Veterinary Medicine Asthma In Dogs

The main symptoms of asthma in dogs is usually lethargy and loss of appetite, or more obviously, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The main causes of canine asthma usually come from allergens, such as house dust, air pollution and cigarette smoke. Cat litter is also a major cause of asthma attacks in dogs as well as people. Unfortunately, dogs cannot tell you how they are feeling so if you suspect your dog has asthma, you need to be especially alert and take him to the vet as soon as possible. Of course, your dog’s lack of energy or loss of appetite could be something entirely different, such as pneumonia, and is therefore important to have your vet offer up a proper diagnosis. A chest x-ray will usually be employed to confirm or deny asthma either way.

If your pet has been diagnosed as being asthmatic, there may be some big changes needed, including veterinary medicine asthma in dogs and perhaps a change in environment. Treatment options for asthma in dogs most commonly come in the form of antihistamines, bronchodilators, or steroids. Sometimes, a combination of all three is used, while a severe attack made need the injection of epinephrine. Bronchodilators (inhalers) are very effective and have been used in humans for decades to open up the bronchial passage following an attack. Steroids usually have side effects, although for more serious cases there may be no alternative. Natural products, such as Fresh Aire Lung Formula, clean out the lungs in dogs and cats and have been used to some success.

There is a variety of oral medications to treat COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in dogs, with antihistamines by way of inhaler being one of the most effective. Another option is to use the drug theophylline, which smoothes out the bronchial muscles, although it does come with a certain amount of side effects. Steroids are generally in pill form to reduce bronchial inflammation and tame a severe attack. Herbal remedies can also ease bronchial swelling, including licorice and marshmallow roots. Of course, your pet cannot administer veterinary medicine asthma in dogs meds themselves, meaning you need to keep a special eye on them and administer when necessary. Fortunately, inhalers have now been manufactured to fit a dog’s muzzle to offer immediate relief through the antihistamine. In addition, pet owners can also inject epinephrine themselves.

Trial and error is generally part and parcel of getting the right treatment for veterinary medicine asthma in dogs, although your vet is the best place to start.

Order medication for your pet now from 1-800-PetMeds, America’s largest pet pharmacy. They deliver prescription and non-prescription pet medications along with health and nutritional supplements at substantial savings, direct to the consumer. 1-800-PetMeds guarantees the lowest prices on all your pet's health care needs. Shop their online store and get Free Shipping on all orders over $39 - simply click on the banner below!

Note: The owner of this website is an affiliate of the products promoted.