Dogs tend to communicate with one another and humans by growling, barking, or even whimpering. If you notice that your dog’s bark sounds hoarse, there could be a few reasons behind it. While some of these are perfectly normal and resolve on their own, some may be more serious and need medical attention. If you’re asking, “Why does my dog sound hoarse when they bark?” about your dog, here’s what to know and a few potential reasons:

What Does It Mean If a Dog is Hoarse?

Just like humans, dogs use their larynx to make sounds, like barking or growling. If the larynx is used too much, it can make your dog’s bark sound raspy or scratchy. If your dog has been extra excited or barking a lot more than normal, this is probably why their bark sounds hoarse.

Sometimes, there is a medical condition that may be why your dog has a more raspy bark. This means there is either damage or disease to their larynx or throat, and they should be checked out.

8 Reasons Your Dog Sounds Hoarse When They Bark

Sometimes, a medical condition may be behind the reason your dog has a raspier bark. Here are a few reasons your dog sounds hoarse when they bark:

1. They have been excessively or excitedly barking.
2. They have a sore throat.
3. Your dog has laryngitis.
4. They have laryngeal trauma.
5. They’re experiencing laryngeal paralysis.
6. Your dog has everted laryngeal saccules.
7. They are experiencing gastroesophageal reflux.
8. Your dog has hypothyroidism.

1. They Have Been Excessively or Excitedly Barking

Just like if you go to a concert or sporting event and yell a lot, your dog will go hoarse if they strain their vocal cords. When a dog barks too much, the tissue in their vocal folds can swell with extra fluid. When this happens, it’s called a laryngeal edema. The swelling of the laryngeal tissues is what causes your dog’s bark to sound hoarse.

If you suspect your dog has a raspier bark because they have been barking too much, there are a few ways to train your dog to stop barking. Sometimes dogs bark because they’re bored or because they think it will get them attention. By removing the motivation to bark, most dogs will stop barking or only bark when necessary.

2. They Have a Sore Throat

Yes, dogs can get sore throats like humans, and this may also be why your dog is coughing. When their larynx has inflammation or irritation, they can experience something similar to a sore throat in humans.

Sometimes this sore throat is caused by a viral infection or trauma to their vocal cords. If your dog has a viral infection or has just worn out their voice too much, some rest and plenty of hydration should help your dog feel better soon.

If your dog shows symptoms like coughing, difficulty swallowing, or lack of appetite along with a hoarse bark, they may have a sore throat. If they also have excessive drooling, a fever, or difficulty breathing, call your vet. These are symptoms you should never ignore in your dog, and they mean your dog should be seen as soon as possible.

3. Your Dog Has Laryngitis

When your dog’s larynx is inflamed, they may have laryngitis. This is an inflammation of the cartilage and soft tissue of the trachea, also known as the “voice box”. This inflammation is most often caused by infections, including viral, bacterial, or fungal. Allergies to dust, pollen, or even smoke can also cause inflammation.

If your dog has laryngitis, you may notice symptoms, including coughing, bluish gums, a higher heart rate, fever, or even gasping for air. Give your vet a call if you notice any of these symptoms so they can begin treatment if necessary. Depending on the cause of the laryngitis, treatment can include antibiotics or antihistamines.

If the laryngitis is caused by allergies, your veterinarian may prescribe an antihistamine. You can also help your dog survive seasonal allergies or year-round allergies by using air filters and keeping your home extra free of dust and other irritants.

4. They Have Laryngeal Trauma

If a dog has any trauma to their neck, this may cause laryngeal trauma, which can make them sound hoarse. Laryngeal trauma can be caused by any injury to the neck, a perforation from an animal bite, or a sharp object, like a stick or a bone. If you believe your dog has any laryngeal trauma, you should call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

5. They’re Experiencing Laryngeal Paralysis

When a dog has laryngeal paralysis, it means that the nerves that control the muscles to move the larynx have weakened. When this happens, the cartilage of the larynx doesn’t open and close correctly, which can lead to breathing difficulties. Causes of laryngeal paralysis include neck or throat injuries or a tumor that compresses the nerves.

If a dog has laryngeal paralysis, you may notice a change in their bark, loud breathing, lethargy, and a dry cough. When a dog has difficulty breathing, they experience a lot more exertion. This can lead to respiratory distress and even collapse. If you notice any of these changes, you should call your veterinarian.

Surgery is required to treat laryngeal paralysis and is called laryngeal tie-back surgery. If surgery cannot be performed immediately, it’s important to keep your dog calm and away from high-energy activities. Anxiety and exercise can make this condition worse. If the weather is hot, make sure your dog stays cool and hydrated.

While any dog can develop laryngeal paralysis at any age, certain breeds can be more predisposed with age, such as Irish Setters, Labradors, and Great Danes. Some breeds can experience a congenital form or early onset of laryngeal paralysis. These breeds include Siberian Huskies, Dalmatians, Bull Terriers, and Bouvier de Flandres.

6. Your Dog Has Everted Laryngeal Saccules

Sometimes, a dog’s bark can become hoarse when they experience everted laryngeal saccules. These small sacs are just inside their larynx, and if they become turned inside out, they can be pulled into the windpipe. A dog’s bark will become hoarse, and they may experience other respiratory issues, such as obstructed airways, and even a high-pitched noise when they breathe.

While this condition can occur in any breed, it is most commonly seen in brachycephalic breeds, like Pugs. While this condition may not be immediately serious, you should still take your dog to the vet because the symptoms may progress and become more severe.

7. They Are Experiencing Gastroesophageal Reflux

If you’ve ever experienced gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD), you probably experienced your voice getting hoarse. The same thing happens to dogs experiencing GERD. When the stomach acid flows back up into their esophagus, it irritates the back of their throat. When their throat is irritated, their voice becomes hoarse.

A dog that is experiencing GERD may also show signs of coughing, throwing up food right after eating, lip licking, a decreased appetite or loss of appetite, and general signs of discomfort. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Most dogs recover quickly once they have the appropriate treatment. It often includes medications as well as some dietary changes. If not treated properly, GERD can be extremely uncomfortable for your dog. It may also result in weight loss.

8. Your Dog Has Hypothyroidism

When a dog experiences hypothyroidism, it means their thyroid gland has slowed down and is underperforming. When a dog has hypothyroidism, their metabolic systems also slow down, and this affects many different organs.

Some symptoms indicating hypothyroidism include a loss of fur, more ear and skin infections, lethargy, a cold intolerance, as well as weight gain. These are all signs you should get your dog’s thyroid checked.

Sometimes, dogs even develop a hoarse bark. Hypothyroidism is a serious condition and does require medical treatment. However, with treatment, many dogs have a good prognosis!

So if you’re wondering, “Why does my dog sound hoarse when they bark?”, these could be a few of the reasons. If your dog’s voice doesn’t sound normal within a day or two after some rest, make sure you give your vet a call so they can look for any underlying conditions.