How can you tell if your dog has asthma?

• Persistent cough.
• Loss of energy.
• Difficulty breathing (often sudden)
• Rapid breathing.
• Heavy panting with mouth wide open.

It might surprise you to learn that dogs can suffer from asthma. Below, our Kinston veterinarian will discuss some typical indications, symptoms, and remedies for canine asthma.

How Do You Treat Asthma in Dogs?

Most likely, your vet will suggest medications to treat your dog’s asthma. These include bronchodilators, which help to widen the airways, antihistamines, which lessen allergic reactions, and steroids, which lessen airway inflammation. Your dog might need to be admitted to the hospital and given oxygen if they are experiencing a severe asthma attack.

Asthma in dogs is sometimes treated using a nebulizer. Perhaps you are familiar with this medical device if you or a family member suffers from asthma. To enable direct lung absorption, it transforms liquid medication into a mist.

A nebulizer must be placed over your dog’s mouth and nose, so at first they might not be too excited about using it. But by being patient and rewarding them, you and your veterinarian can help them get used to it.

Caring for a Dog with Asthma

You should try to limit your dog’s exposure to allergens that could trigger asthma attacks if they are prone to it. For instance:

Purchase a room air purifier to help remove particles in the air that can trigger an attack.

Bathe your dog regularly and dry them off with a soft towel afterward. Choose a safe, unscented shampoo made for dogs.

If you have a cat, go with dust-free cat litter. You should also put the litterbox in a place where your curious pooch can’t get at it.

Wipe your dog off with pet-safe wipes after going outside to remove pollen and other allergens from their coat.

Vacuum often, including area rugs, carpeting, and any fabric chairs or couches that your dog likes to nap on.

Consider removing area rugs and replacing carpeting with other types of flooring. Even with regular vacuuming, they can hold in allergens, such as dust mites and mold.

Clean tile and hardwood floors using unscented products. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water as a safe floor cleaning alternative.

Avoid using scented air fresheners or deodorizers. You can place shallow bowls of baking soda around the house out of paw’s reach to absorb odors.

Wash your dog’s bedding and blankets frequently using fragrance-free laundry detergents and fabric softeners.

Keep your dog out of rooms or other places where people are smoking or vaping.

Avoid burning wood in fireplace or stoves. You can use fake logs or battery-powered candles for a gentle glow that is safe for pets.

Asthma diagnosis and treatment costs are covered by illness coverage, which is a component of Complete CoverageSM. It also covers chronic conditions, so if your dog requires ongoing treatment for asthma, you can get reimbursed up to your annual limit each year.

Remember that if your dog had symptoms prior to signing up for pet insurance or during an illness waiting period, their asthma may not be covered. As a result, it would be considered a pre-existing condition, which is not covered by most plans. This is one of the reasons it makes sense to cover your pet as soon as possible.

If you’re interested in learning more, explore the advantages of dog pet insurance or consult our buyer’s guide, which outlines the specifics of coverage.

The information in this article is provided solely for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to replace or act as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.

What Are Some Asthma Symptoms in Dogs?

When a dog has an asthma attack, they will cough, pant with a wide mouth, wheeze, and have general difficulty breathing.

Excessive mucus and phlegm can accumulate in dogs with asthma, and if the condition is severe enough, this can cause a dog’s gums to turn blue from a lack of oxygen.

An asthmatic dog may become agitated and be challenging to calm down. Never close an asthmatic dog’s mouth to prevent him from breathing; doing so could lead to bite injuries.

FAQ

What does asthma in dogs sound like?

The sound is distinct from a cough or sneeze and is strikingly similar to human wheezing. When breathing, a canine who is wheezing will typically whine loudly on the exhalation. When your dog is in distress, they might look for a place to lay down so they can try to control their breathing.

How do you know if your dog’s got asthma?

Coughing, wheezing, and being short of breath all the time are clear signs of asthma. These symptoms can accompany specific colds and flus, but if they persist over time, your pet may have the ailment. In any case, you should visit your veterinarian if your pet exhibits these symptoms, even temporarily.

How can I treat my dogs asthma at home?

Proventil and Ventolin are two popular brands of albuterol sulfate that can aid in relaxing the dog’s airway muscles to improve breathing. It may be recommended to use inhalers with dog-specific masks to help administer your dog’s asthma medications.