Respiratory Illnesses in Dogs

The dog's respiratory system mainly consists of the nose, larynx, pharynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs. Various illnesses may affect the dog's respiratory system, causing a variety of symptoms and disorders.

  1. Function

    • The dog's respiratory system has two main functions: to allow the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen, and to efficiently regulate the dog's temperature.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms suggesting respiratory disorders in dogs are rapid breathing, noisy breathing, wheezing, stridor, shallow breathing, sneezing and coughing.

    Types

    • Common illnesses causing respiratory problems are influenza, bronchitis, laryngitis, laryngeal edema, laryngeal paralysis, laryngeal spasm, kennel cough, collapsing trachea, pleural effusion, pulmonary infiltrates of eosinophils and tumors.

    Considerations

    • While coughing episodes may be thought to be associated with an irritated throat or a mild upper respiratory problem, in some cases coughing may be a symptom of heart disease or the presence of heartworms.

    Treatment

    • Treatment varies depending on the underlying causes. Upper respiratory infections, bronchitis and pneumonia are often treated with a course of antibiotics. Laryngeal paralysis, severe tracheal collapse and tumors may require surgery. Laryngeal edema and pleural effusion are medical emergencies that require immediate veterinary attention