Help needed - my dog has a hoarse bark

C
Clacla83 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone, for a few days now my 8-month-old Malinois has had a bit of a hoarse bark. I’ve noticed it’s not happening all the time, though... it’s mostly during and after our walks during the day. I haven't got a clue what might be causing it. I gave the vet a ring yesterday to explain what's going on, but they just said it wasn't too concerning and to keep an eye on it if it carries on. I’ve searched online a bit but haven’t really found any proper answers... I’d really appreciate some advice from you guys, especially since it’s quite difficult to get around at the moment with the lockdown.

Thanks in advance,

Have a good evening!

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8 answers
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    • C
    Clacla83 Icon representing the flag French
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    But mine doesn't actually bark that much... 😬

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    J
    Jazz17 Icon representing the flag French
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    I had the same thing happen with my previous dog, also a Belgian Shepherd (a Tervuren), who’d end up with a hoarse voice whenever he barked too much...
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    C
    Clacla83 Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks for all your replies. He pants a lot when we’re out, so I’m going to try taking a bottle of water for him so he can have a drink during our walks. He really pulls a lot; my trainer didn't recommend a harness as she didn't want it to become a power struggle, but I must admit I'm going to get him one anyway this time because I hate seeing him choking himself... When he barks, he sounds like a duck – he’s got such a hoarse voice. It’s hard to describe, but it’s like when we have a raspy voice because of a sore throat or a cold. At times, it almost sounds like he’s going to lose it completely...
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    Ratonlaveur
    Ratonlaveur Icon representing the flag French
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    Does he pull on the lead a lot with a collar? I'm not sure if that could cause this sort of thing.

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    B
    Bangdji Icon representing the flag French
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    When you say 'broken', do you mean his voice is a bit hoarse or croaky? Or for example, does he start to bark and his voice just breaks halfway through?

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    Emla
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    Maybe his throat is just getting a bit dry during his walk...

    If he’s over-excited or really happy about going out, he might be panting quite a lot, which then dries out his vocal cords.

    It’s only a theory, though...

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    C
    Clacla83 Icon representing the flag French
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    Yes, he's drinking a lot, just like after every walk.

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    Emla
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    Usually, it happens when they’ve been barking too much, but obviously that’s not the cause this time....

    Does he drink when he gets back?

    Translated from French

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