hoarse-sounding bark

Question
We left our Jack Russell Terrier at a dog-boarding service while we went on vacation for 6 days. When we picked him up, we noticed that his bark sounds different. It sounds like he is hoarse! I originally thought it may have been the result of him barking at other dogs while there, and his voice was just "worn", but it has been over 2 weeks since then. What do you think? Any ideas? He seems perfectly fine otherwise.....

Answer
Hi Kim! I hope you enjoyed your vacation!
It is very possible that either he was barking like crazy when he was being boarded, or, that he was tied out or pulls when being walked with a collar on.  Dogs can actually get a form of laryngitis, which could be what he is experiencing.  Small dogs, when a collar is used, can end up with a collapsed trachea.  This is caused by the force of the collar on the trachea when the dog pulls.  Sometimes this will clear up on it's own, and sometimes, in severe cases, surgical intervention would be needed.  Try using a harness instead of a collar, which will help this improve.  If he is still sounding hoarse within a week or two of using the harness, you may want your veterinarian to take a look at him.
Another ailment that is always common when boarding your dog would be an upper respiratory infection or Kennel Cough.  If you notice your dog coughing, sneezing, any discharge from the nose or eyes, this would be the cause.  If you do notice any of these symptoms, your veterinarian will simply prescribe an antibiotic which will cure the infection.
I hope this helps!
Please keep me posted and give him tons of kisses for me!
Hilary