Can dogs have asthma?

Prevalence | Causes | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Dog asthma attacks | Prevention | Treatment | Treatment costs

Asthma is a common condition in humans—especially children. It affects the lungs and causes airway inflammation. Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. If untreated, asthma attacks can be life-threatening. It can be triggered by a variety of things including exercise, allergies, irritants, weather, smoke, illness, poor air quality, and even cold air. 

Even though you may think of asthma as a human disease, it turns out your furry best friends are also susceptible. Read on to learn how to spot symptoms of asthma in dogs, how to treat it, and how to prevent attacks. Catching asthma early can help your pets live their lives to the fullest. 

Asthma in dogs

Asthma can occur in dogs of all breeds and sizes, but some breeds are more likely to have asthma than others.  “Small dog breeds seem to be more susceptible to asthma than larger breeds,” says Chyrle Bonk, DVM, a veterinarian working with Hepper. 

More specifically, Megan Conrad, BVMS, a veterinarian with Hello Ralphie, says: “Some statistics indicate that small and toy breed dogs, as well as flat-faced breeds, can be more prone to this condition.” Their particular genetic makeup and shape of their airway makes these types of dogs more likely to have asthma or other respiratory issues. 

Causes

While asthma in humans can have various causes, in dogs, asthma attacks are usually triggered by external irritants. “Asthma in dogs is also called allergic bronchitis, as it’s an allergic reaction to an environmental substance. The allergen causes inflammation in the dog’s respiratory system,” says Dr. Conrad. When the airway muscles constrict, dogs can have trouble breathing or being as active as they otherwise would be.

Your dog may have allergies that affect their skin, but when it comes to asthma, it “is an allergic condition caused by allergens that are inhaled,” Dr. Bonk says.

Common triggers include:

• Cigarette smoke 
• Air fresheners 
• Perfumes 
• Cleaning chemicals 
• Dust
• Mold 

You can help your pet avoid most irritants if you are aware of them. However, some are unavoidable. It’s important to know what specifically triggers your dog so you can be prepared. 

Does my dog have asthma?

Similar to in humans, asthma in dogs usually presents with respiratory symptoms. 

Look out for the following common signs of asthma in your dog:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Rapid or labored breathing
• Heavy panting

Asthma attack symptoms might include:

• Sudden difficulty breathing
• Loss of energy
• Loss of appetite
• Bluish tongue and gums

“Any difficulty breathing in your dog warrants immediate veterinary care,” Dr. Conrad advises. 

Diagnosis

If you think your dog might be asthmatic, make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. Your vet will want to do a full physical examination to assess your pet’s health. “Diagnosing asthma in dogs is usually done by ruling out other causes of the signs your dog is showing,” Dr. Bonk says. “A thorough exam and history will be done as well as possibly blood work to check for parasites. X-rays are also often done to visualize any changes in the lungs.”

Some serious conditions with similar symptoms your doctor will rule out include:

• Heart disease 
• Collapsing trachea 
• Heartworm disease
• Bacterial infections
• Laryngeal paralysis 

It’s important to notice and report any changes in your pet’s health as well as any environmental factors that might contribute to respiratory issues. Stay up to date on immunizations and heartworm testing so you can maintain your pet’s overall health and easily rule out these preventable conditions. 

Asthma attacks: What to do

Asthma attacks can be scary for the pet and owner. “Attacks are handled by keeping your dog as calm as possible, removing the irritant if possible, and contacting your vet,” says Dr. Bonk. If your dog has a mild attack at home, Dr. Conrad says you can treat it with an inhaler or nebulizer that has been previously prescribed. For severe asthma attack symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Make sure you have your vet’s phone number handy and a list of potential emergency vets for after hours in case you need assistance with your dog’s asthma attacks. 

How to treat asthma in dogs

Properly managing asthma is very important for ensuring your pet has their best quality of life. “Asthma can cause permanent damage to the lungs if it isn’t treated properly. Severe attacks can cause death if a dog doesn’t get enough oxygen,” says Dr. Bonk. An asthma treatment plan usually includes two parts: prevention and medication.

Prevention

In both humans and dogs, prevention is better than managing frequent attacks. “Asthma in dogs is best treated by preventing attacks,” says Dr. Bonk. Dr. Conrad recommends taking the following steps:

• Avoid known irritants
• Use a HEPA filter in your house
• Don’t smoke around your dog or use a wood-burning fireplace
• Use dust-free cat litter if you have cats
• Wash your dog’s bedding frequently
• Avoid burning incense or scented candles
• Be mindful of cleaning products that might exacerbate your dog’s asthma symptoms

If outdoor allergens are a trigger, try to exercise your dog at times when pollen counts are low.

Medication

“If your dog knowingly has asthma, they may be prescribed an inhaler that will relax their airways,” says Dr. Bonk. Common inhalant medications include fluticasone propionate, known by the brand name Flovent, and albuterol sulfate, also called by its brand name, Ventolin. These medications can be used as a daily preventative inhaler, like in the case of fluticasone, or in the case of albuterol, as a fast acting rescue inhaler during an asthma attack. It’s important to note: You should never use a human inhaler on your pet as the dosage and medication may be toxic.

It might be difficult to get your dog to use an inhaler. “Your vet may also prescribe anti-inflammatories to decrease inflammation in the lungs to help your dog breathe easier and decrease permanent damage to the lungs,” says Dr. Bonk. Antihistamines like Benadryl or steroids like prednisone might also help prevent attacks. While some anti-inflammatory steroids or antihistamines may be available for humans or over-the-counter, always consult your pet’s veterinarian before starting a new medication. 

How much does dog asthma treatment cost?

Asthma treatment in dogs is mostly about prevention, but you should plan to budget for visits to the vet and medications. SingleCare is a way to save on asthma meds that are prescribed to both humans and pets like bronchodilators, antihistamines, and steroids.

You might also consider pet insurance for your animals. Keep in mind, though, “Whether or not asthma is covered by pet insurance will depend on the policy. Most pet insurance companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, so if your dog has already been diagnosed with asthma, chances are it won’t be covered unless you purchase additional riders,” Dr. Bonk says. “Other insurance policies may cover treatment but only up to a certain amount. Read the fine print before purchasing a pet insurance policy to determine if dog asthma is covered or not.” 

RELATED: Should you get pet insurance?

With or without pet insurance, always keep up to date on your pet’s vet examinations and check-ups to make sure your furry friend is breathing easily. With proper care and treatment from loving pet parents, your dog will have fewer attacks and can live the active life of a dog without asthma.