Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma in Dogs

Although it is a rare occurrence, dogs can and do come down with asthma. Symptoms of asthma in dogs typically include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, which are the same symptoms that humans experience. If your pet is showing these signs, getting in touch with your veterinarian for an exam and diagnosis is the next step.

How is asthma in dogs diagnosed?

In order to determine whether or not your canine is suffering from this respiratory ailment, the veterinarian must first try and rule out the possibility or occurrence of any other disease. Some of them may include:

- Kennel cough Infection

- Trachea collapse

- Paralyzed larynx

- Cardiovascular disease Heart

- Lung worms Fungus

- Lung tumors

First, your dog will undergo a physical examination conducted by the vet, who may then order a chest x-ray and bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy involves retrieving a tissue sample to be analyzed under a microscope. After testing is completed and if no other reasons for your dog's symptoms can be found, the diagnosis is usually asthma. You vet will prescribe asthma medications for your pet to see of these improve symptoms. If they do, then it is a good probability your dog has asthma.

What's the treatment and cure?

The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and keep your pet healthy. If your dog is diagnosed with asthma, treatment will consist of:

Antihistamines - Reduces mucus in the airways Steroids - To control inflammation Bronchodilators - Help to reduce the swelling associated with an asthma attack Any combination of the above

All these medications are taken in the form of pills or inhalers. The dogs are usually required to inhale with the help of a mask that is put over its nose and mouth. At the time your dog inhales, the amount of medication that has been prescribed earlier is squeezed and put into the spacer. However, it must be kept in mind that the dosage that has been presribed by the vet is strictly for your individual pet. It may vary in case of other pets you have at your home. An adjustment of dosages is required till the time, a perfect combination can be matched upon.

In case of severe asthma attacks, you may need to inject your dog with a dose of epinephrine. This is an urgent treatment that you can resort to in case of severe attacks. It will help reduce the swelling or inflammation associated with such attacks. Your vet will provide you with required training on injecting your dog if situation arises.

Asthma in dogs is a highly treatable condition. When you know the warning signs of an attack and treat the symptoms early, you can prevent the attack from getting out of control and possibly save your pet's life.


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Jared Wright is the marketing manager of Clivir.com - the free learning community site. You can learn more about asthma related articles such as causes of asthma and natural cure for asthma by clicking the links.