Introduction
Pneumonia is a serious respiratory condition that can affect dogs of any age or breed. It is an inflammation of the lungs, typically caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Pneumonia impairs the lungs’ ability to oxygenate blood and remove carbon dioxide, and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
One of the hallmark symptoms of pneumonia in dogs is an elevated body temperature or fever. However, it is possible for dogs to develop pneumonia without exhibiting a fever initially. Lack of fever does not rule out pneumonia as the underlying cause when other symptoms are present.
While the majority of pneumonia cases will result in fever, some may present only a low-grade or delayed fever. Certain breeds like Huskies and Malamutes tend to run lower body temperatures as well. So while an elevated temperature frequently accompanies pneumonia, it is not an absolute requirement for diagnosis.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs and respiratory system that is typically caused by an infection. It causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult and reducing oxygen levels in the blood (source).
In dogs, pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Some common causes include (source):
- Viral infections like canine influenza or canine distemper
- Bacterial infections like bordetella or streptococcus
- Fungal infections like blastomycosis or coccidioidomycosis
- Parasites like lungworms
- Aspiration of foreign material into the lungs
Pneumonia can also be caused by a compromised immune system, trauma to the chest, or inhalation of smoke or chemical irritants. Older dogs and dogs with other medical conditions may be more prone to developing pneumonia.
Common Symptoms of Pneumonia in Dogs
The most common symptoms of pneumonia in dogs include coughing, breathing difficulties, lethargy, and fever. Coughing is one of the main signs of pneumonia in dogs, as the infection causes inflammation in the lungs and airways. Dogs with pneumonia will often develop a deep, hacking cough that persists and continues to worsen over time.
Difficult or irregular breathing is also a common pneumonia symptom in dogs. The infection and inflammation make it harder for dogs to breathe normally. Owners may notice noisy breathing, wheezing, or abnormal rapid breathing. Breathing difficulties indicate the lungs are not functioning properly due to the pneumonia.
Lethargy and loss of appetite frequently occur with pneumonia as well. The infection makes dogs feel unwell, and they often lose interest in food, play, or their normal routine. Pneumonia causes dogs to feel fatigued and weak. Additionally, fever is a very common symptom of pneumonia in dogs, although not always present. An elevated temperature signals the body is fighting an infection.
Other symptoms like nasal discharge, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss can also occur with pneumonia. Overall, the combination of respiratory signs plus lethargy and fever are strong indicators of pneumonia in dogs. Monitoring for these symptoms allows early detection and prompt veterinary treatment (Source).
Can Pneumonia Present Without a Fever?
Yes, some types of pneumonia, especially a milder form called “atypical” or “walking” pneumonia, may not cause a fever as one of the symptoms. According to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, while a fever is a common symptom of pneumonia in dogs, many pets with pneumonia do not actually have a fever when examined by their veterinarian (https://www.texvetpets.org/article/pneumonia-respiratory-infections/).
Certain breeds like Greyhounds, Whippets, and other sighthounds are also less likely to develop a fever with pneumonia. Their body temperatures tend to run lower than other breeds. So while a fever is a classic sign of pneumonia in dogs, the absence of a fever does not rule out pneumonia as a possible diagnosis (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/lung-and-airway-disorders-of-dogs/pneumonia-in-dogs).
If a dog is displaying other symptoms of pneumonia like coughing, breathing difficulties, lethargy, or loss of appetite but does not have a fever, pneumonia should still be suspected. Diagnostic testing like chest x-rays would be needed to confirm or rule out this diagnosis.
When to See the Vet
If your dog is exhibiting any signs of breathing difficulty, it’s critical to have them evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Some key warning signs that warrant an urgent vet visit include:
- Rapid breathing or panting
- Making noise when breathing, such as wheezing or whistling
- Flared nostrils when inhaling
- Difficulty breathing that appears labored or requires effort
- Breathlessness or struggling for air
- Pale or bluish gums
Pneumonia can quickly become life threatening if a dog’s lungs are severely compromised and they are unable to get enough oxygen. You should seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your dog shows signs of respiratory distress. The vet will be able to assess their breathing capacity, provide oxygen support if needed, and start appropriate treatment. Acting quickly can greatly improve the chances of recovery.
Even if your dog is not in respiratory distress, any breathing abnormalities warrant a veterinary visit. The vet can listen to the lungs, take x-rays if needed, and diagnose if pneumonia is present. Early treatment greatly improves prognosis. Do not wait to see if symptoms resolve on their own, as pneumonia can rapidly worsen. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dog’s breathing and lung health.
Diagnosing Pneumonia
A veterinarian will perform a physical exam on a dog suspected of having pneumonia, listening to the chest with a stethoscope for any abnormal sounds coming from the lungs. They will also check the color of the dog’s gums and mucous membranes, feel for a fever, and assess the dog’s breathing rate and effort (https://www.matthews.carolinavet.com/site/pet-health-blog/2021/05/14/pneumonia-in-dogs-causes-symptoms-treatments).
Diagnostic imaging such as x-rays or ultrasound are often used to confirm pneumonia and see the extent of the lung involvement. X-rays can reveal areas of opacity or fluid in the lungs characteristic of pneumonia. Ultrasound allows visual assessment of the lungs and can identify abscesses or fluid accumulation (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/lung-and-airway-disorders-of-dogs/pneumonia-in-dogs).
