Yorkshire Terriers may be tiny in size, but their personalities are anything but small. Unfortunately, many Yorkie parents notice an odd “honking” sound coming from their pup—almost like a goose call. That noise could be a sign of collapsing trachea, a condition that Yorkies are, unfortunately, more prone to than many other breeds.
While the sound may seem harmless at first, it’s important to understand what’s happening and when to seek help. At Atlas Animal Hospital, we often see small breed dogs like Yorkies come in with chronic coughing or noisy breathing, and collapsing trachea is one of the first things we check for.
What Exactly Is A Collapsing Trachea?
The trachea, or windpipe, is a tube made of soft cartilage rings that carry air from the nose and mouth to the lungs. In dogs with collapsing trachea, those rings become weak and start to flatten, especially during excitement, exercise, or pressure on the neck. This leads to that classic honking cough and difficulty breathing.
Yorkies, along with breeds like Pomeranians and Chihuahuas, are genetically predisposed to this issue due to their narrow airways and fragile cartilage structure. It’s not a condition they “catch”—they’re born more vulnerable to it.
Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Collapsing trachea can sneak up slowly or seem to appear out of nowhere. In many cases, owners mistake the signs for reverse sneezing or kennel cough. Here’s what to watch for in your Yorkie:
- A dry, harsh cough that worsens with excitement or pressure on the neck
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Coughing during exercise or when pulling on the leash
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Gagging or retching, especially after eating or drinking
If your Yorkie is showing any of these signs, it’s a good idea to bring them in for an evaluation. At Atlas Animal Hospital, our team uses gentle diagnostic tools like X-rays and fluoroscopy to confirm the condition without stressing your pup.
Why Yorkies Are More At Risk Than Other Breeds
Yorkies have delicate tracheal cartilage to begin with, and their small size means even mild collapse can create noticeable symptoms. Add in their excitable nature and sensitivity to neck pressure, and you’ve got a recipe for chronic coughing.
Environmental triggers can also worsen symptoms—things like smoke, dust, or strong cleaning products. That’s why managing the home environment is often just as important as medical care.
Treatment Options: From Lifestyle Changes To Surgery
The good news is, many Yorkies with collapsing trachea can live comfortable lives with proper management. Treatment depends on the severity of the collapse and the impact on daily life.
Conservative management may include:
- Cough suppressants and anti-inflammatories
- Bronchodilators to open the airway
- Weight management to reduce pressure on the airway
- Switching to a harness instead of a collar
In more severe cases, surgical intervention or stent placement may be needed to physically keep the trachea open. These options are considered when conservative treatments no longer provide relief.
At Atlas Animal Hospital, we’ll walk you through every option and help build a treatment plan that fits your dog’s needs and your lifestyle.
How To Help Your Yorkie Breathe Easier At Home
There are small, proactive steps you can take right now to ease your Yorkie’s breathing:
- Use a soft, chest-style harness—never a neck collar
- Keep them at a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the trachea
- Avoid smoky areas, heavy perfumes, and dusty environments
- Don’t let them overexert in hot weather
- Keep walks relaxed and low-stress
Catching the condition early is key to preventing long-term damage and discomfort. If your Yorkie has been coughing more than usual, don’t wait.
When To Call The Vet
A little cough might not seem like much, but with collapsing trachea, early action can make a world of difference. If your Yorkie’s cough is persistent, worsening, or seems triggered by excitement, activity, or pressure on the neck, it’s time to get it checked out.
At Atlas Animal Hospital, we specialize in caring for small breeds and respiratory concerns. Our compassionate team knows how to treat Yorkies with the gentle approach they deserve—and we’re always happy to answer your questions.
Call us at 604-301-0300 to schedule an exam or learn more about managing collapsing trachea in your Yorkie. We’re here to help your tiny friend breathe easy again.
