Does My Dog have Canine Bronchitis?

Believe it or not, asthma is not a condition reserved for humans alone. Often referred to as dyspnea or allergic bronchitis, one percent of dogs are reported to have this ailment, but the actual amount of sufferers is estimated to be much higher as this condition often goes overlooked by owners and medical professionals alike. After all, it is hard to diagnose (the patient can’t elaborate on the details after all), and is frequently mistaken for other issues like heartworm disease.

As a concerned pet owner, what should you look for? The symptoms your dog experiences is not too unlike what you, yourself would experience. He will cough and wheeze, and may even experience shortness of breath. During extreme bouts, your canine friend may have spasms and constrictions in his upper airways, at which you should seek immediately medical attention. What causes such symptoms? The surrounding environment may be the guilty culprit. Allergens like plants, pesticides and pollution may irritate your dog’s inhalation outside and, when inside, common causes are cigarette smoke, carpet deodorizers and different cleaning products. Yes, eliminating specific factors may help, but pinpointing the exact cause can be extremely difficult and protecting your companion with relieving measures is a must. After all, there is no cure or permanent removal for allergic canine bronchitis.

While dogs of all ages and sizes can experience this condition, most animals develop this disorder in their youth or middle-age. Smaller breeds have an increased likelihood of being sensitive to allergens, partly due to their elevated heart rate and rapid breaths. Who among us hasn’t seen a toy dog gasping with its mouth open as it excitedly wheezes for breath?

There are numerous products to help provide your pooch with health and comfort. It is important to seek the consultation of a veterinarian, who will most likely recommend medications designed to open the air passages to increase the flow of oxygen and lessen the severity of an allergic attack. Commonly, Flovent (fluticasone) needs to be breathed in with the assistance of an aerosol chamber like the Aerodawg.

If you suspect your dog may be experiencing allergic bronchitis, a trip to the veterinarian should happen at once. If it goes untreated for too long, the consequences can be severe if not fatal. After all, oxygen helps your beloved friend’s organs continue to function. So give your canine the easy breathing he deserves and yourself some peace of mind and, if you have your uncertainties, have your dog checked out for this often overlooked ailment.

Have you used Flovent or the AeroDawg with your pet? Tell us about your experiences in the comments section below.

Breathe Easy,

VetRxDirect