Pneumonia in dogs is a condition that is often quite alarming at first. Despite this, if it is detected in time, it is normal for our furry friend to recover in a few weeks.
One of the most frequent doubts is whether pneumonia can be transmitted to humans. In this Dogsis article we will give you the answer and we will explain what types of pneumonia exist, what symptoms they have and how they are treated.
In addition we will give you some useful tips on how to care for a sick dog with pneumonia, so that it recovers faster and better.
Index of contents
- 1 Causes and types of canine pneumonia
- 1.1 Pneumonia in small dogs and newborns
- 2 What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
- 3 Treatment to cure pneumonia in dogs
- 3.1 Canine pneumonia spread to humans?
- 4 Care for a dog sick with pneumonia
Causes and types of canine pneumonia
The first thing we should know is that pneumonia in dogs is an inflammation of the lungs and airways, which can occur for very different causes. Depending on the area of the lung that is affected, we can distinguish between one type or another of pneumonia.
The most common cause of this disease is usually related to infectious agents, such as canine distemper virus or the canine influenza virus. But it’s not always like this. Sometimes pneumonia may be caused by harmful substances (chemical pneumonia), due to defects in the dog or due to the presence of foreign bodies such as seeds or parasites.
In these last cases we will be facing pneumonia of non-infectious cause. Furthermore, this condition can also be classified according to the predominant cells or the reaction it causes in the lung.
Be that as it may, it is important that the veterinaryn can determine the type of pneumonia that is so that the treatment is the most appropriate in each case. To do this, you must first carry out a series of diagnostic tests. But which dogs is most affected by this condition?
Pneumonia in small dogs and newborns
In general, it is rare for a healthy adult dog to have pneumonia. Yes it is more frequent in puppies, in elderly dogs and among those with chronic diseases.
For newborns, there is a specific type of pneumonia: aspiration or inhalation pneumonia, which occurs when aspirating or inhaling an infected liquid.
What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
Despite the fact that the symptoms of canine pneumonia can vary in each case, the most characteristic are:
- Fever
- Apathy or depression
- Loss of appetite
- Sneezing and wet cough, with phlegm or snot
- Accelerated breathing and rapid pulse
- Thick nasal discharge
- Trouble breathing
If this set of symptoms occurs in the dog, take it to the vet as soon as possible so they can examine it and carry out the corresponding tests. Only then can you get out of doubt.
In order to diagnose and confirm or rule out pneumonia, radiographs, blood tests, and other tests like a bronchoscopy, a procedure that allows you to see the airway and collect samples of secretions and tissues.
Treatment to cure pneumonia in dogs
Depending on the severity and type of canine pneumonia, the vet will recommend a treatment for each case. The usual thing, in bacterial pneumonia, is that antibiotics are prescribed for a minimum of three weeks. Dogs with pneumonia caused by a viral, fungal, or parasitic infection may require other specific medications.
During the treatment it is important that we are especially vigilant and that we follow the instructions that the professional indicates to the letter. We make special emphasis on this point because pneumonia, if complicated, can lead to chronic disease and, in the most extreme cases, the dog can die.
Canine pneumonia spread to humans?
As we have seen throughout this article, pneumonia in dogs can be of very different types and only those caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites can be spread.
However, almost all the agents involved in pneumonia in dogs are exclusive to that species, so it is highly unlikely that pneumonia can spread to humans.
Care for a dog sick with pneumonia
When caring for a dog with pneumonia, there are several guidelines to follow that can help you recover. The main cares that your furry companion will need are:
- An appropriate diet that satisfies you, because what we want is for you to eat.
- Provide you a warm, quiet and comfortable place.
- Administer the medication indicated by a professional, without skipping any dose.
- If the environment is very dry, try to keep the dog’s airways humidified.
Following these indications we will be able to have more vigilance and better control the state in which it is. If there are signs of worsening, don’t even think about it: go back to the vet as many times as necessary until our friend has recovered.
In most cases, dogs with mild pneumonia have a very good prognosis. The key, in fact, is that the cause that causes it is well identified and eliminated, so that, after treatment, this condition no longer returns.