Sometimes we may realize that our dog has stopped barking, does not bark well or, instead of barking, coughs, or may even emit a different bark, as hoarse. In this article on our site we are going to explain why aphonia occurs, what its causes are and the possible solutions so that we can know what to do from the moment we suspect that something does not sound right in our dog's habitual barking.
As always, the veterinarian will be the professional who must establish the diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. Find out below Why a dog doesn't bark well:
How does a dog become hoarse?
Dogs have vocal cords located in the larynx, specifically in the throat, above the trachea. The larynx is made up of cartilage held together by ligaments. Dogs' vocal cords are thick, which allows them to bark very loudly
The larynx is covered with mucous and lacks cilia (hairs that help it move within the ducts), so mucus tends to stay in it. In addition, it is the most sensitive area when it comes to coughing. Simply passing your hand across the throat, it is possible to provoke the swallowing reflex and cough, which is what happens when, for example, a dog on a leash pulls on the leash.
The affections produced in the larynx are those that make the dog hoarse or stop barking, since they are pathologies that cause hoarseness and a progressive loss of the ability to barkIn addition, choking, gagging, nausea and coughing may be observed, especially when the dog eats or drinks. Therefore, for all laryngeal conditions, it is recommended to replace the collar with a harness
Laryngitis
This disease consists of the inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords and the adjacent laryngeal mucosa. We will identify it because it causes hoarseness, that is, the dog will be hoarse, and an inability to bark. It usually occurs after considerable vocal effort caused by excessive barking or coughing.
This cough can be caused by infections in the tonsils or any other area of the throat, tumors or kennel cough. Therefore, for its cure it is necessary to treat the primary cause and the veterinarian will be in charge of diagnosing it and arranging the appropriate treatment.
If, on the other hand, the laryngitis has been caused by excessive barking, we should seek specialized advice from the ethologist or from the dog trainer to work on this behavior or, if applicable, to remove the stimulus that triggers the excessive barking.
Laryngeal paralysis
But sometimes the dog has stopped barking or is hoarse without an episode of barking or coughing. It is in these cases that we can find ourselves faced with laryngeal paralysis. This disorder occurs in geriatric dogs of large breeds and giants such as the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever, the Irish Setter or the Saint Bernard. In breeds such as the Siberian Husky or the English Bull Terrier, this paralysis constitutes a hereditary defect.
The clinical picture of this condition is composed of the following symptoms:
- Sound similar to a roar when inhaling during and after exercise, which eventually occurs during rest as well.
- Weakening of the bark until it is practically inaudible.
- If the disease progresses without treatment, breathing becomes noisy and labored.
- Exercise intolerance as the clinical picture progresses.
- Fainting may occur due to respiratory compromise, even causing a collapse that can lead to the death of the animal, hence the importance of veterinary care.
Our veterinarian can diagnose this condition by direct observation of the vocal cords using a laryngoscope. The vocal cords will be presented together in the middle, when they should be separated. This manages to narrow the respiratory tract at the level of the larynx and is the reason that the dog does not bark well, is hoarse or even stops barking completely. Treatment involves surgery and sometimes it is necessary to remove the vocal cords, with which the dog will stop barking permanently.
