Symptoms & Quality of Life

Dog Respiratory Condition Treatments

While dog asthma and feline chronic bronchitis are caused by different issues, they both trigger inflammation in the lungs. Inflamed airways cause narrowing, constriction, and blockage of the tubes which leads to the symptoms of breathing difficulty and the potential for respiratory attack. While these lifelong conditions cannot be cured, your dog can lead a normal playful life with proper medication and management.

Treatments
Dog with respiratory condition

Living with asthma or bronchitis shouldn't mean a lifetime of side effects.

Inhaled forms of steroid are preferred for long-term management

To help keep your dog playing, medication needs to be given regularly and for the rest of your dog's life. Corticosteroids are routinely prescribed because they work to keep the inflammation down so your dog stays symptom free. Corticosteroids are available in inhaled and systemic (oral and injectable) forms.

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Dog with respiratory condition

Diagnosing Your Dog

Understanding the difference in your dog's cough can be important in knowing when to take your dog to the vet. Early identification of symptoms may help your dog get the help it needs before an attack. Common symptoms of asthma include:

  • Heavy/rapid breathing
  • Lethargy
  • Breathing through the mouth

If your dog gets low to the ground and extends her neck when coughing, it could be a sign of asthma. Watch the video to see and hear an example of a dog with asthma.

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Dog with respiratory condition