When people say dogs are a person’s best friend, they’re spot on. These lovable pups win over our hearts by being adorable. We create countless happy moments together through playtime, gentle strokes, or snuggle sessions.
That’s why it hits us so hard when our four-legged companions face health issues. It’s heartbreaking to watch them suffer. Just like people, dogs can get asthma, which is marked by swollen, tight airways in these animals.
If we want to support our canine pals, recognizing dog asthma signs is the first step. For those keen to learn more, keep reading. Discovering dog asthma symptoms could save your pet’s life!
How dog asthma works
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the paths leading to dog lungs, causes the airways to narrow. This narrowing makes breathing difficult for dogs with this condition and can lead to various respiratory signs.
Exposure to allergens, irritants, or other factors can trigger inflammation in these airways. Things like pollen, dust, smoke, household cleaning products, certain foods, and even stress are known to cause dog asthma. Ask your local pet store for more information.
Constant coughing
Coughing is a primary sign of asthma in dogs. The cough usually sounds like a dry hack and produces no mucus. How often a dog coughs varies; some cough occasionally, while others cough all day. Activity or excitement worsens coughing, which can be harsh on your pet.
The cough often gets louder at night, which can be upsetting and interrupt both your and your dog’s sleep. Regular coughing is important to note, as it could point to asthma in your dog. If you think your dog has asthma, see a vet immediately.
Wheezing
Dogs cough and wheeze. When your dog wheezes, it makes a high-pitched sound, like whistling or rattling, because the air passages are tight. Loudness can change. It might be soft or very noticeable. When mucus blocks air from moving freely or when the muscles around the breathing tubes tighten too much, wheezing can worsen.
If you hear a sharp, whistling, or rattling noise when your dog breathes, that’s wheezing. Coughing might be problematic if your dog tries clearing mucus or other bothersome things from its breathing tubes. Your dog might breathe fast and seem uneasy.
If you spot any of these signs, see your vet immediately. They are best suited to caring for your pet’s health.
Lethargy
Dogs sometimes feel extremely tired and lack energy, which we call lethargy. This can make your dog seem unusually inactive, showing no interest in everyday activities and not wanting to move much. Remember that while dogs usually feel tired, ongoing lethargy is worrying. It may indicate that your dog has a health issue like asthma.
Asthma in dogs means their air passages become inflamed and narrow, challenging their breathing. Their bodies have to work extra hard to get enough oxygen, which can tire them out and lead to lethargy.
Persistent coughing and wheezing are other asthma signs in dogs and can accompany laziness. These signs can be stressful and upsetting for your pet. The weariness might come from the physical strain and discomfort of struggling to breathe. When this happens, your dog might eat less, making them even weaker.
Hastened breathing
If you notice your dog breathing faster than usual, it could be a sign that it has asthma. The dog’s breathing passages are swollen and constricted, making it challenging for the dog to take breaths in and let them out smoothly. This is a definite indication that something is not right with the dog’s lung health.
Your dog might take in breaths quickly, even when lying around. This happens because their body has to work harder to get air through the tight spaces in their airways. Dogs suffering from asthma often breathe heavily, and you might see their chest move more as they try hard to get enough air.
Remember, if you notice these signs of trouble with breathing, getting your dog to a vet is critical. Getting professional help early can prevent your pet’s worse health issues and save you long-term worry.
See more of my pet-related posts here
