Dog Asthma
How to Care for Dog Asthma
Dog asthma, also known as canine asthma, is a disease that results in obstruction of the animal's airways. This occurs when the air passages in the lungs, or bronchi, fill with mucus and begin to spasm. Asthma is more common in cats than dogs, but dogs get it, too.
Dogs of any age could develop asthma, but it is most common in animals of young or middle-age. The first sign is coughing. Owners will witness wheezing, and if the asthma is serious, they may see their dog breathing through the mouth. The gums may change to a purple color in advanced cases, and the dog may gape and make great efforts to breathe. He may have a fearful and dazed look on his face. The dog usually will stand during the entire episode. The episodes show up at different times and may last thirty minutes. If your dog is in distress, this is an emergency, and you should take your pet to the vet, right away.
Between asthma episodes, your cat may appear normal. The things that trigger most dog asthma attacks are some fragrances, as well as air pollution, dust and second-hand smoke.
Your veterinarian will take a chest x-ray to make sure your dog does have asthma, and not some other condition. Once they confirm their diagnosis, they may treat your dog with bronchodilators, antihistamines and steroids. No one knows for *sure* what causes dog asthma, and until this is determined, a cure is not likely.
Another possible cause for canine asthma is a chronic inflammation of the mucus membrane whose job it is to cover the respiratory passages. Ask your veterinarian how to handle the episodes when your dog has them, and be alert to things like dust, that may have caused your dog problems in the past. If you don't begin a treatment program in a timely manner, the attacks will be more painful on your pet. Keep your dog away from cold and humidity if he has recently experienced an asthma attack. Feed him a lighter diet than usual - ask the vet for any feed recommendations. And make sure you follow all the medication instructions correctly.
Some of the asthma medications for dogs may be in the form of an inhaler. If your dog id not accustomed to them, the veterinarian may show you how to administer them at home. The inhalers will have a mask that fits over the horse's muzzle, and you will puff medication into it. You and your vet may need to try different levels of medications until you find one that works the best for your dog.
Dog asthma is not rare enough, but you and your friend can still share years together if you treat this problem promptly.