Pneumonia in Dogs: Vet Explained Causes, Signs & Care – 33rdsquare

Pneumonia in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide to Causes, Signs, and Treatment

As a dog lover and veterinarian, one of the most concerning illnesses I encounter in my canine patients is pneumonia. Seeing a dog struggling to breathe is heartbreaking, but prompt treatment can lead to a full recovery in most cases. In this in-depth guide, I‘ll help you understand the causes and signs of pneumonia in dogs so you know when to seek veterinary care for your furry friend.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a serious inflammation of the lungs that impairs normal respiratory function. The lungs contain a complex network of airways and tiny air sacs called alveoli where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged with the bloodstream. When a dog develops pneumonia, these air passages become inflamed and filled with fluid or pus, disrupting the crucial process of oxygenation.

As a result, dogs with pneumonia often exhibit difficulty breathing as they struggle to get enough oxygen. Their lungs can‘t expand properly, leading to shallow, rapid breaths. In severe cases, oxygen levels in the blood drop dangerously low which can be life-threatening.

While pneumonia can occur in dogs of any age, puppies, senior dogs, and those with underlying health problems are at higher risk. Certain breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs are also predisposed due to their unique facial anatomy. However, even healthy adult dogs can develop pneumonia given the right circumstances.

Signs of Pneumonia in Dogs

Since pneumonia impacts the respiratory system, the most tell-tale signs involve breathing abnormalities. If you notice any of the following symptoms in your dog, contact your veterinarian right away:

• Coughing (either dry and hacking or moist and productive)
• Difficult or labored breathing
• Rapid, shallow breaths
• Wheezing
• Blue or grey gums and tongue (a sign of oxygen deprivation)
• Nasal discharge
• Lethargy and weakness
• Fever
• Reduced appetite
• Exercise intolerance

Keep in mind that not all dogs will display every symptom. If your dog is showing any unusual breathing patterns or behaviors, err on the side of caution and have them checked out. Pneumonia is not a wait-and-see condition.

To help determine if your dog needs medical attention, it‘s useful to know their normal vital signs. The average healthy dog has a temperature between 99.5-102.5°F, a heart rate of 80-120 beats per minute, and takes 15-30 breaths per minute while resting. Their gums should be bubble gum pink and moist. Deviations from these norms warrant a visit to the vet.

What Causes Pneumonia in Dogs?

Now that we understand how pneumonia affects the lungs, let‘s dive into the various culprits behind this condition. By knowing the potential causes, you can take steps to help prevent your dog from becoming ill.

Viral Pneumonia

Just like humans, dogs can contract viral infections that lead to pneumonia. The most common offenders are:

• Canine distemper virus
• Canine influenza virus (dog flu)
• Canine parainfluenza virus
• Canine adenovirus type 2

These viruses are highly contagious and spread through respiratory secretions from infected dogs. Inhaling virus particles can cause inflammation and damage to the airways, creating an ideal environment for secondary bacterial infections to take hold in the lungs.

Preventing viral pneumonia starts with vaccination. Puppies should receive a series of distemper/parvo combination vaccines which protect against distemper and adenovirus type 2. Vaccines for canine influenza are also available and recommended for dogs at high exposure risk, such as those who frequent dog parks, boarding facilities, or dog shows.

Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia is the most common type seen in dogs. While it often occurs secondary to a viral infection, it can also develop independently. The bacteria responsible for most cases are:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Streptococcus species
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Mycoplasma species
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Dogs usually inhale these bacteria into their lungs where the organisms multiply and cause infection. Factors that increase the risk of bacterial pneumonia include a weakened immune system, an inhaled foreign body, and aspirating fluid or vomit into the lungs.

Pneumonia Caused by Parasites

Certain parasites can invade the respiratory tract and cause pneumonia, including:

• Lungworms (Oslerus osleri, Filaroides hirthi, Crenosoma vulpis, Paragonimus kellicotti)
• Migrating roundworm larvae (Toxocara canis)

Lungworms are contracted when dogs eat infected snails, slugs, or transport hosts. Puppies can develop roundworm pneumonia when migrating larvae get "lost" and end up in the lungs instead of the intestines. Thankfully, parasite-induced pneumonia is very rare in well cared for dogs.

Fungal Pneumonia

Fungal pneumonia occurs when dogs inhale fungal spores from contaminated soil or surfaces. The most commonly reported fungal causes include:

• Aspergillosis (Aspergillus species)
• Blastomycosis (Blastomyces dermatitidis)
• Valley Fever/Coccidioidomycosis (Coccidioides immitis)
• Cryptococcosis (Cryptococcus neoformans)
• Histoplasmosis (Histoplasma capsulatum)

Dogs with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to fungal pneumonia, but healthy dogs who live in or travel to endemic regions can also be affected. Valley Fever, for example, is commonly seen in the Southwestern United States.

