Like humans, dogs can also catch and suffer from bronchitis. The condition causes the bronchial airways to the lungs to become inflamed, causing coughing, wheezing, and more severe complications like difficulty breathing. Bronchitis can appear in dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. If left untreated, this condition may lead to more troubling conditions such as permeant lung damage and even lung failure. There are several symptoms of bronchitis you should watch out for, as prompt treatment is essential. At Kindred Care Pet Hospital, our veterinarian has years of experience diagnosing and treating canine chronic bronchitis in Richmond, TX, and the surrounding areas.
Symptoms To Look For
The signs and symptoms of bronchitis are somewhat obvious, and determining whether or not your dog has bronchitis is relatively easy. Symptoms of canine bronchitis include:
- Lethargy
- Trouble breathing
- Excessive mucous runoff
- Foamy saliva sometimes resembling vomit
- Harsh, dry, long-lasting cough
Causes
There are numerous causes for bronchitis in dogs, and those conditions will determine if the condition is acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is more common. Acute bronchitis is associated with reversible conditions in the structure of your dog’s airways, most commonly due to the virus. The most common viruses that cause acute bronchitis are kennel cough, the flu, and distemper. Luckily, your dog can be vaccinated from each of these viruses by a veterinarian. Acute bronchitis may also be caused by bacterial infections, allergies, parasites, or inhalation of airway irritants.
The underlying cause of chronic bronchitis cannot be identified. Chronic bronchitis can last for more than three months and is associated with the irreversible swelling of the walls of the bronchi and the narrowing and obstruction of airways.
Bronchitis Treatment in Richmond, TX
Acute bronchitis is easier to treat than chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis can be treated with medications such as anti-inflammatories, steroids, and antibiotics. Cough suppressants can also be effective. Our vet has plenty of tools for treating acute canine bronchitis.
Though the airway damage due to chronic canine bronchitis cannot be reversed, your dog’s symptoms can be eased through corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce swelling of airway walls. Bronchodilators can also be used to open your dog’s airway. You must also limit your dog’s exposure to smoke, dust, and sprays as much as you possibly can. If you have any further questions about bronchitis in dogs, call us at (281) 598-0009 or request an appointment online.
