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Asthma In Dogs – Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Asthma in dogs is a rare occurrence. Dogs are more than often diagnosed with this ailment. The symptoms are more likely seen in the form of wheezing, coughing, sneezing, and almost all kinds of similar experiences that humans face when they suffer from Asthma attacks. Immediately get in touch with the vet if you find your pet suffering from such symptoms.

How is asthma in dogs diagnosed?

To determine if your canine has this lung disease, the veterinarian must first rule out other diseases. These may include:

– Kennel cough Infection

– Trachea collapse

– Paralyzed larynx

– Cardiovascular disease Heart

– Lung worms Fungus

– Lung tumors

Firstly, your dog will be required to go through a medical test, which is more than often conducted by your vet. This examination usually involves bronchoscopy and chest x-ray. Bronchoscopy is usually described as an examination whereby a tissue sample is retrieved and put to test under a technolgically advanced microscope. Following the test, if it’s observed that there are no traces of other ailments, then the diagnoses is surely recorded as asthma. After that, your vet will recommend some medications usually taken during asthma for your dog to see whether there is any improvement on those symptoms. If the results are positive, then your dog is certainly diagnosed with asthma.

How is it treated?

The main objective of the treatment is to bring about a reduction in the asthma symptoms and maintain a healthy living for your pet. If the vet diagnosed asthma in your pet, the treatments include:

Antihistamines – Brings about a reduction in the mucus that have deposited in the airways – Controllng inflammation – It also helps to bring about a reduction in the swelling, which is usually associated with asthma attacks. Any of the above combinations.

All these medications are taken in the form of pills or inhalers. The dogs are usually required to inhale with the help of a mask that is put over its nose and mouth. At the time your dog inhales, the amount of medication that has been prescribed earlier is squeezed and put into the spacer. However, it must be kept in mind that the dosage that has been presribed by the vet is strictly for your individual pet. It may vary in case of other pets you have at your home. An adjustment of dosages is required till the time, a perfect combination can be matched upon.

In case of severe asthma attacks, you may need to inject your dog with a dose of epinephrine. This is an urgent treatment that you can resort to in case of severe attacks. It will help reduce the swelling or inflammation associated with such attacks. Your vet will provide you with required training on injecting your dog if situation arises.

Asthma in dogs is a highly treatable condition. When you know the warning signs of an attack and treat the symptoms early, you can prevent the attack from getting out of control and possibly save your pet’s life.