What is Bronchitis in Dogs?
Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi, which are the two large airways that branch off from the trachea (windpipe) and carry air into the lungs. The inflammation causes narrowing and swelling of these airways, resulting in coughing as the body tries to expel mucus and irritants (1).
There are two main types of bronchitis in dogs:
- Acute bronchitis involves a sudden infection and inflammation of the bronchi. It may be caused by viruses, bacteria, irritants, or allergens. Symptoms usually last up to around 10 days.
- Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation and infection of the bronchi, leading to permanent changes. It often develops from repeated bouts of acute bronchitis. Symptoms persist for months or years.
Common symptoms of bronchitis in dogs include coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, low energy, and fever. Coughing often worsens at night or in cold air. The cough may be dry and harsh or produce phlegm. Dogs may gag, retch, or vomit from constant coughing (2).
Bronchitis can range from mild to severe. Some dogs may develop pneumonia or other complications if left untreated. Seeing a veterinarian is recommended, especially if symptoms persist beyond 7-10 days.
Sources:
(1) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-bronchitis/
(2) https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/lung-and-airway-disorders-of-dogs/tracheobronchitis-bronchitis-in-dogs
Causes of Bronchitis in Dogs
There are several potential causes of bronchitis in dogs, including:
Viruses
Viral infections are a common cause of acute bronchitis in dogs. Viruses that can lead to bronchitis include parainfluenza virus, adenovirus type 2, and canine respiratory coronavirus. These viruses damage the lining of the bronchial tubes, leading to inflammation and coughing. Viral bronchitis often occurs alongside canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC).
Bacteria
Bacterial infections can also cause acute bronchitis in dogs. Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the most common bacteria implicated. Other bacteria like Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, and Mycoplasma species can also be involved. Bacteria release toxins that irritate the bronchial tubes.1
Irritants
Inhaled irritants can trigger bronchial inflammation in dogs. Things like cigarette smoke, dust, air pollution, mold, and allergens from grass or pollen can cause irritation. Chronic exposure to these irritants is a common cause of chronic bronchitis in dogs.2
Other Causes
Other less common causes of bronchitis in dogs include: heartworm disease, trauma to the chest, cancer or foreign objects inhaled into the lungs, and fungal infections like blastomycosis or histoplasmosis.3
Is Bronchitis Deadly for Dogs?
Bronchitis is usually not a life-threatening condition for dogs (Trudell, n.d.). However, it can become more serious and even fatal in certain cases, especially in puppies and older dogs with weakened immune systems (Merck Manual, 2022).
In most cases, bronchitis will resolve on its own within a few weeks when treated appropriately by a veterinarian. But if left untreated, it can progress into a more dangerous condition like pneumonia, which can be fatal (VCA Hospitals, 2022).
Signs that bronchitis may be turning life-threatening include extreme lethargy, loss of appetite, high fever, and pale gums. If your dog exhibits these urgent symptoms, take them to the vet immediately (Trudell, n.d.).
So while bronchitis is not inherently deadly, it’s crucial to have your vet assess your dog if symptoms persist or seem to worsen. Proper treatment can help prevent bronchitis from becoming dangerously severe.
Diagnosing Bronchitis in Dogs
Veterinarians use several diagnostic tools to confirm a diagnosis of bronchitis in dogs:
Physical exam – The veterinarian will listen to the dog’s chest with a stethoscope. Wheezing, crackling, or other abnormal lung sounds may indicate inflammation of the bronchi. The vet will also check for signs of fever, labored breathing, or bluish gums which can signal impaired oxygen flow.
Chest x-rays – Radiographs allow the vet to visualize the lungs and detect any abnormalities. Bronchitis often appears on x-rays as an increased density in the airways. However, x-rays may be normal in some cases.
Bloodwork – A complete blood count and biochemistry panel can help rule out other conditions like heart disease. The white blood cell count may be elevated due to inflammation.
Other diagnostic tests like bronchoscopy or CT scans may be recommended in severe cases to examine the airways and lungs directly. Vets may also analyze BAL fluid or lung biopsies to check for bacteria, fungi, or cancer cells.
Treating Bronchitis in Dogs
There are several treatment options available for bronchitis in dogs depending on the severity and cause of the condition. Some of the main treatments include:
Cough Suppressants – Cough suppressants like butorphanol or hydrocodone may be prescribed to control coughing. These help relax the airways and reduce inflammation.
Antibiotics – If there is a bacterial infection causing the bronchitis, antibiotics may be prescribed. Antibiotics like doxycycline or amoxicillin help clear up the infection.
Inhalers/Nebulization – Inhaled medications like bronchodilators may be given using a nebulizer. These medications help open up the airways and make breathing easier.
Oxygen Therapy – Severe cases may require oxygen therapy to help support breathing. This is usually done in a veterinary hospital setting.
Other treatments like steroids, mucolytics, and bronchodilators may also be used. Treatment is tailored to the specific case and cause of the dog’s bronchitis. The main goal is to open up airways, reduce inflammation, and ease breathing issues.
Home Remedies for Bronchitis in Dogs
There are several natural home remedies that can help soothe bronchitis symptoms in dogs and support their recovery. Some of the most effective options include:
Honey
Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help coat and soothe irritated airways. Give your dog 1 teaspoon of raw, organic, unpasteurized honey 2-3 times per day. Make sure to select a dog-safe honey, as some can contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs.
