🐾 Coughing and Laryngeal Paralysis in Older Dogs

One of the most common reasons older, large-breed dogs come to see us is for what owners often describe as the “old man throat clear.” It’s a sudden hoick, retch, or hacking cough that can disturb the whole family.

While sometimes dismissed as just “old age,” this type of coughing can signal an underlying condition that needs proper assessment. One of the more important causes in these dogs is laryngeal paralysis.

🩺 Why Do Older Dogs Cough?

There are many possible reasons, including:

Chronic bronchitis or airway inflammation
Heart disease and congestive heart failure
Tracheal collapse or weakness
Lung disease (such as pneumonia or tumours)
Laryngeal paralysis

Because so many different conditions can look similar, a proper diagnosis is essential. At Pittwater Animal Hospital, we start with:

A full physical examination
Chest X-rays to check the heart and lungs
Throat and laryngeal examination under light sedation if needed

🗣️ What Is Laryngeal Paralysis?

The larynx is the “voice box” at the back of the throat. It’s made of cartilage and controlled by nerves that open and close the airway when your dog breathes, barks, or swallows.

In laryngeal paralysis, the nerves stop working properly. The laryngeal cartilages lose their ability to open during breathing. Instead of a clear, open airway, the entrance becomes narrow and floppy.

As a result:

Breathing becomes noisy, especially when panting
Saliva and mucus accumulate around the airway, leading to gagging or the characteristic “old man hoick”
Coughing or retching becomes frequent

Over time, this condition can worsen, and even small changes in weather, exercise, or excitement can trigger a serious breathing crisis.

🔎 Symptoms You Might Notice at Home

Harsh, noisy breathing (often worse in hot weather)
Gagging, retching, or coughing
Change in bark (hoarse or weaker voice)
Exercise intolerance (slowing down on walks)
Sudden distress with panting, restlessness, or collapse

Any of these signs are worth discussing with your vet, especially in older large-breed dogs (Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, and similar breeds are overrepresented).

⚠️ Why Is It Dangerous?

Dogs with laryngeal paralysis are at risk of acute airway obstruction. A hot day, a walk, or even excitement when greeting family can cause the airway to collapse further. This can lead to:

Panic and distress
Severe oxygen shortage
Collapse, and in some cases, death if not treated immediately

🐕 Management of Mild Cases

In early or mild cases, the focus is on reducing stress on the airway:

Keep your dog lean — obesity makes breathing harder
Walk in cool weather and avoid heat stress
Use a harness instead of a collar to prevent throat pressure
Provide a calm, steady routine to minimise overexcitement

These steps won’t cure the condition but may reduce flare-ups and keep your dog more comfortable.

🩺 Surgical Treatment – The Tie-Back Procedure

For dogs with moderate to severe laryngeal paralysis, surgery can be life-changing. The operation is called a “laryngeal tie-back” (arytenoid lateralisation).

One side of the larynx is permanently tied back to open the airway
This reduces airway obstruction and restores near-normal breathing
Most dogs experience dramatic improvement in quality of life

Risks of Surgery

Because the airway is held open, there is an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia (food or water going into the lungs instead of the stomach).
This risk can be managed with careful feeding routines and monitoring.
With veterinary support, most dogs enjoy many more active, happy years after surgery.

🌈 Final Thoughts

Laryngeal paralysis is a common but serious cause of coughing and noisy breathing in older, large-breed dogs. While it can sound like “just an old dog thing,” it deserves a proper assessment.

With early recognition, lifestyle adjustments, and — in many cases — surgical treatment, affected dogs can return to enjoying a comfortable and active life.

If you’re worried about your old friend, please come and get advice from the vets at Pittwater Animal Hospital.

Make an Appointment with the Vet →