How Can Dogs Lose Their Voice

Dogs can lose their voice for many reasons.

It could be due to a foreign object lodged in the throat, the result of an upper respiratory infection, or a side effect of anesthesia.

In some cases, the voice loss is temporary but in other cases it can be permanent.

The most common causes of permanent voice loss in dogs are cancerous growths obstructing the airway or damage to vocal cord tissue from surgery or trauma.

Some of the symptoms that might indicate a dog has lost its voice are difficulty breathing, drooling, and coughing.

If your dog is having these symptoms it is important to take them to your vet as soon as possible for examination and diagnosis.

What causes a dog to lose its voice?

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. It may result from upper respiratory tract infection or by direct irritation from inhalation of dust, smoke or irritating gas, or foreign objects. It can also be caused by the trauma of a breathing tube placed during surgery or excessive vocalization (barking).^[1]

What happens if my dog loses his voice?

It’s also a key indicator for overall health; hoarseness, wheezing, or changes in pitch can point to serious unaddressed illnesses. Though many of these do clear with treatment, some can be life-threatening and may seriously jeopardize your dog’s life. Detecting changes in your dog’s bark or voice is relatively easy.^[2]

How long until dog gets voice back?

If you noticed that your dog lost its voice after excessive barking, the hoarseness should resolve on its own within a few days. However, if the hoarseness persists for more than a week or two, it is important to take your dog to see your veterinarian so that they can rule out any other potential causes.^[3]

How can I help my dog get his voice back?

One home remedy for dog laryngitis is to sooth his throat by offering him ice cubes to lick and let his voice, or larynx, recover by keeping him calm. Before leaving home the next time, tire him out with a long walk — allowing him to sniff frequently stimulates the brain and this can be equally tiring as a long walk.^[4]

Why is my dog’s bark sound hoarse?

The dog’s voice may sound hoarse, or the animal could have a weakened bark. When the barking symptom is paired with a common issue like loss of fur or flaky skin, then you should see a vet for treatment. A vet will perform blood work to determine if your dog has hypothyroidism.^[5]

Can a dog’s voice go hoarse?

YES! Dogs can get hoarse. It can be a sign that they have barked so long their larynx has become irritated. At the same time, it can be an indication that they are suffering from periodontal disease, gingivitis, pharyngitis, or laryngitis.^[6]

Can a dog damage its vocal cords?

Over time, it can actually cause damage to his voice box, or larynx. If your noisy pal becomes hoarse, take him to the vet for an examination. Your vet must rule out other more serious causes of canine hoarseness, such as kennel cough or throat cancer.^[7]

Can dogs get sore throats?

Like us, dogs can get a sore throat. It’s rare, but canines can also have tonsillitis. If you notice your dog licking his lips and making swallowing motions, and he has a high pitched gagging cough, it could be a sign of a sore throat, or an indication he has something caught in his throat.^[8]

What causes throat infection in dogs?

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the walls of the throat (pharynx). It accompanies most upper airway viral and bacterial respiratory infections, such as distemper in dogs. Other causes include damage of the pharynx by a foreign object or cancer of the mouth or tonsils.^[9]

Can dogs get laryngitis from barking too much?

While we cannot ask our canine friends if their throats hurt, dogs do get laryngitis from barking too much. In this condition the larynx gets inflamed from overuse. Just like for humans, laryngitis is painful for dogs and can take a while to completely heal.^[10]

What does laryngitis sound like?

But with laryngitis, your vocal cords become inflamed or irritated. This makes the vocal cords swell, which distorts the sounds produced by air passing over them. As a result, your voice sounds hoarse. In some cases of laryngitis, your voice can become almost undetectable.^[11]

How do you know if your dog has a throat injury?

Coughing when you pick your dog up or apply pressure to their neck. Vomiting, gagging, or retching associated with the coughing. Cyanotic (turning blue) episodes or bluish mucous membranes. Wheezing.^[12]