Learning About Dogs With Asthma

Dogs with asthma face unique challenges. These canines cannot run, play or interact in the same way as their asthma-free peers. They also require medical treatment in order to manage their condition and maintain a normal degree of health.

Symptoms 

Does your dog have asthma? Common signs he's affected by asthma: wheezing, coughing, open-mouth breathing, panting, blue colored gums and respiratory distress. When a dog's airways are chronically inflamed, he struggles to breathe. Dogs at an increased risk of having asthma are older, small or exposed to environmental allergens such as cigarette or cigar smoke, wood burning stoves, fireplaces, carpet or floor cleaners and deodorizers and air fresheners.

Diagnosis 

Dogs with asthma suffer at various degrees from this respiratory condition. They can have mild to severe asthma. Diagnosis occurs through veterinarian services involving a series of medical tests. A veterinarian may order a blood test and chest x-ray in order to pinpoint the cause of your dog's ailment because asthma symptoms mimic those linked to other illnesses. After a diagnosis of asthma is made, the next step is to determine a proper treatment. 

Treatment 

The mode of care for a dog that has asthma depends on two factors - cause and severity. Prescriptions for antihistamines are given to dogs with allergy-born asthma. In other cases, prescriptions for steroids and bronchodilators are given to dogs to reduce inflammation. Dogs prone to asthma attacks are prescribed oxygen masks-treatments. An effective treatment plan for a dog with asthma may involve trial and error and evolve as he matures.

In conclusion, dogs with asthma require special care. Pet owners handling dogs with asthma need to remain steadfast and not slack on asthma treatments or veterinarian visits. It's the only way to properly address the health needs of these animals.