As you may well know, asthma is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that involves the inflammation of the air passages due to either viral or bacterial infections or even allergic reactions. When the air passages are inflamed, they get very narrow and the patient then has a hard time breathing. Dogs could also fall victims to this respiratory condition.

Asthma affects immunocompromised dogs and middle-aged to older dogs as well.  Asthma symptoms in dogs are very frightening when they manifest. They may lead you to think that the dog is already dying. This grim possibility could be controlled or even prevented with the right vigilance and knowledge. Here are some of the considerations about asthma symptoms in dogs that may certainly interest you:

1. Symptoms

Asthma symptoms in dogs include coughing and wheezing that progresses to labored breathing and obstructed airways. These may also be accompanied by sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, and blue-colored gums or tongue. Asthma symptoms in dogs are brought about by irritations in the environment such as airborne pollutants such as pollen, cigarette smoke, and dust. It is not contagious. Bacterial or viral infections, parasites, and certain cancers may certainly cause asthma in dogs.

2. Diagnosis

Coughs in an asthma attack cough either be dry or with a bit of phlegm. This usually happens during exercise and excitement. If you notice any one of these asthma symptoms in dogs, you should immediately take your dog to your veterinarian so that necessary blood tests and chest x-rays could be done. This would properly give the veterinarian an idea if there are any underlying conditions that may have to be treated first. If there are underlying health concerns, then the medications would need to focus on those first. If these are the direct cause of asthma symptoms in dogs, then the hope that the said symptoms would disappear when they disappear remains strong.

3. Treatments available

Usually, prescribed medications are used to suppress asthma symptoms in dogs. Steroids, antihistamines, and bronchodilators are usually given to asthmatic dogs but these medications will not result to favorable results unless the underlying problems are resolved. The veterinarian must be able to detect what really causes the asthma attack. If there is no other disease to treat, then you and your veterinarian could just focus on relieving and soothing the asthma symptoms in dogs. You can do this by humidifying the air with a cold-mist humidifier. An aromatherapy diffuser could help diffuse the vapors of eucalyptus and peppermint to help your dog breathe. These essential oils open up the air passages of your pet. Eucalyptus also has antimicrobial properties that could lessen the bacteria in the living area. Oxygen therapy may also be given by your veterinarian to help your dog have proper oxygenation of their blood.

4. Prevention

To prevent the onset of asthma symptoms in dogs, you should remember to target the irritants in your dog’s living environment. Learn how to check for potential respiratory irritants in and around your home. It is important to remove air fresheners, insecticides, cleaning materials, cigarette smoke, and dust. Your rugs, curtains, sheets, and carpets should always be cleaned up. It would be an extra effort but if you love your dog and your family, then you should maintain an irritant-free home. Another means to lessen or prevent the occurrence of asthma symptoms in dogs is being able to control your dog’s weight. Much added weight to your dog results to much effort in the simplest of movements. This could very well trigger asthma symptoms in dogs. It is definitely not cute to see your obese dog panting and then wheezing all the time. To maintain the ideal weight of your dog, there should always be regular exercise, absence of junk food, and an increase in healthier food and snacks. Discipline should come from you and your dog as well. Constant practice of health practices would definitely change your dog’s lifestyle and make your dog’s health much improved. Strengthening the immune system would really helps in preventing the onset of asthma symptoms in dogs. When this happens, your dog’s health is protected from other underlying diseases that could aggravate the asthma. Make sure that you consult your veterinarian for any additional supplementations that your dog needs.

Dogs need the help of their caregivers to survive even the simplest of health problems. In taking care of asthmatic dogs, you should work with your veterinarian. Be watchful and aware of your dog’s health and you will have a loyal companion for a very long time.