Supporting Your Dog with Laryngeal Paralysis: A Comprehensive Guide

Does your furry friend make strange noises when breathing? Is their bark sounding different lately? Your dog might be dealing with laryngeal paralysis, a condition that can be scary for both you and your pet. But don’t worry – there’s plenty you can do to help!

I’ve put together this guide to help dog parents understand what laryngeal paralysis is and how you can support your pup through this challenging condition. After seeing many dog owners struggle with managing this condition, I wanted to create a resource that explains everything in simple terms.

What Exactly Is Laryngeal Paralysis?

First, let’s understand what’s happening in your dog’s throat. The larynx (voice box) is located in the upper part of your dog’s throat. It has two important pieces of cartilage called arytenoid cartilages that work like French doors:

• When your dog breathes in, these “doors” should open wide to let air flow freely
• When your dog swallows, they close to prevent food or water from entering the windpipe

In laryngeal paralysis (often shortened to “LarPar”), these cartilages don’t move properly because the nerves controlling them aren’t working right. This means

1. Your dog struggles to get enough air when breathing in
2. They’re at higher risk of inhaling food or water into their lungs

Think about trying to breathe through a straw while exercising – that’s what your dog might be experiencing all the time No wonder they might seem anxious or distressed!

Common Signs Your Dog Has Laryngeal Paralysis

How do you know if your dog has this condition? Here are the telltale signs to watch for

Early/Mild Symptoms:

• Change in bark (sounds hoarse or different)
• Huffing more on walks
• Walking slower than usual
• Sleeping more often
• Occasional coughing or gagging when eating/drinking

Progressive/Severe Symptoms:

• Loud, raspy breathing noise (especially when inhaling)
• Excessive panting
• Difficulty exercising (they may stop frequently to catch their breath)
• Blue-tinged tongue or gums (in emergency situations)
• Fainting from lack of oxygen
• Refusing to go on walks altogether

These symptoms typically worsen in hot, humid weather or during exercise or excitement. If your dog has fainted or has blue gums, this is an EMERGENCY – get them to a vet immediately!

Which Dogs Are Most Affected?

While any dog can develop laryngeal paralysis, certain breeds are more predisposed:

Most Commonly Affected Breeds:

• Labrador Retrievers (highest incidence rate)
• Golden Retrievers
• German Shepherds
• Siberian Huskies
• Newfoundlands
• Saint Bernards
• Borzois

Laryngeal paralysis usually affects older, large-breed dogs (typically around 10+ years old). However, some dogs are born with this condition (congenital laryngeal paralysis), including Dalmatians, Bouvier des Flandres, Bulldogs, and Siberian Huskies.

Is It Part of Something Bigger?

Many vets now believe that laryngeal paralysis is often part of a larger neurological issue called GOLPP (Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy). This means the condition may eventually affect other parts of your dog’s body, leading to:

• Weakness in the limbs
• Difficulty swallowing (esophageal dysfunction)
• General muscle weakness
• Uncoordinated movement

This is why early management and close monitoring are so important!

How Vets Diagnose Laryngeal Paralysis

If you suspect your dog has laryngeal paralysis, your vet will need to perform several tests:

1. Physical examination – Your vet will listen to your dog’s breathing and may have them exercise briefly to make symptoms more noticeable

2. Direct examination of the larynx – This is the definitive test. Your dog will be lightly sedated so the vet can watch the larynx function as your dog breathes

3. Additional tests may include:

   • Chest X-rays to check for aspiration pneumonia
   • Neck X-rays to rule out tumors
   • Blood tests to check for hypothyroidism (often occurs alongside LarPar)
   • Ultrasound of the neck/larynx area

Once diagnosed, you and your vet can discuss the best management plan for your dog’s specific situation.

10 Ways to Help Your Dog with Laryngeal Paralysis

Now for the most important part – what can YOU do to help your dog? Here are practical steps to support your furry friend:

1. Modify Your Dog’s Environment

 ️ Temperature Control is Critical

• Keep your home cool, especially during summer months
• Limit outdoor activity during hot, humid weather
• Consider portable fans or cooling mats
• NEVER leave your dog in a hot car (this is dangerous for any dog, but especially those with LarPar!)

