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139 results for “dog respiratory”
How to Prevent Respiratory Infections in Dogs in Winter
Respiratory disease peaks in winter and during seasonal changes, and is the most common problem seen in clinics. By site it splits into upper respiratory tract (URT) and lower respiratory tract (LRT) infection. URT is mostly viral with secondary bacteria and causes nasal discharge, sneezing, and nosebleeds; LRT is mainly bacterial and brings cough and breathing trouble. Diagnosis separates viral from bacterial with blood work and chest X-rays, and treatment uses vaccines, antivirals, and antibiotics such as doxycycline and enrofloxacin, plus cough and fever control.
Colds in Dogs and Cats (Upper Respiratory Infection): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
A 'cold' in dogs and cats is an acute illness of the upper respiratory tract marked by nasal discharge, rapid breathing, and fever. It is often highly contagious and viral in origin, and is managed with supportive care and, when needed, antibiotics for secondary infection.
My dog has yellow pasty nasal discharge and kennel cough, diagnosed with upper respiratory infection and bronchitis — what medication should I give?
Upper respiratory infections in dogs are treated with medication and nebulization. Pet-specific broad-spectrum antibiotics and cough or phlegm-reducing medicines address the coughing and discharge, while nebulization helps in severe cases. Give medication only under veterinary guidance and adjust the plan as symptoms change.
Why Is Your Dog Coughing Without Producing Phlegm
A dry, hacking cough in dogs can stem from many sources, some harmless and some serious. Common causes include respiratory infections, bronchitis, tracheal collapse, kennel cough, parasite infection, and allergies. Some cases ease on their own, but a cough driven by illness needs prompt treatment to avoid worsening. Because the exact cause depends on the individual dog, observe the full picture and consult a veterinarian if you are unsure. Meanwhile, keep the living space clean and limit contact with other dogs to reduce spread and irritation.
Early Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs—and How to Prevent It
Dog heatstroke progresses through early warning signs, moderate fever, and severe shock, and the early stage is the easiest to miss—and the easiest to treat. Watch for constant open-mouth breathing with the tongue out and rapid shallow breaths, lethargy and slow responses, seeking shade and refusing to walk, thick stringy drool with a dry hot nose, and reddened, warm paw pads. Move the dog to a cool, airy spot and offer water in small amounts at the first sign; untreated, it can become critical within minutes. This article also covers which dogs are most at risk and practical prevention, from walking at dawn or dusk to never leaving a dog in a parked car.
What Are the Signs That a Dog Is Sick?
Dogs cannot tell us in words when they feel unwell, so owners must read the signals their bodies send. A sick dog may show a sudden drop in appetite, much less energy, or unusual tiredness after light play. Vomiting and diarrhea often point to digestive trouble, parasites, or infection, while heavy shedding beyond the normal amount can signal skin allergies, pests, or nutritional or hormonal problems. A temperature above 39.5°C, rapid or labored breathing, and a fast heartbeat suggest fever, respiratory or heart issues that need prompt care. Pain and discomfort can also change a dog's mood, making it withdrawn, anxious, or snappy. If you notice any of these signs, see a vet for diagnosis and a treatment plan. Prevention helps too: keep up with deworming and vaccines, feed balanced clean food, keep the home dry and sanitary, and add warmth during seasonal changes.
Why Is Your Dog Gasping or Breathing Rapidly?
Occasional rapid breathing or gasping is normal after exercise or in heat and settles quickly. But it can also signal disease: respiratory infection, a blocked esophagus, tracheal stenosis, or heart problems. If it is frequent or lasts long, see a veterinarian. Prevent issues by keeping air fresh, grooming and deworming regularly, avoiding smoke and strong odors, and scheduling routine checkups.
How Does Tracheal Stenosis Affect a Dog?
Tracheal stenosis is a common airway problem, especially in small breeds. The narrowed windpipe blocks airflow, causing labored breathing and exercise limits, and can lead to complications such as voice loss and respiratory infection, plus poor appetite, swallowing trouble, and weight loss. Mild cases are managed with airway-relaxing medication; severe ones need reconstructive surgery. Keep the air calm and avoid strenuous activity, and learn canine CPR for emergencies.
Why Does My Dog Pant Heavily at Night?
Brief panting after exercise, fever, excitement, or stress is normal, but frequent nighttime panting deserves attention. Common causes include respiratory disease (tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma), heart disease in obese or older dogs (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, heart failure), obesity pressing on the airways, poor sleep posture, and anxiety or bad dreams. If panting is frequent or comes with lethargy, low appetite, exercise intolerance, or coughing, see a vet. Keep the dog slim, the home clean and calm, and manage any weight issue.
Is It Unhealthy to Let Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed?
Letting a dog sleep next to you can hurt your sleep and health. Dogs hear and smell keenly and wake easily at small lights, sounds, or odors, then pace or bark and disturb you. The bacteria they carry can irritate your airways or skin, constant closeness can make the dog overly dependent and anxious, and there is a real risk of accidentally rolling onto or stepping on it. When possible, keep separate sleeping areas; otherwise vaccinate, deworm, bathe, and clean regularly, and move a sick dog elsewhere.