Frequent Swallowing in a Yorkie

The Yorkshire terrier falls in the category of toy breed dogs. As is the case of other small dog breeds, the Yorkshire terrier is also prone to several health disorders, each having its own specific symptoms. The symptom of frequent swallowing is a fairly common health issue among these dogs; a sign that could be indicative of many underlying health problems.

  1. Tonsillitis

    • Small breeds, such as Yorkies, can get swollen and inflamed tonsils due to an infection. If your dog is swallowing excessively and appears to be in pain while swallowing, or is gagging, try to open its mouth wide and check the back of the throat. If the tonsils appear red and inflamed, your Yorkie may have tonsillitis. In small breeds often there is no cause for tonsillitis, as they are prone to this infection. However, poor oral hygiene, chronic vomiting and chronic cough can lead to tonsillitis.

    Dysphagia

    • Dysphagia is a medical condition where the dog has difficulties swallowing. It can occur due to a foreign body in the pharynx, problems with the jaw muscles, dental problems, injury to the jaw or tongue, or cysts in the mouth or pharynx. Excessive drooling and frequent swallowing are some of the signs of dysphagia. If you notice these symptoms, it is best to take your pet to a vet immediately.

    Portosystemic Shunt

    • This medical condition is popularly known as liver shunt. The liver is an important organ involved in significant functions such as detoxification. Portosystemic shunt among dogs is related to irregular blood flow through the liver. Although the severity of the symptoms vary, some of the common indications include depression, convulsions, decreased appetite, low weight, weakness, excessive salivation, frequent urination and vomiting. Excessive salivation caused due to inability of the liver to eliminate toxins from the body can result in your Yorkie swallowing continuously. Portosystemic shunt is usually diagnosed using radiography and tends to appear in the first two years of the dog's life. Treatment includes surgery and dietary changes.

    Epilepsy and Convulsions

    • The occurrence of convulsions or seizures in dogs could be a consequence of hereditary factors or owing to medical conditions such as decreased blood sugar level, tumor within the brain, heat stroke, poisoning, nutritional deficiency and temperamental changes. Correct diagnosis of the underlying cause is imperative for the treatment. On the other hand, epilepsy is a typical disorder involving repetitive episodes of seizures owing to problems associated with the functioning of the brain. Seizures are characterized by dilated pupils, stiff limbs, excessive salivation, paddling of legs, and increase in body temperature, urination or passing of stool. Due to excessive salivation, your pet may swallow continuously or frequently.

    Nausea and vomiting

    • Nausea can result from motion sickness, gastrointestinal blockage, liver diseases, kidney problems, intestinal parasites or overeating. This can cause a dog to salivate, leading to frequent swallowing. A dog that is salivating, swallowing frequently and vomiting should be referred to a vet immediately. At times, ingestion of harmful chemicals can also result in nausea and vomiting.