11 Mar The Most Common Respiratory Diseases in Dogs (Part 1)

For a dog owner, there’s nothing more frightened than seeing that his dog can’t breathe or get choked! Dogs, like any living creature, may have different diseases, and a variety of respiratory problems are also considered as the most common dog diseases. In this article, we’re going to talk about the most common types of respiratory diseases of dogs and explain symptoms, how to diagnose, treat and prevent these diseases. So stay tuned.

Respiratory diseases and problems in dogs

The runny nose and eye or short cough are the main characteristics of the problem in the dog’s respiratory tract. Of course, sometimes coughing dogs is confused with nausea and vomiting, and its owner thinks that his dog is vomiting, or something is stuck in his throat and he may get choked. The main danger of respiratory diseases in dogs is that they’re severely contagious. These viruses can pass through the air and spread between the dogs. Dog respiratory diseases can’t be transferred to humans, But people can transmit this disease to a healthy dog by contacting the infected dog then the next dog.

Therefore, dogs that live in animal shelters and boarding houses need more care and precautions. In these places, it is better to wash your hands after each contact with the dog to prevent the transmission of the disease to others. Infectious diseases of the dog are in the area of ​​the respiratory system such as cannabis and pneumonia, infections of the respiratory tract and lungs. These diseases are usually caused by a virus or bacteria and have symptoms similar to the common cold. In mild cases, the dog’s immune system fights the infection, and the dog with the respiratory illness recovers within one to three weeks. But in more severe cases, the dog may become endangered or become chronically ill and cause problems for the dog for the rest of his life. Keeping dogs in a small environment such as shelters usually provides a good environment for the spread of these infectious respiratory diseases.

The cause of the dog’s respiratory problem

Lung and respiratory tract disorders are usually caused by direct infection with a virus, bacterium, fungus or parasite. Inhalation of irritants or toxins can also cause the dog’s immune system to react. Accidents and severe injuries (such as a car accident) can also cause damage and collapse of the lungs and respiratory tract and cause severe problems in dogs. Bacteria always live in the nasal passages, throat, trachea, and sometimes in the lungs, without any symptoms. These bacteria cause problems when the dog’s immune system is weakened by other infections such as distemper or parainfluenza, lung irritation (such as cigarette smoke or toxic gases) or other diseases (such as heart failure or lung tumours).

Keeping dogs in small environments such as shelters and boarding houses usually provides a good environment for the spread of infectious respiratory diseases. But by taking care of your dog, getting vaccinated on time, visiting the vet regularly, as well as choosing a valid and standard boarding house if you need to, you can largely prevent these respiratory problems from occurring.

Symptoms of respiratory disease in dogs

Each of the dogs’ respiratory illnesses and problems may have its symptoms. As a dog owner, you should be familiar with them. However, depending on the type and severity of the dog’s respiratory problems, other symptoms such as fever, weakness and lethargy, loss of appetite and other unusual behaviours may also occur. Consult a veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. In general, any disease that affects the dog’s respiratory system usually causes the following symptoms:

• Cough
• Difficulty breathing and suffocation in dogs
• Shortness of breath
• Nasal congestion
• Inability to be physically active and mobile
• Fainting and anesthesia
• Wheezing
• Blue gums

Respiratory symptoms are very disturbing and may cause panic in the dog owner. Most respiratory problems get better within 2-10 days, and the dog’s immune system and supportive care are adequate for treatment. But in cases where you see the following symptoms, be sure to take your dog to a veterinarian or hospital:

• If your dog’s cough gets worse or lasts a week or two and doesn’t get better.
• In addition to coughing, the dog is lethargic and no longer eats
• If a lot of discharge comes out of his eyes