What triggers dog asthma? Let’s Explore

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What are the symptoms of asthma in dogs?

Symptoms of asthma in dogs may include:

  • Persistent cough
  • Loss of energy
  • Difficulty breathing (often sudden)
  • Rapid breathing
  • Heavy panting with mouth wide open
  • Wheezing
  • Bluish colored gums (caused by lack of oxygen)
  • Loss of appetite

    • If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. While asthma may cause these symptoms, several other serious conditions can cause similar symptoms, and it’s critical to accurately diagnose the trigger.

    How is asthma in dogs diagnosed?

    If your vet believes that your dog is having asthma attacks, they will focus on ruling out other possible causes for your pets symptoms. Conditions that can cause breathing difficulties similar to asthma include heart disease, bacterial infections, and parasites.

    Following a physical examination of your pup, your vet may recommend other diagnostic tests such as x-rays or heartworm testing to help determine the cause of your dogs symptoms.

    Alternative pet ideas for children with asthma

    If your children love animals but cant keep a household pet, here are some other ways they could feel connected to an animal:

  • Sponsor an animal through a zoo, safari park or charity scheme.
  • Get your child a substitute pet such as an interactive toy like a Furby or Little Live Pet, or an animal app. Virtual pets let children feel like they’re caring for an animal without the risk of triggering asthma symptoms.

    • Some people are allergic to farm animals like cows, sheep and chickens, as well as small animals that are often found in petting zoos, like guinea pigs and rabbits.

    This could be a problem for children in particular, who might go on a school trip or to a party at a petting zoo or farm, but schools have to make sure that pupils with medical conditions like asthma are able to take part in school trips.

    If your child is visiting a farm or petting zoo, make sure the adults who are going with them know about their asthma.

    It’s essential for your child to take their reliever inhaler (usually blue) with them, and if the school has a spare inhaler for emergency use, an adult accompanying the trip should take that with them, too.

    Your child might need to take an antihistamine beforehand. They should avoid contact with the animals as much as possible, and always wash their hands after touching an animal.

    Asthma in Dogs: Top 5 Holistic Options to Heal Your Dog At Home

    Like humans, dogs can experience asthma attacks. Asthma in dogs is an allergic condition, typically triggered by inhaling allergens. Today our Bartlett and greater Memphis vets explain some of the signs and symptoms of asthma in dogs, and how it can be treated.