June 2015 archive

Can Dogs Have Asthma?

Most people understand that dogs and other pets can cause problems for people who have allergies and that they can aggravate asthma symptoms in those who are affected. But can dogs have asthma and other allergies? Yes, they can!

Just like humans, pets can be allergic to airborne particulates and those things can also exacerbate canine asthma. Allergic bronchitis, the most common form of asthma in dogs, is a condition that results from the inflammation and constriction of the air passage in the lungs called bronchi. As the lungs become inflamed, the body responds by producing mucous which further obstructs normal breathing. This almost always manifests as shortness of breath, wheezing, and violent coughing. In some cases it can cause loss of appetite and if not treated, canine asthma can sometimes be fatal.

If your dog exhibits these symptoms, you should take your dog to the vet. Since these symptoms can also be indicative of other respiratory problems it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. Once you receive an asthma diagnosis, you should begin managing it immediately. Typically, most asthma medications will contain steroids. However, large doses of steroids and prolonged use of them can cause unwanted side-effects including stomach ulcers, infections, diabetes, and hair loss.

But, Allergic Pet offers a safe and all-natural alternative to traditional steroid-based medications for your dog’s asthma. Fresh Aire Lung Formula is a lung-clearing as well as a lung-strengthening formula that can do a lot to help your asthmatic dog.

So, can dogs have asthma? Yes, they can. But it doesn’t have to be a hopeless condition. It can be tough to deal with your dog’s breathing problems when you don’t know what’s wrong, and a life of steroid treatment seems like an inevitability. However, with treatment and with proper management using the Fresh Aire Lung Formula, most dogs can lead a normal, fun-filled life without the worries of constant breathing troubles.

Is There Such Thing as Asthma Attacks in Dogs?

Dog dander causes allergic asthma in humans, meaning there’s no such thing as asthma attacks in dogs, right? Wrong. It might be hard to believe, but asthma doesn’t just affect the people around dogs, it can also affect the dogs, too!

Allergic bronchitis, one form of asthma, is an inflammation of the bronchi (air passages) within the lungs. It’s usually caused by an allergic reaction that in turn can cause the lungs to fill with mucous and become constricted. As it does in humans, this can greatly affect the dog’s breathing. It causes symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, violent coughing, sluggishness, and even loss of appetite. If left untreated, it can even kill.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, take your dog to the vet for a check-up and a chest x-ray. Coughing and wheezing can also be indicative of pneumonia or other respiratory ailments so a chest x-ray can help rule out other possibilities.

If your dog is diagnosed with asthma, you should begin treatment immediately. Your dog’s veterinarian will likely prescribe a medication regimen consisting of steroids, antihistamines, bronchodilators, or even a combination of the three. Unfortunately, many of these traditional medications can have unwanted side-effects. Fortunately, AllergicPet.com has a safe, natural remedy for your pet’s asthma symptoms called Fresh Aire Lung Formula. This product is both a lung-clearing and lung-strengthening formula that works for both asthmatic dogs and cats.

Canine asthma can be tough to deal with initially, but it doesn’t have to ruin your dog’s life. With the help of your veterinarian, both the cause of and possible treatments for your pet’s asthma can be determined. However, unless you can find the underlying cause of your dog’s asthma, a complete cure is unlikely. But, with the help of medication and treatments like our Fresh Aire Lung Formula, most dogs can continue to lead an active life.

Read this article from the Allergic Pet Knowledge Base for more information on asthma attacks in dogs.