"My dog's bark is gone and he breathes really loudly. Is it laryngeal paralysis 'lar par'? How do I know?"
If you've noticed your dog experiencing heavy panting and breathing difficulties, or if their bark has changed or disappeared entirely, they may be suffering from laryngeal paralysis. This serious condition requires attention, but the good news is that natural treatment options are available at Healing Paws Center in Fort Lauderdale.
What is Laryngeal Paralysis?
The laryngeal muscles control the larynx, which plays a crucial role in protecting your dog's airway by helping to close the trachea during swallowing. When the nerves that control these muscles weaken, the larynx cannot function properly.
When the larynx becomes weakened or paralyzed, breathing becomes increasingly difficult. This condition can also affect your dog's ability to eat and drink safely, as the protective mechanism that prevents food and water from entering the airway is compromised.
Signs of Laryngeal Paralysis
Coughing
Frequent or persistent coughing episodes
Noisy Breathing
Very loud breathing or heavy panting
Eating & Drinking Issues
Trouble swallowing food and water
Voice Changes
Change in barking or complete loss of bark
Emergency Warning Sign
Breathing issues – you may even see your pet turn blue due to respiratory distress. If this occurs, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Natural Ways to Treat Dog Laryngeal Paralysis
At Healing Paws Center, we offer holistic treatment approaches that can help manage and improve laryngeal paralysis symptoms naturally:
Veterinary Acupuncture
Acupuncture works by reactivating the laryngeal nerves, helping to restore proper function to the affected muscles. This approach has been supported by research and clinical results.
Dr. Jessie is certified in veterinary acupuncture and teaches at the prestigious Chi Institute, bringing extensive expertise to your pet's treatment.
Research supports the use of acupuncture for nerve-related conditions, making it an evidence-based approach to managing laryngeal paralysis.
Herbal Therapies
Chinese herbal treatments work synergistically with acupuncture to support nerve function and overall health.
These herbal formulas support the acupuncture treatments and may allow for spacing out appointments while maintaining therapeutic benefits. They provide ongoing support between acupuncture sessions.
Weight Loss
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for dogs with laryngeal paralysis.
Weight reduction significantly lessens the burden on the larynx, making breathing easier and reducing respiratory stress.
Beyond respiratory benefits, achieving a healthy weight improves your pet's overall health, mobility, and quality of life.
What Dogs Develop Laryngeal Paralysis?
Laryngeal paralysis is most commonly seen in:
Labrador Retrievers
Golden Retrievers
Other Large Breeds
Testing for Dog Laryngeal Paralysis
Proper diagnosis is essential for creating an effective treatment plan. Testing for laryngeal paralysis may include:
Basic Diagnostics
- •Blood tests
- •X-rays
- •Sedated laryngeal examination
Advanced Diagnostics
- •CT scans
- •MRI scans
May be recommended based on individual cases
Bodhi's Success Story
Bodhi came to Healing Paws Center when his owner noticed his bark was completely gone and his panting had become very loud and concerning.
After just three acupuncture treatments combined with herbal therapies, Bodhi's owner reported remarkable progress:
"I just wanted to let you know that Bodhi tried to bark today! He's getting his bark back!"
Bodhi's story demonstrates the potential for natural therapies to help restore function and improve quality of life for dogs with laryngeal paralysis.
Our Recommendation
We recommend starting acupuncture and other natural treatments as soon as possible after diagnosis to achieve the best outcomes for your pet.
Help Your Dog Breathe Easier
If your dog is showing signs of laryngeal paralysis, schedule a consultation at Healing Paws Center to explore natural treatment options.