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Dog Honking Cough

A dry, loud honk, often in fits, is the sound most owners describe with tracheal collapse. It is most common in toy and small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Toy Poodles.

Typical Triggers

• Excitement, like greeting you at the door
• Pulling against a collar
• Eating or drinking
• Heat, smoke, or dust

Honking Cough That Is Not Kennel Cough

Kennel cough usually follows boarding, daycare, or a dog park and clears in a few weeks. A honk that lasts for months, comes and goes, or gets worse with excitement points away from kennel cough.

What To Do

1. Take a video of a coughing fit.
2. Switch from a collar to a harness for walks.
3. Book a vet visit and ask whether tracheal collapse is possible.

Learn more at Collapsed Trachea Guide.