Everything you need to know about asthma in dogs
Dogs can develop asthma, much like humans do although it is considerably less prevalent in dogs than in cats. Asthma in dogs is classified as an allergic condition. An allergic reaction in dogs that leads to airway inflammation that constricts and spasms the tiny airways in the lungs is what causes asthma attacks. When asthma in dogs is identified, it typically affects older dogs as well as certain puppies say the experts from best vet Jacksonville FL. Generally speaking, tiny dogs are more likely than large dogs to suffer from asthma.
What Are A Few Dog Asthma Symptoms?
When a dog has an asthma episode, it will cough, pant with a wide mouth, wheeze, and have general difficulties breathing. A build-up of excessive mucus and phlegm is another symptom of canine asthma, and if it gets bad enough, it can cause a dog’s gums to turn blue from a lack of oxygen. A dog with asthma may become frightened and be challenging to settle down. Never close a mouth on an asthmatic dog to prevent him from breathing; doing so could lead to biting injuries.
Similar to humans, even dogs experience asthma attacks that range in severity from minor to life-threatening. If your dog is experiencing an asthma attack, you might observe one or more of the following signs:-
- Sudden breathing difficulty
- Ongoing cough
- Rapid breathing when panting heavily
- Wheezing
- Dark gum color
- Reduced appetite
- Loss of power
You should always treat your dog’s asthma symptoms seriously as severe attacks could result in long-term lung damage and also make it a point to contact your veterinarian if your dog is having trouble breathing say the experts from Animal Hospital Arlington.
What Leads To Dog Asthma?
Allergens that are inhaled can cause asthma episodes. The following are a few typical allergens that can aggravate dogs with asthma:-Â
- Spores of mold
- Mosquitos and dust mites
- Dust from cat litter
- Cat hair
- Pollens
- Domestic cleaners
- Air toxicity
- Perfume
- Odor removers
- Pesticides or fertilizers in the air
- cigarette, pipe, and e-cigarette smokeÂ
How Is Asthma Diagnosed In Dogs?
If you observe any of the aforementioned symptoms in your dog, take him to the doctor as soon as possible because canine asthma can be difficult to diagnose if the animal is not experiencing an asthma attack. The symptoms of the physical examination, radiographs, and the history you provide are typically used to diagnose dog asthma (X-rays). The radiographs can come back normal and might need to be redone later if your dog isn’t suffering an asthma attack. Your veterinarian may request a heartworm test and inquire as to whether you frequently administer preventative heartworm medication for dogs given that heartworm disease can manifest symptoms similar to those of asthma says dog care near me.
Try to record a video of your dog’s breathing on your phone if you can’t get your dog to the vet right away. When you arrive at the veterinarian’s office, you can then display this to your doctor.
What Are The Remedies For Canine Asthma?
As per the experts from Race Track Road Animal Hospital, the severity of your dog’s asthma and whether you’re trying to prevent attacks or treat an ongoing episode will affect the course of treatment
Mild Attack Treatment and Continued Asthma Treatment
The standard drugs are the same for mild instances. Your dog can receive prescription pet medication orally or through a nebulizer. Medical equipment called a nebulizer turns liquid medications, such as bronchodilators, antihistamines, steroids, or anything else the doctor has prescribed, into a mist that is subsequently inhaled. Mobilization which is a great way to instantly administer medication to the lungs can be learned to be tolerated by some dogs. The additional benefit of nebulizers is that they humidify the air your dog breaths, which can help to release respiratory secretions.
Because drugs are inhaled rather than swallowed, nebulizers can help to lessen their undesirable side effects in addition to giving an instant benefit. These undesirable side effects can include muscle loss, higher susceptibility to infections, increased thirst and urination, weight gain, and increased appetite. A veterinary clinic may perform mobilizing procedures, or you may buy a nebulizer for use at home. Consult your veterinarian to find out if your dog qualifies for this treatment and to get advice on how to get your dog used to using a nebulizer explains vet on racetrack road.
Treatment For Dogs With Severe Asthma Attacks
A severe asthma episode needs to be treated as an emergency. In these situations, your dog may be hospitalized by your vet and placed in an oxygen cage to aid in his breathing.
In order to administer medication or hydration therapy intravenously, your dog may also receive an IV catheter from your veterinarian. If the animal is not drinking or eating and is dehydrated, fluids may be given. Steroids and bronchodilators are common IV medicines. IV antibiotics may be necessary if there is an infection. A bronchodilator to widen the airways, an antihistamine to lessen the allergic reaction, and a steroid to lessen airway inflammation are the three cornerstones of treatment. Aminophylline, terbutaline, and theophylline are examples of bronchodilators. Prednisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone are some examples of steroids. Your neighborhood veterinarian will need to write a prescription for both bronchodilators and steroid drugs. Diphenhydramine and loratadine are two popular antihistamines that are advised. Temaril-P is another medication with both an antihistamine and a steroid that is frequently administered by dog hospital near me. Â
How Can You Help Dogs With Asthma At Home?
To stop asthma attacks in dogs, avoidance of aggravating allergens is important in addition to medicine. To find out what your dog is allergic to, contact your veterinarian about having your dog undergo a noninvasive allergy test. You can take additional precautionary steps like:-
- No vaping or smoking close to the dog
- Use a room air purifier or a HEPA air filter in your furnace
- After going outside, clean your dog with baby wipes to remove allergies
- Avoid using your fireplace or lighting a fire near your dog
- Those who own cats should use dust-free cat litter
- Take off the carpets and install concrete flooring in the house instead
Conclusion
Proventil and Ventolin are two popular kinds of albuterol sulfate that can aid in relaxing the dog’s airway muscles to facilitate breathing. It may be recommended to use inhalers with dog-specific masks to give your dog asthma medications. Don’t ever administer drugs to your dog without consulting with your veterinarian. Dogs should not be given many human drugs because of their toxicity and inhaler doses might differ significantly between uses. The most frequent causes of asthma attacks in dogs include cigarette smoke, household cleaners, pollen, and mold. The best thing you can do to help prevent asthma attacks in your dog is to avoid the allergen if the cause is identified says dog vet Jacksonville FL. The less exposure your dog has to the irritation, the less likely it is that your dog will attack.