By gaining a better understanding of this problem and being able to recognize signs and symptoms, in addition to how to treat pneumonia in dogs, you can better care for your dog if he’s diagnosed with the condition.
Depending on the severity of your dog’s pneumonia, you may be able to treat them at home. If the pneumonia is mild, your vet may prescribe bed rest and you may need to administer antibiotics every day. It’s usually best to provide them with food to prevent stomach upset. Activity levels should be kept to a minimum until they are symptom-free for at least one week.
Pneumonia is a lung disease that causes inflammation inside the microscopic parts of the lungs referred to as air sacs. This leads to swelling and a buildup of fluid and pus, making it difficult for a dog to breathe. There is also less room for oxygen to fill these balloon-like structures inside the chest.
Pneumonia can be a serious — even life-threatening — lung disease for dogs. Our vets in Baltimore explain symptoms and how to treat pneumonia in dogs.
Pneumonia in dogs can be attributed to many potential causes, including infection, injury or irritation of the lungs, such as:
Can You Get the Flu From Your Dog?
Dog flu is caused by a virus that can be transmitted to other dogs, but there are currently no cases where it has spread to humans. It is caused by a different type of virus than the one that makes us feel all achy and feverish. Because there have been rare, isolated reports of sick dogs infecting cats, ferrets, and guinea pigs, sick dogs should be safely isolated from other pets in the home. However, you dont have to worry about contracting the flu from them.
Some diseases can be passed between dogs and humans. Learn about the risks of these zoonotic diseases.
Costs of Treating Pneumonia in Dogs
Antibiotics or other required medications can cost anywhere between $50 and $150. If your dog is severely dehydrated from the vomiting fluid therapy may be prescribed which alongside oxygen support can cost around $130. If your dog is hospitalized, the total cost of treatment for pneumonia in dogs can be between $500 and $2000. However, without knowing the cause, it is difficult to know the complete cost, so be sure to ask your vet about what treatment options are best for your dogs diagnosis. The best way to keep costs low and manageable is to catch pneumonia early, so seek consultation with your vet if you suspect your dog may be suffering from a pneumonia infection.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pets condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
How to Treat Dogs With Pneumonia
Like their people, dogs can develop pneumonia. While pneumonia can be serious in dogs, treatment is available and most dogs recover well. Heres more from our Bartlett vets about the signs and symptoms of pneumonia in dogs, and how this condition is treated.
Pneumonia is a condition that affects the respiratory system, including the lungs and airways and interferes with your dogs ability to breathe normally. With treatment dogs typically recover well from pneumonia, however if the condition is left untreated symptoms may become severe and more serious conditions could develop.