When a dog has a persistent, harsh cough that may or may not bring up mucus for over two months, he may have chronic bronchitis. This is when the airways of the dog are inflamed and become narrower, making breathing more difficult. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook notes that chronic bronchitis usually happens to dogs over 4 years old.
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Causes
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It is generally unknown why dogs get chronic bronchitis. Sometimes a dog may have had kennel cough in his past, but not all dogs that recover from kennel cough wind up with chronic bronchitis.
Diagnosis
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In order to be sure the cough is due to chronic bronchitis and not something else, the dog will need chest X-rays and often a transtracheal washing. This is when the dog (under anesthesia) is given a saline solution in the trachea via a tube or a needle.
Treatment
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Treatment is a combination of medications (usually bronchodialators or a short round of corticosteroids) and lifestyle changes, depending on the dog's situation. Overweight dogs need to be put on a diet and a chest harness should be used on walks instead of a neck collar.
Misconceptions
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Secondhand tobacco smoke can damage the lungs of dogs. Keep dogs with chronic bronchitis away from tobacco smoke as much as possible.
Warning
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If left untreated, chronic bronchitis degenerates into bronchiectasis and then emphysema. These are potentially lethal conditions.
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