Can dogs also get asthma

In the days spent with dogs, they are always full of vitality, either running and playing happily, or acting cute at your feet. But one day, if you find that your dog is breathing rapidly and occasionally making strange wheezing sounds, your heart will inevitably skip a beat and you can't help but wonder: can dogs also get asthma? This issue not only touches the hearts of every dog lover, but also concerns the health and happiness of dogs.

The answer is yes, dogs can indeed develop asthma. Asthma in dogs is mainly manifested as chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract. Similar to human asthma, during asthma attacks in dogs, the trachea and bronchi may contract and swell, leading to airway narrowing and affecting normal gas exchange, causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing in dogs.

The reasons for dogs suffering from asthma are quite complex. Allergies are one of the common triggers. Many substances in daily life can become allergens, such as pollen, dust, mold, certain foods, etc. When dogs come into contact with these allergens, their immune system recognizes them as harmful foreign substances and initiates an immune response. During this process, the body releases chemicals such as histamine, which can stimulate the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and tracheal constriction, ultimately leading to asthma attacks. Imagine during the pollen dispersal season, when a dog goes out to play and suddenly starts coughing and wheezing frequently, it is likely that allergy to pollen triggers asthma.

Genetic factors also play a role in the onset of asthma in dogs. Some dog breeds, such as Pomeranians, Poodles, Beagle, etc., may have a higher genetic susceptibility to asthma compared to other dog breeds. If a dog's parents or ancestors have individuals with asthma, its risk of developing asthma will also increase accordingly. Like some hereditary diseases in families, these dogs require more attention and care from their owners from birth.

In addition to allergies and genetics, environmental factors cannot be ignored. Long term living in an environment filled with smoke and high levels of chemicals can severely irritate a dog's respiratory tract. For example, if someone smokes at home, harmful substances such as nicotine and tar in the smoke can damage the respiratory mucosa of dogs; In newly renovated houses, the volatilization of chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene may also become a trigger for dog asthma.

When dogs suffer from asthma, a series of obvious symptoms will appear. Cough is one of the most common symptoms, which can be occasional mild cough or frequent severe cough, especially after exercise, excitement, or exposure to allergens, where coughing becomes more pronounced. Wheezing is also a typical symptom of asthma, and dogs make a sound similar to a bellows when breathing, which sounds very difficult. Shortness of breath is also a common symptom, and dogs' breathing rate will significantly increase, and may even experience mouth opening breathing, severe abdominal fluctuations, and other situations. Some dogs may also experience symptoms of mental fatigue and loss of appetite. Originally lively and active, they become lethargic and lose interest in play and food.

If a dog is found to have the above symptoms, it is necessary to take it to a pet hospital for examination in a timely manner. Veterinarians usually conduct detailed consultations to understand the dog's living environment, dietary habits, family medical history, and other information, in order to make preliminary judgments on possible causes. Next, a comprehensive physical examination will be conducted, including auscultation of lung respiratory sounds, examination of nasal and oral cavities, etc. In order to further confirm the diagnosis, chest X-ray examination may also be performed to observe the morphology and structure of the lungs and determine whether there are abnormal conditions such as inflammation and emphysema; Blood routine examination can provide information on a dog's white blood cell count, eosinophil ratio, etc., helping to determine whether there is an allergic reaction; Bronchoalveolar lavage examination can directly obtain cellular and fluid samples from the respiratory tract for cytological analysis, determining the type and degree of inflammation.

Once a dog is diagnosed with asthma, treatment is urgent. The main purpose of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, control inflammation, and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Drug therapy is key, and commonly used drugs include bronchodilators, which can rapidly dilate the smooth muscles of the trachea and bronchi, alleviate wheezing symptoms, and make breathing in dogs smoother; Corticosteroids can alleviate respiratory inflammation, reduce airway sensitivity, and decrease the frequency of asthma attacks. During the treatment process, the owner should strictly follow the veterinarian's instructions and give the dog medication on time, without arbitrarily increasing or decreasing the dosage.

In addition to medication, improving the living environment of dogs is also crucial. Try to avoid dogs coming into contact with known allergens, maintain indoor cleanliness and good ventilation, and regularly clean dust and mold. If a dog is allergic to pollen, try to minimize outdoor activities during the pollen season; If you are allergic to food, you should adjust your diet in a timely manner. Provide a quiet and comfortable living space for dogs, avoiding them from being frightened and overly excited, as these factors can trigger asthma attacks.

Although dog asthma is a disease that worries its owners, as long as we understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment methods, and accompany dogs with love and patience, we can help them alleviate their pain and improve their quality of life. Watching the dog regain its former vitality and joyfully surround us, the joy and peace of mind cannot be described in words. Let's work together for the health of our dogs and spend every wonderful time with them.