Can Pets Get Asthma? A Veterinarian Answers

Can your pet develop asthma? The answer is yes.

While less common in dogs than cats, asthma can cause breathing difficulties for our furry friends.

In this blog post, I will share important information about pet asthma, including its symptoms, causes, and how to manage it effectively to ensure your pet’s overall health and comfort.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Pets can suffer from asthma, a chronic condition triggered by environmental allergens, airborne irritants, respiratory infections, and stress.
Common symptoms of asthma in pets include coughing and wheezing, which can lead to labored or rapid breathing.
Treatment options include medications like corticosteroids and bronchodilators and environmental management. Consultation with a veterinarian is essential for proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

What is Asthma in Pets?

Asthma in pets is a chronic condition marked by inflammation of the airways in the lungs, similar to human asthma. Allergens often trigger an immune response, causing irritation, swelling, constriction, and mucus production, which can make breathing difficult for your pet.

Severe asthma attacks require immediate veterinary care.

If untreated, chronic inflammation can permanently damage the respiratory tissues. Symptoms range from mild to severe, with breathing difficulties and coughing potentially worsening due to stress.

The Main Causes of Pet Asthma

Various factors can trigger asthmatic symptoms in pets, such as:

Environmental allergens: These include pollen, dander, mold, and dust mites.
Airborne irritants include perfumes, household cleaning products, cat litter dust, air pollution, smoke (cigarettes, wildfires, pipes), vapes, pesticides or fertilizers, air fresheners, and incense.
Respiratory infections: Bacterial or viral infections can cause inflammation and trigger asthma symptoms.
Stress/Excitement: Stress or excitement can exacerbate symptoms of asthma.

Signs of Asthma in Dogs

These are the most common signs of asthma to watch for in your dog:

Coughing
Wheezing
Open mouth breathing or panting
Increased respiratory rate
Difficulty breathing, indicating an emergency
Cyanosis or bluish coloration of gums, a clear indication of an emergency
Reduced energy or exercise intolerance

Treatment Options for Dogs with Asthma

There are two key components to managing your dog's asthma: medication and minimizing triggers. Regular veterinary checkups and monitoring are vital to managing your dog's asthma and keeping them feeling their best.

Medication

Once diagnosed, your veterinarian may prescribe one of more of the treatments below:

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the airways. Inhaled corticosteroids administered through inhalers, such as Aerodawg, a canine aerosol chamber, have fewer systemic side effects than oral administration.
Bronchodilators: These medications open the airways to help your pet breathe more easily.
Oxygen and hospitalization: Oxygen therapy and hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases.

Minimizing Triggers

Making lifestyle adjustments can also ease the symptoms and severity of canine asthma:

Identify and minimize exposure: Look for allergens and irritants that trigger asthma in your dog. (e.g., pollen, smoke, cleaning chemicals):
- Close windows and doors when outdoor allergens are high
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters in your home
- Avoid smoking or vaping around your pet
- Eliminate wood-burning fires and remove incense or perfume from your home.
- Wash pet bedding regularly
- Vacuum frequently
- Consider replacing carpets with hard flooring
Reduce stress: Stress can worsen asthma symptoms. Provide a calm and safe environment for your pet.

Signs of Asthma in Cats

Being able to recognize the symptoms of asthma is crucial to early diagnosis and treatment. Here are some of the signs that you may observe in your cat:

Coughing
Wheezing
Extension of the neck and crouched appearance
Open mouth breathing or panting, indicating an emergency
Cyanosis or bluish coloration of gums, which demands urgent attention
Difficulty breathing (always considered a veterinary emergency)
Increased respiratory rate
Gagging or vomiting, potentially resulting from coughing fits
Lethargy or reluctance to engage in physical activity

Treatment Options for Cats with Asthma

Regular veterinary checkups and monitoring can ensure that your favorite feline receives the best care possible. Providing relief for your cat's asthma involves exploring various treatment options with your veterinarian to create a personalized plan.

Here's a look at the most common approaches:

Inhaled corticosteroids given through inhalers, such as Aerokat, a feline aerosol chamber, have fewer systemic side effects.
Bronchodilators: Open the airways to help your pet breathe more easily.
Oxygen and hospitalization: In severe cases, oxygen therapy and hospitalization may be necessary.

Conclusion

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects cats and dogs but is more common in cats. While it can cause symptoms ranging from mild coughing to severe breathing problems, there are ways to manage it through treatment and environmental changes.

If you're worried about your pet's breathing or notice any signs of asthma, don't hesitate to schedule a home visit with our veterinarians. They can give you personalized advice and treatment options to help your furry friend feel better.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if an animal has asthma?

The most common symptoms are recurring coughing or wheezing. If you suspect your pet may have asthma, seek veterinary care.

What animals get asthma?

Both dogs and cats get asthma, although cats are more commonly affected than dogs.

How do you deal with asthma in pets?

Treatment depends on the severity of asthma and ranges from environmental modification, such as air purifiers, to medications, such as corticosteroids.

Can pets have asthma inhalers?

Yes. Using a special aerosol delivery chamber (Aerodawg or Aerocat), both dogs and cats can use inhalers as a safe & effective form of treatment.

Sources

Gautier, C., & Charpin, D. (2017). Environmental triggers and avoidance in the management of asthma. Journal of Asthma and Allergy, 10, 47–56. https://doi.org/10.2147/JAA.S121276
Leemans, J., Kirschvink, N., Clercx, C., Snaps, F., & Gustin, P. (2012). Effect of short-term oral and inhaled corticosteroids on airway inflammation and responsiveness in a feline acute asthma model. The Veterinary Journal, 192(1), 41-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.01.020

Can Pets Get Asthma? A Veterinarian Answers

Table of Contents

What is Asthma in Pets?

The Main Causes of Pet Asthma

Signs of Asthma in Dogs

Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?

1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?

2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?

3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?

4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?

5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?

6. Is your pet panting more than usual?

7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?

8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?

9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?

10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?

11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?

12. Is your pet scratching their ears?

13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?

14. Does your pet have a rash?

15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?

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