Herbal Remedies
Certain herbal remedies like licorice root, marshmallow root, and dandelion can help reduce inflammation and loosen mucus. These can be found in tincture form and administered directly or mixed with food according to package instructions. Always consult your vet before giving any new supplements or remedies.
Steam Therapy
Steam can help loosen secretions and make coughs more productive. Let your dog sit in a steamy bathroom for 10 minutes at a time, 2-3 times per day. Keep a close eye to prevent burns or overheating. Alternatively, you can place your dog’s head over a bowl of hot water and drape a towel over their head to trap the steam.
Rest
Ensuring your dog gets plenty of rest and limiting exercise is important during a bronchitis flare-up. This gives their body a chance to put its energy toward healing rather than physical exertion. Provide a calm, comfortable area for your dog to relax and sleep through recovery.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving any new supplement or remedy, especially with existing health conditions. While these natural solutions can provide relief, more aggressive treatment may be needed for chronic or severe bronchitis.
Preventing Bronchitis in Dogs
There are several steps dog owners can take to help prevent their dogs from developing bronchitis:
Get Vaccinated
One of the most important prevention measures is to keep your dog up to date on vaccinations. Vaccines can help prevent infections that may lead to bronchitis, such as kennel cough (bordetella bronchiseptica) and canine influenza virus (CIV). Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for vaccination schedules tailored to your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors. 1
Avoid Irritants
Try to limit your dog’s exposure to irritants that can trigger bronchitis episodes. This includes cigarette smoke, dust, air pollution, aerosol sprays, and strong fumes from household cleaners or diffused oils. Keeping your home well ventilated can help clear out these lung irritants. Also avoid letting your dog drink from stagnant puddles outside, which may contain irritating algae. 2
Provide Good Nutrition
Feed your dog a high-quality diet with nutrients that support respiratory health. Foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation. Avoid unhealthy fillers that may worsen allergy symptoms. Always have clean, fresh water available to keep your dog’s mucous membranes hydrated. 3
Ensure Adequate Exercise
Make sure your dog gets regular, moderate exercise appropriate for their age and condition. This helps strengthen respiratory muscles and clear mucus buildup. But take care not to overexert your dog, especially when air quality is poor or pollen counts are high. Low-impact activities like swimming are ideal for dogs prone to bronchitis. 1
Lifestyle Changes for Dogs with Bronchitis
Making some lifestyle adjustments can help dogs with bronchitis manage their condition and prevent flare-ups. Here are some tips:
Avoid Smoke and Dust
Smoke and dust can irritate a dog’s already inflamed airways and trigger coughing fits. Keep your dog away from smoky environments and dusty areas. Avoid using candles, incense, fireplaces, or anything that produces smoke in the home. Use high efficiency filters on heating and cooling systems and vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter to capture dust and allergens.
Use an Air Filter or Purifier
Using an air filter or purifier, especially one with a HEPA filter, can help remove irritants from the air that might bother your dog’s respiratory system. Place air purifiers in rooms where your dog spends the most time. Regularly change the filter as directed.
Monitor for Signs of Infection
Dogs with bronchitis are prone to developing secondary infections that can make the condition worse. Watch for symptoms like increased coughing, fever, lethargy, nasal discharge, or loss of appetite. Call your vet promptly if you notice signs of a worsening respiratory infection.
Prognosis for Dogs with Bronchitis
With proper treatment, the prognosis for dogs with bronchitis is usually good. Many dogs recover fully with antibiotics, cough suppressants, bronchodilators, and other medications prescribed by the vet. However, the prognosis depends on the type and severity of bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis often resolves within a few weeks with treatment. But recurrent bouts of acute bronchitis can lead to chronic bronchitis, which is harder to cure. Dogs with chronic bronchitis may require lifelong therapy and monitoring. They are also at higher risk for secondary infections like pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
According to one source, “Prognosis with canine chronic bronchitis is generally good with appropriate therapy. However, affected dogs may have intermittent flare-ups of disease requiring temporary increases in therapy.” (https://bluepearlvet.com/medical-articles-for-pet-owners/canine-chronic-bronchitis/)
So while most cases of bronchitis can be successfully managed, dogs that develop chronic bronchitis may face a more guarded long-term prognosis. Careful follow-up and preventative care is important for at-risk dogs.
When to See a Vet for Bronchitis
If your dog is showing signs of difficulty breathing or blue gums, it’s time to take them to the vet immediately. Lethargy, weakness, or no improvement after a few days of home treatment are also reasons to seek veterinary care for your dog’s bronchitis (Canine Chronic Bronchitis – Bluepearlvet). Waiting too long with these serious symptoms can be dangerous and even life-threatening for dogs with bronchitis.
According to the AKC, some signs that mean your dog needs to see the vet right away include:
- Severe coughing episodes
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Rapid breathing or panting
- Blue gums or tongue
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme lethargy
Your vet will do a full exam and may run tests like bloodwork, chest x-rays, or a tracheal wash to diagnose the severity of the bronchitis. They can provide prescription medications or breathing treatments that aren’t available over-the-counter. Don’t hesitate to get veterinary attention if your dog shows any signs of distress with their bronchitis.