EDUCATION
5 minutes
Essential Takeaways
Collapsed trachea in dogs can be distressing for both pets and owners, causing that distinctive honking cough and breathing difficulties. While there's no cure, natural solutions like Manuka honey may help manage symptoms and support your dog's quality of life.
Manuka honey offers unique antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe the symptoms caused by irritated airways, reducing coughing episodes. Its natural compounds, particularly methylglyoxal (MGO), make it more effective than regular honey in supporting the symptoms of poor respiratory health.
When choosing Manuka honey for your dog, it's crucial to select a certified UMF™ product to ensure purity and potency. The right dosage and administration method, combined with other natural supports, can make a significant difference in managing your pet's symptoms.
Disclaimer: We do not recommend the use of Manuka honey as a replacement for seeking professional veterinary help. Always consult veterinary professionals in an emergency.
If your dog has been diagnosed with a collapsed trachea, you’ll know the heart-wrenching sound of their honking cough. This distressing condition can leave pet owners feeling helpless, searching for ways to ease their furry friend's discomfort.
While conventional treatments have their place, more pet parents are turning to natural solutions like Manuka honey to help manage symptoms and support their dog's respiratory health. But does it really work, and how exactly can this golden elixir from New Zealand assist with symptoms?
Disclaimer: We always recommend checking with your vet for any animal health concerns, especially something as serious as a collapsed trachea. This article is here to share insights about Manuka honey and its potential benefits, but it’s not a substitute for professional advice. Since Manuka honey is a type of raw honey, it’s important to consult your vet, particularly if your dog has a compromised or developing immune system, before trying any new remedies or treatments.
Let's take a closer look at how Manuka honey could be a valuable addition to your pet's wellness routine.
In this guide to Manuka honey for dogs collapsed trachea:
Understanding Collapsed Trachea in Dogs and How Manuka Honey May Help
The trachea, or windpipe, is a flexible tube made of cartilage rings that carries air from your dog's nose and mouth to their lungs. When these rings weaken and flatten, it results in a collapsed trachea, making it difficult for your pet to breathe normally.
This condition commonly affects small breeds such as:
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Yorkshire Terriers
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Pomeranians
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Toy Poodles
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Chihuahuas
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Pugs
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Shih Tzus
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Lhasa Apsos
While it usually appears in middle-aged or older dogs, symptoms can develop at any age and tend to worsen over time if they’re not properly managed.
Key symptoms include:
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A dry, honking cough that sounds a bit like a goose
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Difficulty breathing, especially during exercise
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Wheezing when inhaling
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Coughing when excited or stressed
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Fainting in severe cases
Potential Benefits of Manuka Honey for Collapsed Trachea in Dogs
Manuka honey offers a range of unique properties that make it particularly beneficial for managing the symptoms of a collapsed trachea in dogs.
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Anti-inflammatory Properties: The natural compounds in Manuka honey help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, potentially easing breathing difficulties and discomfort.
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Soothes Irritated Airways: Its thick, smooth consistency creates a coating in the throat, helping to calm irritation and reduce coughing episodes.
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Natural Cough Suppressant: Studies have shown honey to be effective at reducing cough frequency and severity, offering a natural alternative to conventional cough suppressants.
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Immune System Support: The unique antibacterial properties of Manuka honey, particularly its high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), could help alleviate symptoms relating to secondary infections.
“Purchased for my dog with Collapsed Trachea as a last ditch effort to help ease her hacking cough. Nothing else I have tried (including vet recommendations and medicines) has helped her until giving her your Manuka honey daily. The effects weren't immediate, but after about a week or so, she is coughing and hacking much less and the force is much milder. Thank you so much. I am off to purchase another jar!”
- Heidi D., Verified Buyer | UMF™ 20+ | MGO 829+
How Manuka Honey Works to Help Dogs with Collapsed Trachea
Unlike regular honey, Manuka honey contains significantly higher levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), providing much more potent therapeutic effects. This matters because:
Natural Healing Support
Manuka honey may help create an optimal environment for natural healing by maintaining balanced pH levels in the throat. Its unique composition allows for a sustained release of beneficial compounds, supporting your dog's recovery process over time.
Respiratory Protection
When your dog consumes Manuka honey, its thick consistency creates a coating in the throat. This natural barrier may help reduce symptoms of irritation that trigger coughing, inflammation in the airways, and may help maintain moisture in the throat - all crucial factors in managing collapsed trachea symptoms.
Choosing the Right Manuka Honey for Your Dog
Not all Manuka honey is created equal, and choosing the right product is crucial for your pet's wellbeing.
When shopping for Manuka honey, always look for the UMF™ certification mark. This important certification guarantees that your honey is pure, authentic, and has been independently tested for potency.
For therapeutic benefits, the grade of Manuka honey matters. We recommend choosing at least UMF™ 15+ for mild symptoms of a collapsed trachea, while dogs with more severe symptoms may benefit from UMF™ 20+ or higher grades, which offer increased potency.
Once you've selected the right grade of Manuka honey for your dog's needs, it's important to understand proper dosing to ensure maximum benefits.
How much Manuka Honey Should I give my Dog?
The right amount of Manuka honey for your dog depends on their size, but here’s a rough guideline:
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Small dogs (under 10kg): ¼ teaspoon up to three times daily
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Medium dogs (10-20kg): ½ teaspoon up to three times daily
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Large dogs (over 20kg): 1 teaspoon up to three times daily
Tips for administration:
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Start with a smaller amount to ensure your dog tolerates it well
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Give it to your dog on an empty stomach for the best absorption
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Mix the Manuka honey with a small amount of warm water to make it easier to consume, if needed
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Never heat the honey, as this can destroy beneficial compounds
Read more: Manuka Honey for Dogs: Everything You Need To Know
Complementary Natural Treatments
While Manuka honey can help support your dog’s wellbeing, combining it with other natural supports can create a more comprehensive approach to managing your dog's collapsed trachea symptoms. Here are some tips:
Adapt their living environment
Creating a comfortable environment for your dog starts with keeping their air clean and fresh. An air purifier may help remove irritating particles, while maintaining optimal humidity levels keeps their airways comfortable. Avoid exposing your pet to smoke, strong fragrances, or temperature extremes that might trigger coughing episodes.
Make small lifestyle adjustments
Simple changes to your dog's daily routine can make a significant difference, such as:
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Switching from a collar to a harness to reduce throat pressure
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Keeping exercise gentle to avoid overexertion
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Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce strain on the airways
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Feeding them smaller, more frequent meals to reduce pressure on the trachea
Get Manuka Honey for your Dog’s Collapsed Trachea
Managing a collapsed trachea requires a holistic approach, and Manuka honey can be a valuable part of your pet's wellness routine. Remember that consistency is key - regular, appropriate doses will yield the best results.
When choosing Manuka honey for your dog, remember that quality matters.
Our New Zealand Honey Co. range is ethically sourced from reputable local suppliers and independently tested to the strictest global standards, so you can be sure that you’re getting the real deal.
Learn about our accreditations and credentials here.
Unsure which grade is right?
Your wellness journey starts with a spoonful a day.
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