Like humans, dogs can catch pneumonia, a bacterial infection in the lungs that makes it difficult for them to breathe. The most common sign of canine pneumonia is frequent coughing. Untreated pneumonia can lead to a dog's death, so if you suspect your dog has pneumonia you should bring it to a veterinarian immediately. The main treatments for dogs with pneumonia are antibiotics.
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Antibiotics
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Antibiotics will kill the bacteria causing pneumonia in your dog. You can not purchase antibiotics over the counter, so take your dog to a veterinarian who will recommend and prescribe an antibiotic that will effectively treat your dog's pneumonia. Your veterinarian may prescribe multiple antibiotics. Some bacteria have developed immunity to certain antibiotics, so a mixture of antibiotics will ensure that the bacteria are killed.
You can give your dog antibiotics at home. A full round of antibiotics takes around three weeks. Your dog will likely show signs of improvement before the full three weeks are up, and it may even get completely healthy again. Even if this happens, continue giving your dog antibiotics for the entire three weeks. Trace amounts of bacteria may still be living in your dog's lungs, and if not killed they will multiply, and the pneumonia will return.
Only give your dog the antibiotics that the veterinarian has prescribed; don't purchase additional over-the-counter medicine unless your veterinarian has recommended them. Over-the-counter medicine meant to alleviate coughs will not help a dog whose cough is a symptom of pneumonia.
Hospitalization
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For mild cases of pneumonia you can treat your dog entirely at home, but for more severe cases it is not uncommon for the dog to need hospitalization. Pneumonia can cause dehydration because many dogs will not drink as much water as usual while they have it. By having your dog hospitalized, the veterinarian will be able to treat it with a fluid IV to increase his hydration.
Your dog might also need hospitalization is if it has too much trouble breathing. Severe cases of pneumonia have several symptoms which inhibit breathing: weak lungs, congested throat and inflamed bronchi. The veterinarian will use a humidified air supply to help your dog breathe more easily. The air will often contain medicine to reduce inflammation. To help clear your dog's throat, the veterinarian may use percussion therapy, which uses vibrations to dislodge secretions in the thorax.
Follow Up
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After your dog's pneumonia has been treated, the veterinarian may wish to have a follow up appointment to check on your dog. In most mild cases, a follow up is unnecessary unless symptoms of pneumonia return. In severe cases, a follow up is likely necessary even if the dog seems to be healthy. The purpose of the follow up visit is not only to determine that the pneumonia has not returned, but also to see if your dog is recovering well from the effects pneumonia had on its body.
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