Can Dogs Have Asthma?

 How To Treat Your Pup's Breathing Problems

By Austin Cannon       Medically Reviewed by Deb M. Eldredge, DVM          Updated July 27, 2022

​

 

Your veterinarian will need to diagnose it before treatment can start.

 

We humans with asthma can have a tough time without our inhalers. But what about our furry friends? Can dogs have asthma? Do they have inhalers, too? 

​

Yes and yes, according to Lori Bierbrier, DVM and ASPCA Community Medicine's senior medical director. Asthma in dogs is usually caused by allergies, she says, but it's still not very common—and you'll want to make sure your pup isn't wheezing because of another breathing condition. 

​

If you're worried that your dog might have asthma, here's what you should know. 

 

Can Dogs Have Asthma?

 

It's uncommon, but yes. Of course, you'll need your veterinarian to determine if your dog has asthma. There are several conditions that can cause breathing problems in dogs—like kennel cough or even heart disease—so asthma might not be the culprit. 

​

And remember: Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, like English bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs, often have trouble breathing, Bierbrier says. But that's likely because of their anatomy rather than an affliction like asthma. 

 

Signs and Symptoms of Asthma in Dogs

 

This is a serious illness, Bierbrier says, adding that there are several signs of asthma attacks in dogs, including:

​

  • Sudden difficulty breathing
  • Persistent coughing
  • Rapid breathing
  • Tongue turning a bluish color
  • Lethargy
  • Wheezing

If your dog starts exhibiting these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. If they're unavailable, you may need to call or visit an emergency vet's office.

​

At the vet's office, the vet and vet techs will examine your dog and run some tests to check her respiratory system, Bierbrier says. Your dog will likely undergo an X-ray as well to determine if there's an infection anywhere in her chest.  

 

Here's What Might Be Causing Your Dog's Asthma

 

Bierbrier says canine asthma is typically the result of your dog reacting to something she's allergic to. Some allergens may cause your dog to itch, but the ones that cause asthma attacks are airborne—pollen, dust mites, cigarette smoke, perfumes, and air fresheners. 

​

You'll need your veterinarian to determine if your dog's asthma—or other health concerns—are caused by allergies. Thankfully, there are several ways you can test your dog for allergies. Just consult your veterinarian on the best way to do it for your pup.    

 

How To Treat Asthma in Dogs

 

If your pup does indeed have asthma, you'll need to consult your vet on how to best treat her. They might prescribe medicine for your dog through an inhaler. In fact, some of it is the same medication we human asthmatics use. (My brand of inhaler is even a dog-friendly option. Solidarity!)  

​

"Inhalers with prescription medication can be fitted to a mask and used to relax the airways and make it easier to breathe," Bierbrier says. 

​

You'll need a veterinarian's blessing before you go the inhaler route, and they'll likely be able to train you and your dog how to use the medicine and mask.  

​

And while the medicine can help fight off your dog's symptoms, you can also take preventative measures to keep your pup feeling good. 

​

First, if it's hot and humid outside, stop your dog from exercising or exerting herself. (Even if your dog doesn't have asthma, you should still be aware when it's too hot outside for your dog.) You can also keep your house free of the allergens that could cause your dog's asthma to flare up, Bierbrier says. That includes: 

​

  • Vacuuming regularly

  • Cleaning pet beds

  • Installing an air purifier

  • Smoking outside the house

  • Lessening the use of fragrances, perfumes, and air fresheners 

 

If you follow that plan, you'll likely relieve some of your dog's—and your own—asthma symptoms. 



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Can Dogs Have Seasonal Allergies?

The most common allergens for dogs fall into three general categories:  Environmental (also known as Atopy) . This often includes the same things that make humans sniffle and sneeze that your dog inhales, such as plant pollens, mold spores, dust mites—and even cats!  External parasites. Uncontrolled fleas can pose a big problem. However, some dogs might also be overly sensitive to ticks and ear mites. Food. Yes, your fur baby can be allergic to certain foods, including gluten, soy, dairy, and various proteins. 'Seasonal' allergies in dogs can be somewhat misleading, as some pets might be affected by environmental irritants all year long. Because plants vary by season and environment, symptom severity is often seasonal in nature. A change of geographical location can sometimes exhibit or resolve allergic reactions. This allergic response is known as canine atopic dermatitis or atopy skin disease. Most dogs that suffer from atopy begin to show signs in young adulthood, typically
Read more

Could Your Dog Have Diabetes?

Canine diabetes is one of the most common endocrine diseases affecting older dogs. Know the signs so you can seek veterinary treatment right away.   By  Katie Boyce    Updated December 06, 2022   Canine diabetes is a serious disease and one that's on the rise. Melanie Puchot, DVM, DACVIM, and board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist at  NorthStar VETS  Veterinary, Emergency, Trauma, and Specialty Center explains everything you need to know about this metabolic disease, from the causes and symptoms to dog diabetes risk factors and treatment options.    What Is Canine Diabetes?   Like their human counterparts, dogs get diabetes when their bodies no longer produce or process insulin at a normal rate. Insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas, is responsible for the regulation of glucose absorption and blood sugar levels.    In other words: glucose creates fuel for the body, and insulin is the delivery system that transports it. Without insulin,  glucose cannot reach c
Read more

A Guide To Cushing’s Disease In Dogs

 by Amber King Difficult to diagnose, Cushing’s disease is a condition affecting a dog’s endocrine system–the glands that produce and secrete hormones throughout the body. One of those hormones, cortisol, is responsible for stress management and balancing the immune system. Cortisol is essential for healthy body function, but too much or too little can cause problems. A dog dealing with increased levels of cortisol has hyperadrenocorticism—more commonly known as Cushing’s disease. Causes There are three types of Cushing’s disease in dogs. The most common is caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland located in the brain. This is called pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and represents around 80 percent of all naturally occurring cases of Cushing’s disease. Rarely, pituitary tumors are malignant, which means they metastasize to other areas of the body. The other form of naturally occurring Cushing’s disease is adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (AHD). The adrenal gl
Read more