Helping Your Dog with a Tracheostomy: How the Fluff Trough Can Make a Difference

Pet owners, especially those with brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus, understand the unique challenges these adorable pets face when it comes to eating and breathing. This is even more critical for dogs with tracheostomies—whether temporary or permanent—who require special care to ensure their comfort and health.

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the trachea (windpipe) to aid in breathing. This procedure is often necessary for dogs suffering from severe respiratory issues, particularly those related to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Other common reasons for a tracheostomy include laryngeal paralysis, laryngeal collapse, and tumours obstructing the airway.

• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): A condition common in flat-faced breeds that causes difficulty breathing due to anatomical abnormalities.
• Laryngeal Paralysis: A condition where the muscles that open and close the larynx do not function properly, causing breathing difficulties.
• Laryngeal Collapse: Often a severe progression of laryngeal paralysis where the cartilage in the larynx weakens and collapses, obstructing the airway. Tumours: Growths that obstruct the airway can necessitate a tracheostomy to ensure the dog can breathe.

While a tracheostomy can significantly improve a dog's quality of life, it also introduces new care requirements, especially during feeding. Ensuring the stoma (the tracheostomy site) remains open and clean is crucial for the dog's health and well-being.

Dogs with tracheostomies need to avoid stooping while eating, as this position can obstruct the stoma and make breathing difficult. Additionally, improper feeding posture can increase pressure within the body, leading to reflux and other digestive issues. It is also crucial to prevent water from dripping into the stoma to avoid aspiration. This is where the right feeding bowl becomes essential.

One of the standout features of the Fluff Trough is its raised height with the additional option of the stackable lifts. This allows pet owners to set the bowl at the perfect height for their dog, preventing the need for the dog to stoop while eating. This is particularly beneficial for dogs with tracheostomies, as it ensures the stoma remains open and unobstructed during meals. With better posture, dogs can breathe easier while eating, reducing pressure within the body and the likelihood of reflux. This makes the Fluff trough the best dog bowl for dogs with tracheostomies

The Fluff Trough’s open-front design makes it easier for dogs to access their food without straining their necks. This design is especially helpful for flat-faced breeds and dogs with breathing issues, as it promotes better posture and reduces neck and back strain. By facilitating a more natural eating position, the Fluff Trough helps improve digestion and overall well-being.

In addition to the raised feeding bowl, the Fluff Trough offers a water bowl option with a higher lip to prevent water from dripping into the stoma. This is vitally important for dogs with tracheostomies, as keeping the stoma site free from water helps prevent aspiration and potential complications.

Pawtion was founded out of personal necessity and a deep love for our French Bulldog, Hector. Hector struggled with an elongated soft palate, a kink in his oesophagus, and a hiatal hernia from a young age. Despite numerous consultations and medications, we couldn't find a solution that worked. That's when we decided to manage his conditions rather than treat them directly.

We discovered the Fluff Trough, a raised feeder designed specifically for flat-faced breeds, and imported one from the United States. The results were astounding. Hector's regurgitation reduced from four to five times daily to just a couple of times a week. The Fluff Trough significantly improved his health and quality of life.

Unfortunately, when Hector was three years old, he had a severe reaction to a minor operation and general anaesthetic, which resulted in a week in ICU. We faced the difficult decision to give Hector a permanent tracheostomy. This major lifestyle change was daunting, but thankfully, due to his Fluff Trough, Hector continued to enjoy eating and drinking safely.

Inspired by our experience, we decided to make the Fluff Trough accessible to other pet owners in the UK. We partnered with The Pugly Company to become the UK's only stockist, now with the additional benefit of international shipping. Our mission is to help other pets with similar issues enjoy better health and a higher quality of life through innovative feeding solutions.

Thousands of pet owners worldwide have seen significant improvements in their pets’ eating habits and overall health thanks to the Fluff Trough. For dogs with tracheostomies, the benefits are even more pronounced. Customers have reported that their dogs can breathe easier and eat more comfortably, leading to happier and healthier pets.

Caring for a dog with a tracheostomy requires special attention, particularly when it comes to feeding and hydration. The Fluff Trough, with it’s raised height, optional stackable lifts, ergonomic design, and special water bowl option, offers an ideal solution for these special needs. By promoting better posture and easier breathing during meals and preventing water from dripping into the stoma, the Fluff Trough helps dogs with tracheostomies lead happier, healthier lives.

Ready to make feeding and hydration easier and more comfortable for your dog with a tracheostomy? Look through our website to learn more about the Fluff Trough and discover how it can benefit your beloved pet.