Dog Respiratory Health: What I Learned After Sochi’s Vet Visit

I just got back from the vet with Sochi, my lovable Shorkie, and wanted to share some important information about dog respiratory health. The visit was a bit of a wake-up call, as I noticed Sochi had been having some unusual coughing and sneezing. Thankfully, our vet was great and gave us a lot of insight into what could be going on and what signs to watch out for when it comes to our pups' respiratory health.

Understanding Respiratory Issues in Small Dogs

One of the first things our vet explained is that small dogs, especially breeds like Shih Tzus, Yorkies, and of course, Shorkies like Sochi, can be more prone to respiratory issues. Their shorter snouts and narrower airways can make them a bit more susceptible to breathing problems, so it’s super important to stay on top of any changes in their behavior or breathing patterns. With Sochi, I had noticed she’d been wheezing a little after running around, and her coughing seemed more frequent than usual. It was enough to make me schedule that vet visit.

Signs to Watch For

If you’re a small dog parent like me, here are some key signs that might indicate your pup is dealing with a respiratory issue:

• Coughing or Hacking: Occasional coughing isn’t always a cause for concern, but if it becomes persistent or sounds like your dog is trying to clear something stuck in their throat, it’s worth getting checked out. With Sochi, her cough had a bit of a honking sound, which can sometimes indicate issues like tracheal collapse, a common problem in small breeds.

• Labored Breathing: If you notice your dog is working harder than usual to breathe, especially when they’re resting, it’s a red flag. Rapid or shallow breathing is something our vet said to watch closely. Sochi had a few moments where it seemed like she was panting without any exercise, which was a clue that something wasn’t quite right.

• Nasal Discharge: A runny nose isn’t uncommon for dogs, but thick or colored discharge (yellow or green) can indicate an infection or other issue. Sochi had a bit of clear discharge, which our vet said was likely due to some mild irritation, but anything thicker or persistent would need attention.

• Sneezing or Wheezing: Occasional sneezing is normal, but frequent sneezing or wheezing, especially if it sounds raspy, can indicate respiratory irritation or an allergy. With Sochi, her wheezing was more noticeable at night, which is what led me to bring it up with the vet.

What We Can Do to Help

The vet gave me some great tips to help Sochi breathe easier and reduce any potential irritation:

• Avoid Irritants: Our vet stressed the importance of avoiding things like smoke, strong fragrances, and even harsh cleaning chemicals. Small dogs are more sensitive to airborne irritants, and keeping the air in our home clean is key. I’ve made it a point to avoid using any heavily scented products around Sochi.

• Use a Humidifier: Dry air can exacerbate respiratory issues, so adding a humidifier to the room can help keep things comfortable for small dogs. I’m planning to set one up in the living room where Sochi likes to lounge, especially during the colder months when the air gets dry.

• Monitor Activity Levels: While exercise is important, overdoing it can be a problem for small dogs with respiratory concerns. I’ve been making sure Sochi gets plenty of walks but also allowing her to take it easy when she needs to. Keeping activities balanced and avoiding intense play on hot or humid days can make a big difference.

A Happy Ending for Sochi

Thankfully, Sochi’s respiratory issue wasn’t anything too serious—just a bit of irritation likely caused by some seasonal changes and possibly some dust. The vet recommended keeping an eye on her and making sure she has a clean, comfortable environment to help her breathe easier. After following the vet’s advice for a few days, Sochi is already doing much better. Her wheezing has calmed down, and she’s back to her happy, playful self.

I wanted to share this experience because it’s easy to overlook minor symptoms, especially when life gets busy. But our dogs rely on us to notice these things, and even small changes in their breathing can be a sign that something’s up. If you ever notice anything unusual, don’t hesitate to get it checked out—it’s always better to be safe when it comes to our furry friends.

Until next time, take care of yourselves and your pups!

S.W.