Respiratory Health Problems in Dogs

Respiratory health problems affecting dogs include canine influenza, canine bronchitis, bordetella and canine asthma. Though short-term medication and supportive care will successfully treat most respiratory conditions in dogs, some are more severe and require long-term medication.

  1. Canine Influenza

    • Canine influenza is a viral respiratory infection in dogs and is very contagious. Canine influenza may be mild or severe. Dogs with the mild form have a weak cough that persists from 10 days to one month, often accompanied by nasal discharge. The severe form of canine influenza presents as a high fever and labored breathing. Affected dogs may also develop pneumonia. Vets treat canine influenza with antibiotics, to kill any secondary bacterial infections resulting from the influenza, and supportive care, including hydration.

    Canine Bronchitis

    • Canine bronchitis is the swelling and irritation of the tubes, called the bronchi, that carry air from the trachea to the lungs. Often, vets cannot determine the exact cause of bronchitis. Symptoms include rapid breathing, coughing or wheezing, occasional gagging, trouble catching breath, loss of appetite and fever. Treatment may involve antibiotics, cough medicine or supportive care, including hydration.

    Bordetella

    • Bordetella, often called "kennel cough," is the most common upper-respiratory health problem found in dogs in the United States, and it is highly contagious. Several different organisms can cause bordetella in dogs, such as mycoplasma, bordetella bronchiseptica and the parainfluenza virus. Symptoms of bordetella include a deep cough, liquid discharge from the nose, fatigue, fever and loss of appetite. Dogs most often show symptoms two days to two weeks after exposure, and symptoms usually last less than a week. Treatment includes antibiotics and cough medicine. Also, vaccinations are available to prevent this illness.

    Canine Asthma

    • Asthma, or allergic bronchitis, is irritation and swelling of the bronchi caused by an allergic reaction. The bronchi fill with mucus and have spasms, causing difficult breathing and pain. The symptoms of canine asthma include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest area. Asthma can bring on asthma attacks, or episodes of severe coughing and shortness of breath, as well as loss of appetite and fatigue. Asthma treatment includes different medications, some administered to the dog during an asthma attack, and others taken to prevent attacks.