Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

Is my Staffy's night honking cough serious? What's causing it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed

Why has my 14 month old Staffordshire bull terrier started making a goose honking sound at night this only usually happens once

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 13th, 2021

Hi and thanks for your request. Goose honking cough/respiratory sound usually is due to a tracheal cough, often due to a tracheal collapse, even if uncommon in Staffies. These signs must be strictly monitored and if occur again they should be checked by your local veterinarian. Usually episodes of tracheal collapse are not fatal but if the anxiety and continued collapse or flattening of the trachea associated with an acute event of struggling to breath seems to increase the swelling around the trachea, and yes, these dogs can occasionally have their entire airway swell shut and be unable to breath. The important thing to remember if you have a dog with tracheal collapse is that you should take them in for treatment as soon as you notice distress - the longer the distress persists, the more difficult it is to reverse.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Sponsored