Common medications prescribed by vets for the treatment of infectious bacterial or aspiration pneumonia in dogs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for fever and pain, and bronchodilators and expectorants for coughing and breathing problems.
Feeling troubled by your dogs coughing? Trust your gut. Coughing up blood is a sign that something is wrong with your dog’s respiratory system, and pneumonia may be the cause. Similar to human pneumonia, canine pneumonia is a serious but treatable condition, especially if detected early. Continue reading to find out more about canine pneumonia and recovery tips for your canine companion.
According to Jamie Whittenberg, DVM, owner of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, and senior contributor to Senior Tailwaggers, pneumonia happens when your dog’s lungs become inflamed and make breathing challenging. The small air sacs in the lungs that are affected by pneumonia fill with fluid and are unable to properly oxygenate the blood. “.
Whittenberg reports that while pneumonia is uncommon in cats, it is one of the most frequent diagnoses in dogs who are having breathing problems. Wondering how dogs get pneumonia? It develops in multiple ways.
An infection of the lungs with bacteria is the most typical cause of pneumonia in dogs. The Bordetella vaccine is essential because it protects against one of the main causes, the Bordetella bacteria (kennel cough).
This type of pneumonia is caused by viral lung infections. Viral pneumonia is frequently brought on by canine distemper and canine influenza, two viruses for which your dog can receive a vaccination.
An uncommonr cause of pneumonia is a lung fungal infection. Typically, a dog will experience this when they breathe in fungus spores from soil or dead leaves. Most healthy dogs can successfully fight off fungal spores. However, canines with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to fungus infections.
Inhaling a foreign substance like liquid medication, vomit, food, or water can result in aspiration pneumonia. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that the type of inhaled substance and the extent to which it spreads throughout the lungs determine the illness’s severity.
Is It Pneumonia or the Flu?
Canine influenza symptoms resemble pneumonia symptoms. Fever, dry or wet coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and a lack of appetite are some examples. It can be challenging to determine what is ailing your dog at home. This is why it’s crucial to take them to the vet for a precise diagnosis and effective course of action.
If your dog has the flu, treatment will concentrate on symptom relief. For instance, to lower fever and to help break up mucus secretions, your veterinarian might prescribe NSAIDs and cough suppressants. If your dog has a secondary bacterial infection, they might also suggest giving him an antibiotic. Rarely, your dog might need to be hospitalized and receive supportive care.
Can You Get the Flu From Your Dog?
There are currently no known instances of human cases of the virus that causes dog flu spreading to other dogs. A different virus than the one that makes us feel achy and feverish is what causes it. Sick dogs should be safely isolated from other pets in the house because there have been isolated, infrequent reports of sick dogs infecting cats, ferrets, and guinea pigs. But you don’t need to be concerned about catching the flu from them.
Some diseases can be passed between dogs and humans. Learn about the risks of these zoonotic diseases.
Home Treatments for Pneumonia in Dogs
Your vet can make recommendations for the best at-home care for your sick dog. They may suggest:
While your dog needs to rest, it may also benefit from brief exercise sessions that can help your dog cough up debris and loosen mucus secretions. Follow your dog’s lead, though, and don’t make them exercise if they don’t feel like it.
You are unlikely to contract pneumonia from your dog, just like with canine influenza. However, dogs can easily contract bacterial and viral pneumonia from one another, especially if they are very young, old, or have weakened immune systems. If you own more than one dog, you must keep your sick dog separate from the others.
To help prevent the spread of the disease, you should also thoroughly clean all bedding, bowls, and equipment, including leashes, collars, and harnesses. In order to further prevent the spread of the illness, remember to wash your hands after handling your sick dog and think about donning a protective garment over your clothing.
FAQ
How long does it take for a dog to recover from pneumonia?
Recovery usually takes between three and five weeks, and your dog will probably require antibiotics for at least that long. After your dog has been taking antibiotics for two weeks, your veterinarian may want to perform chest X-rays to assess progress and determine how much longer they will need medication and rest to recover.
What causes dog pneumonia?
A lower respiratory tract viral infection is the most frequent cause of pneumonia. Adenovirus types 1 and 2, canine influenza, parainfluenza, and canine distemper virus damage the animal’s airways and predispose it to developing pneumonia.
What helps a dog with pneumonia?
The typical treatment for canine pneumonia entails: Limiting your dog’s activities while they recover Keeping your dog away from other animals and young children will allow them to get plenty of rest. regular access to fresh water to help them stay hydrated
What is the best antibiotic for dogs with pneumonia?
When a dog develops either primary or secondary bacterial pneumonia, veterinarians will prescribe antibiotics. Most common antibiotics include Doxycycline, Fluoroquinolone and Amoxicillin-clavulanic Acid.