Asthma is a condition that occurs when the breathing passages become constricted or inflamed, leading to wheezing and difficulty breathing. This condition is uncommon in dogs, but it does occur, and it can lead to alarming behavior where the dog gasps for breath or becomes panicked. Asthma attacks can last up to thirty minutes, and being aware of what causes them can help you keep your dog healthy.
-
Stress
-
Stress is a problem where the body is ready for fight or flight, but neither happens. Stress results in pent-up energy; when your dog is constantly primed for action but does not get it, the result can be a serious toll on the dog's body. Stress can cause asthma as the dog's body struggles to cope with the nervous energy that is not getting relieved.
Allergies
-
Allergies cause swelling in tissues related to the respiratory system, and this swelling can reduce your dog's ability to breathe or even temporarily block it. Food allergies can lead to asthma, as can allergies to airborne irritants like dust, pollen and cigarette smoke.
Infections
-
Viral or bacterial infections can cause a dog's respiratory system to operate at a lower capacity. A dog who is suffering from an infection in his lungs may have difficulty catching his breath, but once the infection clears up, the asthma will be relieved as well.
Health Issues
-
Anything that compromises a dog's immune system may impact its ability to breathe. According to Natural-dog-health-remedies.com, cancers and worms can also cause asthma in dogs.
Genetics
-
Dog breeds that are prone to allergies are also going to be prone to asthma. Some allergy-prone breeds include poodles, American pitbull terriers, German shepherds, shih tzus and wire-haired fox terriers.
-