Asthma in Dogs

We aren’t the only species in the world who can suffer from this sometimes debilitating illness. In fact, many of our pets are just as at risk as we are. Whether it's your beloved moggy or your canine companion, understanding what you’re dealing with and how to spot it can make all the difference to the wellbeing of your furry friend. Asthma in dogs is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways which makes it challenging for them to breathe properly. Similar to asthma in humans, this condition can lead to episodes of coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, which can negatively affect a dog's quality of life if it occurs regularly and is not properly managed. 

Some medical ailments we have in common with our pets can look a little different. When dogs have hayfever you might notice that they’re licking their paws a lot and have very irritated or inflamed skin. For us, hayfever doesn’t often affect our skin so the symptoms differ, however asthma symptoms are quite similar across the board. It’s a respiratory illness so it tends to only affect breathing, just like in people. Symptoms of doggy asthma include: 

Dogs with asthma often exhibit a dry, persistent cough, especially after physical activity or exposure to triggers. Wheezing is a common sign of airway constriction in asthmatic dogs and is often heard as a high pitched whistling sound during breathing. It’s like pinching the end of a balloon when you let air out, you’re likely to get a high pitched sound. When their airway becomes smaller because of asthma their breathing will be louder. Asthmatic dogs may experience difficulty breathing, which can manifest as rapid or shallow breaths and increased effort to inhale and exhale. 

In severe cases, dogs may resort to open-mouth breathing to ease airflow. It can look quite similar to panting in some situations but will often be a little out of context in that your pup wouldn’t have run around as much as you might expect. Asthma can limit a dog's ability to engage in physical activity which causes exercise intolerance and fatigue. They may still want to run around and play but will only be able to keep up activity for short periods. They may even be intolerant to uphill walks or unable to keep up with their usual pace, depending on how severe their asthma is. 

Several factors can contribute to the development of asthma in dogs. Certain breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, may have a genetic predisposition to respiratory conditions like asthma. Brachycephalic pups, meaning dogs with flat faces, are born with smaller airways so they are more likely to have difficulty breathing. Overweight or obese pets may be at a higher risk of developing asthma due to increased strain on the respiratory system. Always keep in mind that fit and healthy furry friends with a good body score are less likely to get sick.  

Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mould spores, and certain foods can trigger asthma attacks in susceptible dogs. Exposure to pollutants like cigarette smoke, smog, and household chemicals can also irritate your pup’s airways and exacerbate asthma symptoms. 

To diagnose asthma in dogs, you first need to take your pooch to see their vet when you spot any symptoms. Their vet will first evaluate their overall health, listen to their chest, assess their respiratory rate and the effort it takes for them to breathe. They’ll usually have X-rays done to look at the lungs for signs of inflammation, narrowing, or other abnormalities. Blood tests may be performed to assess oxygen levels in the blood and to look for any signs of infections or inflammation that can be causing their respiratory issues. 

In some cases, a bronchoscopy may be conducted to take a better look at the airways and collect samples. During a bronchoscopy, a vet will insert a camera down the throat to get a better look, so your pooch would need to be under anaesthetic for this procedure. 

Treatment for asthma in dogs focuses on managing symptoms, reducing airway inflammation, and improving respiratory function. Doggy asthma unfortunately can’t be cured but with the right treatment and management options, your pooch can live a healthy and fulfilling life nonetheless.  

Bronchodilators like albuterol and corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may be prescribed to open the airways and reduce inflammation. For dogs who have quite severe symptoms, they can be prescribed their very own nebuliser. Inhalation therapy using a nebuliser sends medication directly to the lungs which can provide rapid relief of symptoms if your beloved pet is suffering from an asthma attack and having difficulty breathing. 

One of the biggest modes of treatment is environmental management. Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as pollen, dust, and smoke, can help prevent asthma attacks in your pooch. Allergy testing and desensitisation can also be recommended under the guidance of your vet. 

When suffering from asthma it’s important to avoid triggers, but your canine companion can’t manage this on their own. As their pup parent, you control their environment, so providing them with a safe and comfortable home where their breathing won’t be challenged is important. Triggers like pollen, dust, smoke and even strong odours can set off their asthma so keeping the windows closed on high pollen days is important. You should only use pet friendly cleaning products throughout your home to make sure your pooch can remain comfortable. You can install air purifiers or filters in your home to remove airborne allergens and pollutants, improving air quality for your asthmatic dog, especially during periods when they may be at high levels like in the spring and summer months. 

Make sure you work to maintain your dog's ideal body weight through portion control, regular exercise, and a balanced diet to reduce the risk of respiratory complications. You may need to consider weight management diets to help them get to a good body weight if they’re a little on the chunky side. Be sure to always monitor your pup closely during hot and humid weather, as heat and humidity can further exacerbate asthma symptoms. Provide plenty of shade and water, and avoid strenuous exercise during peak temperatures. Making sure to keep their environment and lifestyle as healthy as possible along with keeping on top of any medication they need is key to giving them the best quality of life.  

Asthma is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing monitoring and treatment. While there is no cure for asthma, management can help control symptoms and improve your dog's quality of life on a day to day basis. 

If you suspect that your dog may have asthma or if you notice any signs of respiratory distress, it's essential to seek veterinary care as soon as you can. Early detection and intervention are essential to managing asthma effectively and preventing any possible complications. Your vet can perform a thorough evaluation, diagnose asthma, and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your pup’s needs. With the right care and support, your asthmatic best friend can enjoy a happy, healthy life. 

For more support on your canine companion’s health, visit your local Community Pet Clinic today.