A throat support device comprising a main throat support section having one or more lifting mechanisms, each with a tip, each tip adapted to fit into a location immediately adjacent to and behind a basihyoid bone, a thyroid cartilage and/or a cricoid cartilage of an animal to control upper airway dysfunction. In one embodiment, the throat support device further comprises a bridle. In one embodiment, the upper airway dysfunction is dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) and the animal is a horse. Unlike conventional treatments involving surgery, the throat support device provides a non-invasive and convenient means of diagnosing and treating upper airway dysfunctions.