2. Change Your Walking Routine

• Walk during cooler times of day (early morning/evening)
• Keep walks shorter but more frequent
• Allow plenty of rest breaks
• Watch for signs of distress and head home if needed
• Avoid steep hills or strenuous exercise

3. Switch to a Harness

This is super important! Ditch the collar and switch to a well-fitted harness. Collars put pressure on your dog’s throat, which can worsen symptoms and cause inflammation. This includes:

• No flat collars
• No martingale collars
• Absolutely NO prong, choke, or electric collars!

A front-clip or back-clip harness is much safer for dogs with laryngeal paralysis.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight makes breathing harder! Work with your vet to develop a weight management plan if your dog is overweight. Even losing a small amount of weight can make breathing easier.

5. Adjust Feeding Practices

Since dogs with LarPar are at higher risk of aspiration pneumonia:

• Elevate food and water bowls
• Consider feeding smaller, more frequent meals
• Moisten dry food to make it easier to swallow
• Use slow-feeder bowls to prevent gulping
• Keep your dog upright for 10-15 minutes after eating

6. Reduce Stress and Excitement

Excitement increases respiratory rate, which can trigger breathing difficulties. Try to:

• Maintain a calm home environment
• Avoid situations that over-excite your dog
• Establish consistent routines
• Consider using pheromone diffusers like Adaptil to promote calmness

7. Know the Emergency Signs

Be prepared to recognize when your dog needs immediate medical attention:

• Blue-tinged gums or tongue
• Severe respiratory distress
• Collapse or fainting
• Excessive drooling with labored breathing
• Severe coughing or choking

Have your emergency vet’s contact info readily available and know how to get there quickly!

8. Consider Medications

Your vet might prescribe:

• Anti-anxiety medications to reduce panting
• Corticosteroids to decrease inflammation during flare-ups
• Doxepin (a tricyclic antidepressant) which some vets report helps manage symptoms
• Medications to manage any underlying conditions like hypothyroidism

9. Explore Complementary Therapies

Some dog owners report benefits from:

• Acupuncture
• Physical therapy (to maintain muscle strength)
• Massage therapy
• Hydrotherapy (in controlled environments)

Always discuss these options with your vet first!

10. Discuss Surgical Options

For dogs with severe symptoms, surgery might be recommended. The most common procedure is called a “tie-back” surgery (arytenoid lateralization). This surgery:

• Permanently fixes one arytenoid cartilage in an open position
• Improves airflow dramatically
• Doesn’t cure the condition but can significantly improve quality of life
• Does increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia (since the airway remains partially open during swallowing)

Everyday Management Tips from Dog Parents Who’ve Been There

I’ve spoken with many dog owners managing this condition, and here are some practical tips they’ve shared:

• Keep cool water accessible everywhere – Multiple water bowls throughout your home ensure your dog can stay hydrated without walking far

• Try cooling bandanas or vests during warmer weather

• Create a “safe zone” – A cool, quiet area where your dog can retreat when feeling stressed

• Watch for subtle changes – Often, owners notice small behavioral shifts before major breathing issues occur

• Be mindful of swimming – Some dogs with LarPar should avoid swimming as they may be more prone to aspiration

• Keep a journal of your dog’s symptoms to track patterns and triggers

The Risk of Aspiration Pneumonia

One of the biggest concerns with laryngeal paralysis is aspiration pneumonia – an infection caused when food, water, or vomit enters the lungs. Signs include:

• Coughing
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty breathing
• Nasal discharge

This condition requires immediate veterinary care and typically needs antibiotic treatment. To reduce the risk:

• Feed small amounts
• Keep your dog upright while eating and drinking
• Moisten food
• Use elevated bowls
• Consult with your vet about thickening liquids if needed

Living with Laryngeal Paralysis: The Long-Term Outlook

While laryngeal paralysis isn’t curable, many dogs live comfortably for years with proper management. The progression varies greatly between dogs – some may have mild symptoms for years, while others might need more intensive management.

If your dog has GOLPP, you might notice gradual weakness in their hind limbs over time. Physical therapy can help maintain muscle strength and mobility.

Remember that quality of life is what matters most. With thoughtful care and attention to your dog’s needs, you can help them continue to enjoy life despite this condition.

Finding out your dog has laryngeal paralysis can be scary, but with the right approach, you can help them live a comfortable and happy life. Every dog is different, so work closely with your veterinarian to develop a management plan that addresses your pet’s specific needs.

Have you dealt with laryngeal paralysis in your dog? What strategies have worked best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below – your insights might help another dog parent going through the same challenge!

Remember: This article is meant to provide general information and is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian regarding the specific needs of your pet.