Various diseases that humans can have are common in our furry friends as well. One of them is pneumonia, characterized by inflammation of the lungs as a result of bacteria, parasites or allergens, among others.
It is very important to know what measures to take so that the animal recovers as soon as possible. For this reason, We are going to explain everything about pneumonia in dogs.
What causes it in dogs?
Pneumonia in dogs is mainly caused by parasites, allergens, smoke or food inhalation, among others. In newborn puppies that are being fed with a syringe it is also frequent, since with this accessory the furry not only swallow air but also runs the risk of the ingested milk passing into the respiratory tract.
To prevent the little ones from having problems, it is very important to give them a bottle specially designed for them that we can find in any pet store and in veterinary clinics. Likewise, it must be held by the belly, and never put on its back as if it were a human baby.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of pneumonia in these magnificent animals are the following:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Anorexia
- Wet cough as a result of fluid in the lungs
- Rapid breathing during or after moderate exercise
- Sometimes a runny nose
In case we suspect that he has pneumonia, he should be taken to the vet as soon as possible.
How do you make the diagnostic?
The veterinary professional will X-rays, blood tests, or a bronchoscopy In order to be able to make the correct diagnosis according to the condition and symptoms that our dog shows.
Which is the treatment?
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the vet will to start treating it with antibiotics, probably for a few weeks until you see improvement. Although coughing is a symptom that may seem very annoying and unpleasant for the dog, he will not prescribe cough suppressants since coughing clears the lungs; On the other hand, what it can give you are mucolytics to expel the nasal secretions.
It is very important to follow their instructions and advice to the letter; otherwise, we could worsen the health of the animal, and even put it in serious danger of death.
How to care for a dog with pneumonia?
From the first moment we return home after the specialist has given us the diagnosis and treatment for our dog, it is necessary that we do the following:
- Try to eliminate the causes that predispose the appearance of pneumonia symptoms. For example: if they appear due to pollen, what will be done is to avoid taking it out for a walk during the central hours of the day and in the mornings, since it is when there is the highest concentration of pollen.
- Provide you with a warm environment; otherwise, you could catch cold and become more ill.
- Buy humidifiers. Thus, we will ensure that your airways will be humidified.
- Offer him adequate nutrition, without cereals. It must be remembered that it is a carnivorous animal, and that therefore it needs to eat meat so that its body and health improve.
If it worsens, you have to take it back to the vet as soon as possible.
Is it contagious to humans?
We are probably wondering if pneumonia in dogs is contagious to humans, but we don't have to worry about that 🙂. The pathogens that cause diseases among furry animals are different from those that affect us humans, so we can rest easy.
Have you had any doubts? If so, leave them written in the comments and we will solve them for you.