Is Asthma in Dogs Real? What to Know About Canine Allergic Bronchitis

Asthma is a problem for people, but is it something that dogs have to deal with as well? Yes, dogs can have asthma, which is called allergic bronchitis in canines, and it comes with symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing.

Treatment for asthma in dogs typically involves steroids and inhalers, and it’s important to note that it’s essential to avoid allergens and to work with a vet to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

This article takes an in-depth look at a variety of veterinary and clinical studies that have been conducted on asthma in dogs, covering everything from how common it is to its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. It combines information from veterinarians and other animal experts with information from scientific research to give a complete picture of how this condition impacts dogs and what can be done to help them stay healthy.

What Is Canine Allergic Bronchitis?

Canine allergic bronchitis, which is also known as canine asthma, is similar to human asthma in that it is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and constriction of a dog’s airways, making it hard for them to breathe.

According to PetMD, asthma attacks in dogs are caused by allergies and result in the spasm of the small airways in the lungs, which leads to symptoms like coughing and wheezing.

Canine asthma is most common in small dogs, particularly those that are between the ages of 2 and 8. While there is no definitive proof of a genetic link to specific breeds, common risk factors include exposure to environmental allergens, such as pollen, cigarette smoke, and household cleaning products.

The chronic nature of canine asthma can have a major impact on a dog’s life. It is important to catch the condition early and provide ongoing care to prevent serious complications and long-term lung damage, as VSCOT points out.

A veterinary hospital in Huntersville, North Carolina, explains that while there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms, the best way to help dogs with asthma is to manage their environment to reduce their exposure to allergens and, in turn, reduce the frequency and severity of their asthma attacks.

Early intervention by a vet can improve a dog’s prognosis, which is why it is so important to know and recognize the symptoms of this respiratory condition.

Canine Asthma Symptoms and Diagnosis

Recognizing the symptoms of canine asthma is important to ensure that your pet gets the care and treatment they need to live a happy and healthy life. Symptoms of asthma in dogs include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance.

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance also points out that dogs may pant excessively, breathe with their mouths open, and in severe cases, have blue gums due to a lack of oxygen. These symptoms are distressing and will often lead to a thorough examination by a veterinarian.

Diagnosing asthma in dogs can be challenging for veterinarians. Carolina Veterinary Specialists and Kinston Vets explain that veterinarians will work to eliminate other respiratory issues such as heart disease, bacterial infections, and parasites that can cause similar symptoms. Imaging studies, especially chest X-rays, are important for differentiating allergic bronchitis from other conditions.

However, it’s important to note that a veterinarian is the only one who can accurately diagnose asthma in dogs and create a treatment plan. This will ensure that your pet gets the care they need and that you can effectively manage their condition. A thorough diagnosis is important to ensure that you can move forward with the right treatment and management of your dog’s asthma.

How to Treat Canine Asthma

The most important part of treating canine asthma is the use of medication, including corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation in the airways, while bronchodilators, like albuterol, are used to relax the bronchial muscles, which makes it easier for dogs to breathe. Inhalers, which are commonly used in humans, can be adapted for dogs by using special attachments that help ensure the correct dosage.

In addition to medication, it is also important to avoid environmental triggers to prevent asthma attacks. According to Lake Cross Veterinary, common triggers include pollen, mold, cigarette smoke, and household cleaning products. Pet parents can help their dogs by keeping their living spaces clean and well-ventilated and limiting their exposure to these irritants.

In the long term, it is important to make sure that your dog is seeing the vet regularly to monitor their condition and make any necessary changes to their treatment plan.

Changes to their environment, such as keeping their living space free of dust and avoiding known allergens, can make a big difference in the management of canine asthma and improve a dog’s overall quality of life. By combining treatment with management, pet parents can help their dogs breathe easier and live a happier, healthier life.

The Genetics of Canine Asthma

Although allergic bronchitis is not as common in dogs as it is in people, certain breeds of dogs have been shown to have a predisposition to asthma.

The exact prevalence in dogs is not well-documented, but veterinarians have noted cases of the condition in their practices that range in severity.

A more recent study of human asthma, published in PMC, found that there is a strong genetic component to asthma, with estimates that genetic factors contribute between 35% and 90% to asthma susceptibility. This suggests that there may be a genetic component to asthma in dogs, especially since they live in the same environment as humans.

Another study published in PMC delves into the genetic factors of asthma and finds that there are multiple genes that interact to determine susceptibility to the condition, which further suggests that dogs may have similar genetic factors.

Meanwhile, a study published in ScienceDirect has identified specific genetic factors, including those in the 17q12–21 locus, that may contribute to asthma susceptibility. Interestingly, the risk of asthma in people with these genetic factors has been shown to be reduced by factors like owning a dog in infancy.

Breeders need to be aware of these genetic factors because they are so important to the health of dogs. This information can help them make informed decisions about breeding and help them develop early intervention plans that may help reduce the number of asthma-related conditions in breeds that are susceptible to the condition. This also emphasizes the importance of considering both genetic and environmental factors in the care and well-being of dogs.

Environmental Triggers and Their Role in Canine Allergic Bronchitis

Environmental factors are a big part of managing canine allergic bronchitis, which is essentially asthma in dogs. This condition is often triggered by indoor allergens like dust mites and outdoor allergens like pollen, which a study in PMC found can cause severe asthma exacerbations. Cigarette smoke and air pollutants are also known to make asthma worse, which shows that it’s important for dogs with this condition to live in a clean environment.

This is especially important since the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry lists reducing exposure to environmental allergens and irritants as one of the main goals in treating asthma. The role of where a dog lives is also important, as urban environments can lead to more exposure to pollutants, while rural environments can lead to more exposure to pollen and mold, as a study in PLOS ONE points out.

In order to reduce exposure to these allergens, dog owners can keep indoor humidity low to discourage dust mites, use air purifiers, and avoid smoking around their pets. Regular cleaning can also help reduce the presence of potential triggers in the home. By recognizing and addressing these environmental factors, dog owners can work to keep their pets from having allergic reactions and keep them healthy and happy.

Putting It All Together: A New Leash on Life for Dogs With Asthma

As this article has shown, there are many similarities between canine asthma, or allergic bronchitis, and human asthma, from the allergens that cause the condition to the medications used to treat it, such as corticosteroids and inhalers.

The experts at Kinston Vets and Lake Cross Veterinary stress the importance of being able to spot the signs of asthma in dogs, which include a persistent cough, wheezing, and labored breathing. If you see these signs, it’s important to get your dog to the vet right away to avoid permanent lung damage and ensure a high quality of life.

The importance of management and prevention can’t be overstated. The experts at Tucson Vet stress the importance of avoiding known triggers and keeping a clean home. It’s also important to consult with a vet before giving your dog any medications, as they will need to be given the right dosage and type.

Finally, it’s important to continue to study canine asthma. By increasing awareness and understanding, we can come up with better ways to intervene and care for our pets. As we learn more about this condition, we can help our dogs breathe easier and live their best lives.