Pet Forum

Let's talk about dog asthma, or canine asthma. We'll start by defining dog asthma and then going over the causes, symptoms, treatments and pictures of dog asthma.

What is dog asthma? Canine asthma is a respiratory disorder characterized by wheezing; usually of allergic origin. The breathing becomes difficult; the animal gapes and makes a lot of effort to breathe, while showing a dazed and fearful look on his face. Usually during the whole attack, the dog remains standing. These attacks can show up in irregular intervals that can last up to 30 minutes. The causes of this affliction are many as there can be different hereditary predisposition in different breeds.

What causes dog asthma? It can be a bit tricky to diagnose an asthma dog sufferer or dog asthma attack. Triggers for asthma in pets may include tobacco smoke, pollution, dust from litter trays, stress and cold air. Just like humans, pets may also be sensitive to certain foods, as well as food additives like preservatives and colorants. Some holistic vets believe that multiple vaccinations and commercial pet foods can compromise your pet's immune system, making him/her more susceptible to allergies, including asthma. The range of diseases that need to be ruled out include Kennel cough, infection, collapsing trachea, laryneal paralysis, heart disease, heartworms, lungworms, fungal diseases and lung tumors. Your vet will first do a complete physical exam followed by a chest x-ray and brochoscopy (taking a tissue sample to examine under microscope) to rule out any other respiratory problems. If your vet doesn’t find any other cause for your dog’s symptoms, he or she will probably prescribe asthma medications and wait to see if those help. If they do, then if can be concluded that the diagnosis of asthma is correct.

What are the symptoms of dog asthma? Dogs and cats of any age can get asthma, but it occurs more commonly in young and middle-aged pets. The primary sign is coughing, which cat owners sometimes confuse with attempts to cough up hairballs. Owners often report wheezing and, in rare cases, respiratory distress occurs resulting in open mouth breathing and purple gums and tongue. This latter condition is an emergency. In some cases, pets may become lethargic and stop eating, resulting in weight loss. Between episodes, pets are usually normal. Triggers for asthma may include second hand smoke, litter dust, air pollution and certain fragrances.

How is dog asthma treated? Many of the treatments to help ease asthma in humans can be used for pets as well. Make sure your dog stays slim. Excess weight makes asthma worse and can cause breathing to become much more difficult and labored. Like humans with asthma, dogs breathing dry causes their airways to become irritated making the asthma worse and causing asthma attacks. Use a humidifier or vaporizer in the home increasing humidity levels to 30 or 40 percent. Second-hand smoke is not only bad for humans but for dogs with asthma as well So, it will not only be in your best interest to stop smoking but also your cat’s best interest. If hay fever is causing your pet’s asthma bring him indoors when the pollen, mold and dander are at high levels. Certain litter can cause an asthmatic reaction so use a dust free litter. Avoid spraying or using cleaners, hair spray, perfume or other solutions around your dog that could pollute the air and cause asthma attacks.

Canine Asthma Pictures:

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