Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My Yorkie is coughing. Is it a collapsed throat? What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 9 years and 8 months old | 8 lbs

My 10 yr old Yorkshire Terrier is coughing, I believe it may be a collapsed throat. What can I do to help him?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 15th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. The coughing could be due to a collapsing trachea, heart disease, allergies or respiratory infection. It is common to see a collapsed trachea in yorkies. I would recommend having your veterinarian examine Shiloh so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. There is not much you can do, short of surgery, to stop the trachea from collapsing. You can, however, give cough suppressants such as hydrocodone or butorphanol. I would discuss these options with your vet as these are controlled drugs that require a written prescription. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 11th, 2017

    Collapsing trachea could be a reason in a Yorkie, so it's worth checking that out. I would also check for lung worms and do a culture of the mucous to see what could be causing the chronic cough. Heart disease is also a reason for a chronic cough, so I would be checking for that too. Essentially, it seems like more diagnostics need to be done to find the cause of the cough. If your vet is referring you to a specialist, then it may be best to go to them, or seek a second opinion from another vet in the area. I hope that helps and you can get this taken care of soon.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?
Is your degu struggling to breathe, coughing, or have nasal discharge? A trusted vet offers vital guidance on respiratory issues like pneumonia and how to help.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My robo hamster is limp, bleeding, and collapsed. Is it wet tail?
Is your robo hamster dragging, collapsed, or showing blood? A Licensed Vet Tech offers urgent advice on these symptoms, including potential wet tail concerns.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored