Canine Pneumonia

Pneumonia in dogs can be a cause for concern, as the disease leads to death without treatment. Pneumonia can affect any dog. However, puppies under the age of 1 commonly become more susceptible to the disease, according to Vetinfo. Dogs with compromised immune systems can also develop pneumonia. Because pneumonia can mimic other illnesses such as dog flu, seeing your veterinarian can help identify the exact cause of your dog's ailment.

  1. Causes

    • While pneumonia can result from the inhalation of bacteria, viruses and fungi can also contribute to the disease. When fluid builds up in your dog's lungs, the lining of the lungs becomes inflamed and irritated. This can result in pneumonia. If your dog suffers from neuromuscular disorders or paralysis, swallowing can become difficult, resulting in accidental inhalation of a substance into its lungs.

    Symptoms

    • Pneumonia develops with difficulty in breathing. As your dog struggles to take in oxygen, its lips, tongue and gums can develop a bluish color, indicates Pet Education. Your dog's body temperature can exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Other pneumonia symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, disinterest in food and loss of stamina. Dogs suffering from pneumonia will also opt to sleep more. Dogs suffering from aspiration pneumonia can have nasal discharge.

    Diagnosis

    • Your veterinarian will examine your dog and listen to its lungs. An X-ray and ultrasound can also help determine if your dog's lungs are inflamed. Further analysis through a culture can help identify if your dog's pneumonia was caused by a bacteria. Your veterinarian may also take a fluid sample to check for a fungal infection. A blood test for your dog's blood count can help asses whether your dog suffers from aspiration pneumonia.

    Treatment

    • Treatments can help your dog avoid complications.

      Antibiotics can help the outcome of your dog's pneumonia. However, your dog needs to finish its entire course of antibiotics to clear its infection. If you discontinue your dog's antibiotics, the infection will linger, making your dog worse. Diuretics can be administered to help flush out fluid within your dog's lungs. In severe cases of canine pneumonia, hospitalization is necessary to combat against dehydration and to help stabilize your dog. Keep appointments with your dog's veterinarian to ensure that your dog is on the road to recovery after it has begun treatments.