary evaluation to determine the underlying cause and rule out any serious conditions.
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Ingesting poisonous plants
There are many reasons why your dog may sound hoarse, and ingesting poisonous plants is one of them. Dogs are notorious for sniffing out and eating things they shouldn't, and there are many plants that are toxic to dogs. If you suspect your dog has eaten a poisonous plant, you should identify the plant and the possible quantity consumed. It is also important to act quickly and contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately.
Some common plants that are toxic to dogs include:
- Sago palm: This plant looks like a tiny palm tree and can live indoors or outdoors. All parts of the plant are harmful, but the seeds or "nuts" contain the largest amount of toxins.
- Tulips: These spring-blooming flowers are toxic to dogs if they dig up and eat the bulbs.
- Oleander: This plant contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause serious health issues.
- Lantana: The unripe berries of this plant can cause severe effects, including coma and death. Ripe berries typically cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Hydrangea: All parts of this plant are toxic and can cause gastrointestinal upset.
- Virginia creeper, flamingo plant, and American evergreen: These plants occur naturally in certain localities and can also be kept as houseplants. They are toxic to dogs and can cause poisoning.
If your dog has ingested a poisonous plant, your veterinarian will administer treatment based on the specific plant and the quantity ingested. Intravenous fluid therapy may be given to prevent dehydration and help process the poison, and antihistamines and pain relievers may also be administered. It is important to act quickly and seek veterinary assistance to ensure the best outcome for your dog's health.
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Throat injury
A dog's hoarse bark could be the result of a throat injury. A traumatic injury to the throat can be caused by a choke collar or a jerking motion to the neck. A dog's throat can also be injured from the inside by a hard object like a stick, toy, or piece of plastic wedged inside the throat, causing damage to the voice box. If you suspect your dog has experienced a throat injury, you should seek immediate medical assistance.
Dogs can also experience laryngeal irritation and vocal strain related to vomiting episodes. A hoarse voice in dogs following vomiting often results from throat irritation or inflammation of the larynx. Symptoms include a raspy bark without coughing or other respiratory signs. Treatment involves rest for the vocal cords, avoiding irritants, and monitoring for worsening symptoms. If hoarseness persists beyond a week or is accompanied by difficulty breathing, a veterinary evaluation is necessary.
In some cases, a dog's hoarse bark may be caused by laryngeal paralysis, which occurs when the nerves controlling the muscles that hold and move the tissue of the larynx weaken, and the cartilage falls inward. Laryngeal paralysis can be caused by a throat injury, such as a perforation to the neck by an animal bite or sharp foreign objects. Treatment for laryngeal paralysis may include a surgical procedure called a laryngeal tie-back to make it easier for the dog to breathe.
It is important to note that a hoarse bark in dogs can be a sign of something serious, and early diagnosis and treatment are key for preventing long-term damage to your dog's voice. If you are concerned about your dog's hoarse bark, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Repeated barking can lead to the overuse of the vocal folds, causing the tissues to swell with excessive fluid. This is called laryngeal edema. The hoarseness should go away on its own within a few days.
There are several medical conditions that could be causing your dog's hoarse voice, including laryngitis, gastroesophageal reflux, laryngeal paralysis, masses or tumors, and everted laryngeal saccules.
Symptoms of laryngitis in dogs include a cough, breathing difficulties, and a hoarse bark.
