When you notice your dog wheezing it can be very concerning. However, the majority of reasons for a dog to wheeze are common. Knowing the possible causes can help you determine whether or not the care of a veterinarian is necessary. If the care of a professional is not required, there are some small changes that can be made at home in order to make your dog more comfortable.
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Identification
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Wheezing in a dog sounds similar to human wheezing. Because dogs have sensitive lungs, they often react to any change in the air or irritant that enters their system. If your dog is wheezing often or for a long period of time, it is necessary to determine the cause in order to figure out how to proceed. However, if they only wheeze for 10 minutes and then stop, it is likely that there was just something irritating the dog's lungs and she was able to work it out herself.
Common Causes
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Wheezing in dogs can be a sign of many common issues. Dogs can develop allergies, just like people can, to things around them that irritate their lungs. Smoke, household cleaners, dust and pollen are some examples of possible allergies. Although dogs do not develop asthma as often as cats, it can still be the cause of wheezing and is usually combined with coughing. Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection that can be caused by the Parainfluenza virus or more commonly a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica, can sometimes be the cause. Younger dogs that are in close quarters with other dogs are usually the victim of these infections.
Home Remedies
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In order to prevent wheezing and make your dog more comfortable, there are changes that can be made within your home. A humidifier will add moisture to the air which can help if your dog is sensitive to dry air. Eliminating allergens that are causing the wheezing can also be helpful. If you are not clear on what the allergens are, try to think of any changes that were made around the time that your dog's wheezing began.
Special Concerns
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If wheezing is the only symptom a dog is showing, then it is not likely to be serious. However, there are some other signs that something more serious is going on. A veterinarian should be consulted if your dog has a decreased appetite, sneezing or coughing, panting more than usual, has a bleeding nose or shows signs of not getting enough air such as shortness of breath or gums that appear bluish or pale. Other concerns that warrant a call to the vet are if the wheezing occurs after exercise, a bug bite or sting, or the wheezing occurs nightly.
Heartworm
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Heartworms are caused by parasites that are passed by mosquito bites. The larvae travel to the heart where they can grow into larger worms, eventually damaging the heart. As the amount of blood that can be pumped by the heart is decreased, wheezing and coughing can begin. However, since this symptom occurs after the dog has been infected for several weeks, it is important to focus on prevention. Monthly heartworm prevention medication should be given, especially in places where mosquitoes are prevalent.
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