Respiratory problems in dogs

Everyone coughs or sniffles occasionally. This also applies to our dogs. But how serious is that? When should you go to the vet? And what respiratory problems can dogs have? We'll give you an overview.

Respiratory problems in dogs can have different causes and are sometimes serious, but certainly not always. Below you will find some common respiratory conditions in dogs, along with the main symptoms and what you can do to help your dog.

General respiratory infection

Respiratory infections in dogs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, noise during breathing, altered breathing, red, pale, or bluish mucous membranes, nasal discharge, sneezing, gagging, throat clearing, lethargy, decreased endurance, pale nose, and fainting. If your dog shows symptoms of a respiratory condition, it is always a good idea to have the animal checked by a veterinarian. If your dog is struggling to breathe, you should immediately call the veterinarian. Even if the cough persists and does not go away, it is a good idea to visit the vet. Coughing can sometimes be a symptom of something other than a simple cold.

Kennel cough

Kennel cough (also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a common disease in dogs, especially if they are often in contact with other dogs. Kennel cough is the collective term for infectious infections that mainly affect the nose, throat, and trachea. This disease is caused by various viruses and bacteria such as influenza viruses or adenoviruses. The bacterium Bordetella Bronchiseptica can also cause kennel cough. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, gagging, nasal discharge, and watery eyes. In severe cases, the dog may also have a fever and difficulty breathing. Fortunately, almost all dogs recover fully from kennel cough. Kennel cough is usually treated with a cough syrup that soothes the throat and suppresses the cough reflex. Rest and support for the immune system are important as well.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the dog's airways. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Bronchitis can be recognized by coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue or loss of appetite, and fever. If you suspect your dog has bronchitis, it is best to contact your veterinarian for medication. Neglected bronchitis can progress to pneumonia, with high fever and a very sick dog.

Asthma

Asthma, which resembles bronchitis, is a chronic inflammation of the airways that leads to narrowing of the airways, causing breathing problems. Symptoms of asthma in dogs include excessive panting, loss of appetite, lethargy, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a blue tongue or lips. If your dog shows symptoms consistent with asthma, it is important to go to the vet as soon as possible. The vet can diagnose the condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment, which usually includes medications such as anti-inflammatories and bronchodilators. Since asthma often starts with an allergic reaction, it is usually wise to limit your dog's contact with allergens such as dust or pollen.

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa resulting from an allergic reaction. Dogs may have watery nasal discharge, sneezing, or inflamed eyes. The vet may prescribe various medications to alleviate these symptoms. You can also give your dog plant-based cannabinoids, for example, from the powerful clove plant, to support the immune system and reduce the allergic response.

Pharyngitis

A dog may also have pharyngitis, which often causes a dry cough. If your dog has a sore throat, it is best to visit the vet for treatment with the right medication.

Herbs for cough

If your dog has a respiratory infection and coughs, giving him herbs to soothe the throat and airways can be helpful. For example, echinacea, white willow, and eucalyptus are suitable for this purpose.

Prevention is better than cure

You can't always prevent your dog from getting a respiratory infection. But you can contribute to a healthy immune system and a healthy environment. Tips to prevent coughing in dogs as much as possible:

• Healthy nutrition
• Sufficient exercise
• Protection against allergens and dust
• Support for the immune system with cannabinoids
• Regular check-ups at the vet

Note: other causes of coughing

It is good to know that dogs sometimes cough but do not have a respiratory infection. The cough can be a symptom of another problem. Heart failure or tumors can also cause coughing, as can lungworms. Finally, coughing can indicate collapsing trachea, a hereditary condition that occurs in small dog breeds (including Chihuahua, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Pug). Therefore, if the cough persists, it is always wise to have your dog examined by a veterinarian.