Pneumonia in a dog is a more serious type of infection that requires treatment from your veterinarian to overcome. It makes the lungs very irritated, weakens the immune system and makes it hard for your dog to breath.
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Causes
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Fungi, microorganisms and acid from the stomach that made its way into the lungs when the dog inhaled some of its own vomit are potential causes. Other types of germs or chemicals inhaled can trigger the inflammation process.
Symptoms
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Difficulty breathing might be the most noticeable, as well as fever, large amounts of coughing, marked unusual sadness or lack of eating.
Considerations
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Previous health conditions involving the lungs might pre-dispose the dog to developing pneumonia such as distemper.
Prevention/Solution
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If you notice the dog vomit, do your best to keep him from eating it. Once inhaled, the condition might not be preventable. Your veterinarian will listen to the dog's lungs and might perform chest X-rays. Antibiotics or other types of oral medications will most likely be prescribed depending on the severity.
Warning
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Treatment earlier in the onset of symptoms will improve your dog's chances of survival and limit the aggressiveness of necessary treatments provided by your veterinarian.
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