How do dogs get pneumonia? Pneumonia is a common health issue among humans and pets and sometimes becomes fatal. Like humans, dogs can develop pneumonia that badly affects our furry friend’s lungs and respiratory tract. In pneumonia, the inflammation occurs in the air sacs of the lungs and causes swelling, fluid, and pus. Dogs suffer from pneumonia leads to difficulty in breathing and sometimes death.
This article covers all the possible aspects of dog pneumonia. Use the table of content for smooth navigation.
How do dogs get pneumonia?
How does a dog catch pneumonia? Lungs do not contain any fluid naturally. In pneumonia, the longs inflamed, pus and fluid are formed that interfering with your pet’s ability to breathe regularly and leads to difficulty in breathing severe cough and fever and some time become fatal.
Dogs suffering from Minor Pneumonia can be recovered quickly; however, canine can take a long time to recover in some types of pneumonia.
Types of Pneumonia in dogs:
1. Viral & Bacterial Infectious Pneumonia in Dogs:
Viral Pneumonia or Infectious Pneumonia is the most common occurring Pneumonia in canines. This type of Pneumonia is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection in the respiratory tract. According to vets and pet experts, the leading cause of this type of Pneumonia is Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria.
The main characteristic of Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria is that it can easily transfer from dogs to dogs. So if a canine is suffering from Viral & Bacterial Infectious Pneumonia, isolate him and prevent other pets from contact.
Also, make sure to wash bedding, bowls, collars, and leashes frequently to help avoid spreading the disease. Wash your hands frequently after helping your pet.
2. Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs:
This type of Pneumonia in puppies usually occurs by inhaling fluid such as vomit, water, medication, etc. Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs is considered an abnormality of the pharynx and is also known as a neuromuscular disorder.
Inhaling fluid into the respiratory tract, acid reflux occurs and leads to enlargement of the lower esophagus, which leads to Pneumonia. Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs can also occur by placing the feeding tube incorrectly.
3. Fungal Pneumonia in dogs:
Fungal Pneumonia, also known as mycotic Pneumonia, usually occurs due to a fungal infection of the lungs. Common fungi that lead a canine to fungal Pneumonia in dogs are:
Signs and symptoms of Pneumonia in Dogs:
| Viral & Bacterial Infectious Pneumonia | Aspiration Pneumonia |
|---|---|
| High fever | All of Viral & Bacterial Infectious Pneumonia |
| Coughing | GI Upset |
| Breathing difficulties | Constipation |
| Runny nose | Bloody stool |
| Nasal whistling | Difficulty swallowing |
| Irregular breathing | Frequent regurgitation |
| Weight loss | Altered mood |
| Loss of appetite | Bluish skin |
| Lethargy | Restlesness |
| Fatigue | Short, shallow breaths |
Initial Symptoms of Pneumonia in Dogs:
Pneumonia in dogs starts with minor symptoms such as fever and short, shallow breaths, and green, yellow mucus in the respiratory tract that can turn after some time into hyperventilation and Coughing.
You can observe the Colored mucus from the nose while your dogs are coughing and sneezing.
Causes of Pneumonia in Dogs:
Causes of pneumonia in canines are many. Below we have listed the most common causes of this ilness in dogs:
1. Bacterial Infection:
Bacterial infection is among one of the leading cause of pneumonia in dogs. Bacteria such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Mycoplasma species, and Pasteurella multocida are the leading cause of pneumonia.
According to vets, these Bacteria affect the respiratory tract of the pooch and cause swelling, pus, and fluid in the lungs, which leads to pneumonia. Bordetella bronchiseptica Bacteria easily spread between dogs and can affect other pets easily.
2. Viral Infection:
Some common illnesses such as parainfluenza, canine flu, and canine adenovirus type-2 are viral infections illness cause respiratory tract infection and lead to pneumonia.
3. Chest Injury:
Chest injury caused by any means to dogs may lead them to pneumonia. Chest injury usually develops into a lung infection, and lung inflammation results in pneumonia.
Treatment of Pneumonia in Dogs:
- Pneumonia is a fatal illness and can only be treated under the supervision of a professional vet in the veterinary hospital. Please do not try self-medication. It will increase the severity.
- To treat pneumonia, your vet will prescribe certain medication includes antibiotics, antitussives, anti-inflammatories, bronchodilators, and expectorants. In severe cases of pneumonia, your vet will even use steroids to control the illness.
- Your vet will examine your pet with a schedule and will put your canine on a nebulizer to ensure smooth breathing and to loosen the mucus in the respiratory tract.
- The coupage technique may also be used to break up mucus inside the lungs.
FAQ:
How long does it take a dog to recover from Pneumonia?
Generally, the recovery of a dog suffering from pneumonia depends on the type of Pneumonia, the severity of the illness, and the immune system of your pet.
Canine suffering from Minor Pneumonia can be recovered quickly; however, in some types of pneumonia, canine take a long time to recover.
According to the veterinarians and our experts, normal dogs usually recover from pneumonia in few days to a few weeks depends on the medication, care, and illness condition.
How can I treat my dog’s Pneumonia at home?
Pneumonia is a life-threatening health issue that needs proper and immediate treatment under the supervision of a professional vet.
Servedogs Team does not recommend Home treatment for this fatal illness. Please take your furry friend to the vet in Pneumonia. The only thing we recommend proper care of the pet and providing safety measures and healthy food at home to recover fast.
Can dogs spread Pneumonia to other dogs?
Yes, dogs can spread pneumonia to other dogs. Bacterial infectious Pneumonia occurs due to the bacteria known as Bordetella bronchiseptica.
This bacteria can easily be spread to other dogs. These bacteria cause infection in the respiratory tract of the pooch and lead to kennel cough and Pneumonia.
Will my dog, recover from Pneumonia?
Yes, Pneumonia in dogs is recoverable. Proper treatment and the use of scheduled medication can recover your dog from Pneumonia. Please make sure timely and proper treatment if your dog is suffering from Pneumonia.
Don’t delay, and don’t try any home treatment. Delaying in treatment can lead your canine to death.
How long will a dog cough with Pneumonia?
Fever and minor cough are among the initial symptoms of pneumonia in dogs. As the illness came in strength, these symptoms become worse. Dogs usually cough from the beginning to the end of Pneumonia.
In severe cases, the minor cough develops into the kennel cough. With proper treatment, your dogs will recover from the cough within 7 to 12 days.
How do I know if my dog has fluid in his lungs?
Lungs naturally do not contain fluid it only has air sacs. The presence of Fluid and pus in the lungs sacs are the major cause of Pneumonia. If you notice in the X-ray that your dog has fluid in the lungs, then this is the sign that your dog is suffering from pneumonia.
If a pup has fluid in the lungs, he will develop the below signs and symptoms.
- Coughing.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Wheezing.
- Runny nose
- Nasal whistling
- Irregular breathing
- Open mouth breathing.
- Restlessness
Can a dog get Pneumonia from being cold?
Yes, dogs can get Pneumonia from being cold. Cold weather brings a lot of difficulties for pet owners. A warm respiratory tract considers healthy. In cold weather, the decrease in the humidity and dry air has a bad effect on the puppy’s respiratory tract, and their bronchial tube can constrict. Due to this, an infection in the respiratory tract can occur. You need to follow winter safety tips and also use Dog pneumonia humidifier for your pet.