Aspiration Pneumonia

Sometimes, dogs accidentally inhale fluid, food, or vomit into their lungs which causes aspiration pneumonia. At-risk dogs include those who:

• Have laryngeal paralysis or other swallowing disorders
• Are sedated for surgery/procedures
• Receive liquid medication or syringe feedings improperly
• Have frequent vomiting episodes
• Are fed via a feeding tube
• Have a cleft palate or other anatomic defects

Brachycephalic dog breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, and Boston Terriers are especially prone to aspiration due to their elongated soft palates which can interfere with swallowing. Megaesophagus, a disorder where the esophagus loses muscle tone and dilates, also increases the risk.

Eosinophilic Pneumonia

Eosinophilic pneumonia is an uncommon type of pneumonia caused by an allergic reaction in the lungs. When dogs inhale an irritating substance like pollen, mold spores, or parasite larvae, their immune system releases specialized white blood cells called eosinophils to attack the foreign invader.

As eosinophils accumulate in the lung tissue, they release inflammatory chemicals that damage the airways and cause fluid accumulation. This type of pneumonia is most often seen in younger to middle-aged dogs and certain geographical regions.

Treating Pneumonia in Dogs

The key to a positive outcome for dogs with pneumonia is early, aggressive treatment. If your dog is showing signs of respiratory distress, see your veterinarian or go to an emergency clinic immediately. They will perform a thorough physical exam and likely recommend some combination of the following:

• Oxygen therapy – Dogs with significantly low blood oxygen levels may need to be hospitalized in an oxygen cage or have a nasal oxygen catheter placed to support their breathing.

• Antibiotics – Broad-spectrum antibiotics are typically prescribed to combat bacterial infections. If fungal pneumonia is suspected, anti-fungal medications may be used instead.

• Fluid therapy – IV fluids help correct dehydration, provide essential electrolytes, and keep mucus secretions moist to aid in their clearance.

• Nebulization – Breathing in a fine mist of saline or medication can help break up thick mucus secretions and soothe irritated airways.

• Coupage – Tapping on the chest wall dislodges mucus plugs and makes them easier to cough up.

• Bronchodilators – These inhaled medications relax constricted airways to improve air flow.

The prognosis for dogs with pneumonia depends on the underlying cause, severity, and response to treatment. Most dogs who receive prompt care will recover within a few weeks with no lasting consequences. However, those with aspiration pneumonia, fungal infections, or severe cases tend to have a more guarded prognosis.

Frequent rechecks are essential to ensure your dog‘s lungs are healing properly. Be prepared to continue antibiotics for several weeks and restrict exercise until they are back to 100%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I give my dog over-the-counter cough medicine?

A: No, human cough suppressants can be toxic to dogs. Never give your dog any medication without first consulting your veterinarian. Coughing is a protective reflex that helps clear the airways, so suppressing it is not always beneficial.

Q: How can I prevent my dog from getting pneumonia?

A: While not all cases are preventable, you can reduce your dog‘s risk with a few simple steps:

1. Keep your dog up to date on core vaccinations as recommended by your vet. Consider the canine influenza vaccine if your dog is frequently exposed to other dogs.

2. Don‘t let your dog drink from puddles or standing water which can harbor bacteria and parasites.

3. Keep your home clean and well-ventilated to minimize dust, pollen, and mold exposure.

4. If your dog is prone to vomiting or regurgitation, talk to your vet about management options to reduce the risk of aspiration.

5. Avoid high-risk environments like crowded kennels during a known outbreak of respiratory infection.

Real-Life Recovery Story

Earlier this year, a 3-month-old French Bulldog puppy named Winston came into our clinic with a horrible cough and raspy breathing. His little chest heaved with each breath and his gums were pale grey. We immediately started him on oxygen and ran some tests.

X-rays showed patchy spots throughout Winston‘s lungs, a classic sign of pneumonia. Given his age and breed, aspiration was the most likely cause. We placed an IV catheter and started fluids, antibiotics, and nebulization treatments. He spent a few nights in our oxygen cage.

After a week of intensive care, Winston turned the corner. His breathing normalized, his appetite returned, and he started wagging his tail again. We sent him home with a few more weeks of oral antibiotics and strict rest. At his one-month recheck, you‘d never know he had been so sick! His lungs were clear and he was back to being a rambunctious puppy.

Winston‘s case highlights the importance of prompt treatment for pneumonia, especially in high-risk dogs. Had his owner waited a few days, he may not have survived. Whenever you notice coughing or breathing changes in your dog, call your vet right away. With proper care, most dogs with pneumonia will make a full recovery.