Pet Dog: How to know if your dog has asthma?

Causes of asthma in dogs

It is not always possible to determine the cause that has triggered asthma. It points to a hypersensitivity reaction to allergens as dust, pollen, environmental pollution, aerosols, smoke, mites, etc. The presence of pulmonary parasites, such as heartworms, heart disease, or some infections can develop symptoms equal to asthma. If this is the case, the ailment must be identified. If it is not treated, the pet dog will not recover.

Symptoms of asthma in pet dogs

Dogs with asthma can be maintained for a long time with only mild symptoms. However, they may also suffer from acute attacks in which their breathing is compromised. Also, consequently, the life of your pet dog is put at risk. Among the symptoms we should pay attention to, the following stand out:

• Cough
• Breathing with their mouth open and sometimes with their tongue sticking out in an attempt to get more oxygen
• Orthopneic posture (with the front legs apart) also in an attempt to make breathing more productive
• Obvious breathing difficulties
• If oxygen is lacking, the coloration of the mucous membranes may be cyanotic, that is, of a bluish hue.
• Sneezing

In the most serious cases, a collapse will occur. If urgent veterinary assistance is not received, the pet dog could die.

Treatment of asthma in dogs

If you are aware of symptoms in your pet dog, you must inform the veterinarian. If asthma is not treated, it will worsen. The consequences could be fatal.

The goal of treatment is to dilate the bronchial tubes to regain airflow and thus improve breathing. Corticosteroids and bronchodilators are used for this. In severe cases of respiratory crisis it is also important to supply oxygen. In addition, the handling must be careful because if it produces stress, breathing will become even more difficult, worsening the condition.

It is possible to give the medication orally, but administering it through inhalers has the advantage of reducing side effects and acting more quickly. These devices are used by spraying into a chamber where the dose of medication is contained so that the pet dog, when breathing in it, inhales it. Of course, all medication, as well as its dosage and frequency of use, must be prescribed by the veterinarian.

If there is an asthmatic member in the family, it is easy to ask the question of whether you can give Ventolin to a dog. The answer is no because, even if you habitually use some medications, they give you good results or they seem harmless, the truth is that giving drugs for human use to pet dogs can have fatal consequences. Therefore, you can only use those prescribed by the veterinarian.

If you have a pet cat with asthma, or if you think they do… feel free to read this article.