[kandy]

I just went back and see that the dog is a maltese and she's 11 years old. Tracheal collapse is common in the small breeds.

Because weight plays a huge part in respiratory disorders, if she's overweight it will help considerably to get the extra weight off of her. It will make it easier for her to breathe, and her heart won't have to work so hard. I'd also suggest trading her collar for a harness so that she is not putting any pressure whatsoever on her trachea. Limiting her activity level will also help. There are medicines that will help to keep her airways open, and of course there are meds to control her heart condition.