Bloodwork including a complete blood count and chemistry panel may show an elevated white blood cell count indicating infection or inflammation. Blood cultures can sometimes identify the infectious organism. Arterial blood gases may be checked in more severe cases to evaluate oxygen levels (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/lung-and-airway-disorders-of-dogs/pneumonia-in-dogs)
Treating Pneumonia in Dogs
There are several key treatments for pneumonia in dogs.
The most common treatment is antibiotics. As noted by PetMD, veterinarians will typically prescribe antibiotics to dogs with bacterial pneumonia, most often Doxycycline, Amoxicillin, or Clavamox. Antibiotics treat the underlying infection and prevent it from progressing further.
As cited by Carolina Vet [1], oxygen therapy may be used, especially in severe cases. This helps increase oxygen flow to the lungs and improves breathing. The oxygen can be administered through an oxygen cage, mask, or nasal cannula.
Ensuring proper rest is also important, as activity can worsen breathing difficulties. Confinement and restriction of exercise may be recommended to allow the dog’s body to focus its energy on healing from the infection.
With appropriate treatment and care, most dogs can make a full recovery from pneumonia. However, veterinary guidance is essential, as pneumonia can become life-threatening if left untreated.
Home Care for Dogs with Pneumonia
While pneumonia usually requires antibiotic treatment prescribed by a veterinarian, there are some things you can do at home to help keep your dog comfortable and support their recovery:
Keeping your dog comfortable is important when they are dealing with pneumonia. Make sure they have a soft, warm place to rest and sleep. You may want to limit their activity and discourage running, jumping, or playing until the pneumonia has cleared up. Short, gentle walks may be ok if approved by your vet.
Staying well-hydrated is crucial when sick with pneumonia. Provide fresh, clean water at all times and encourage your dog to drink. You can try adding low-sodium chicken or beef broth to the water to increase palatability. Ice cubes or frozen broth blocks are also helpful for hydration.
Monitor your dog’s breathing and alert your vet if it seems overly difficult or they develop worsening cough or respiratory distress. Shallow, rapid breathing or breathing with the elbows splayed out can be signs of trouble. Panting when at rest may also indicate breathing issues.
Consider getting a cool mist humidifier to add moisture to the air if your home is very dry. This can help keep their airways from drying out and becoming further inflamed. Be sure to keep the humidifier clean to avoid spreading bacteria.
Make sure your dog eats enough to keep their strength up. Offer small, frequent meals of bland, nutritious food. Broths, boiled chicken and rice, or canned pumpkin may entice them to eat. Avoid fatty foods that are harder to digest.
With rest, hydration, and supportive care at home, most dogs will recover fully from pneumonia within a few weeks. But be sure to follow all of your vet’s recommendations closely and seek prompt care if your dog seems to worsen or relapse.
Preventing Pneumonia in Dogs
There are several steps dog owners can take to help prevent their dogs from developing pneumonia. One of the most important preventative measures is vaccination. There are vaccines available for diseases like bordetella, parainfluenza, and adenovirus type 2, which can cause infectious pneumonia in dogs. Keeping your dog up-to-date on these vaccines can provide protection against developing pneumonia from these pathogens. It’s recommended to follow your veterinarian’s advice on the specific vaccination schedule for your dog.
Avoiding irritants in the home environment is another key way to prevent pneumonia. Things like dust, cigarette smoke, chemical cleaners and air fresheners, mold spores, and other air pollutants can be inhaled and irritate a dog’s respiratory tract. Try to keep the indoor air quality clean by regularly changing air filters, avoiding strong sprays/fumes, and cleaning up any mold issues [1]. Proper dental care is also important, as bacteria from dental infections can spread to the lungs and cause pneumonia. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly and having annual professional dental cleanings can protect their oral health.
Making sure your dog avoids swallowing foreign objects, doesn’t inhale food/water into their lungs, and minimizing their stress levels can also help prevent pneumonia. While not every case can be avoided, taking these prevention steps can greatly reduce a dog’s chances of developing pneumonia.
When to Seek Emergency Care
If your dog is showing signs of respiratory distress, such as extreme difficulty breathing, gasping for air, or blue-tinged gums and tongue, they require emergency veterinary care right away. These can be signs of severe pneumonia or a collapsed lung, which can quickly become life threatening if not addressed immediately.
Some specific emergency symptoms that require urgent veterinary care include:
- Extreme difficulty breathing or gasping for breath
- Bluish discoloration of the gums and tongue
- Weakness and collapse
- Pale or muddy gums
- Increased respiratory rate over 40 breaths per minute
- Coughing up blood or bloody nasal discharge
If your dog displays any of these pneumonia symptoms, get them to the vet or emergency animal hospital right away, even in the middle of the night. Time is of the essence, as pneumonia can rapidly worsen and lead to respiratory failure if left untreated. With aggressive emergency therapy like supplemental oxygen, breathing support, and intravenous fluids and medications, many dogs can recover fully from pneumonia with prompt veterinary care.
Don’t delay if your dog is showing signs of respiratory distress – seek emergency vet care immediately to give them their best chance of survival and recovery. Acting quickly can make all the difference for your canine companion.