What is bronchitis in dogs?
Bronchitis in dogs is an inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles in the respiratory tract. The bronchi are the air passages that lead from the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs. Bronchioles are the smaller airways within the lungs that branch off the bronchi. In bronchitis, these airways become irritated and inflamed, often due to infections.
The main symptoms of bronchitis in dogs include coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulties, lack of energy, and fever. The cough may be dry and harsh at first but then become loose and productive. Some dogs may cough up phlegm or mucus. Breathing can become labored and rapid in more severe cases.
Bronchitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, irritants, allergies, heartworm disease, and other disorders affecting the lungs. Infections are a common cause, where viruses, bacteria, or parasites infect the airways. Allergies and inhaled irritants like smoke or dust can also trigger bronchial inflammation. Some breeds like Yorkshire Terriers may be prone to chronic bronchitis.
How do dogs get bronchitis?
Bronchitis in dogs can be caused by a few different factors, including:
Environmental irritants
Inhaling dust, smoke, air pollution, or chemical fumes can irritate the respiratory tract and lead to bronchitis in dogs, especially if there is constant exposure (source). Things like dust, cigarette smoke, chemicals used in the home or yard, and smoke from wildfires are common irritants.
Bacterial or viral infections
Infections are a very common cause of acute bronchitis in dogs. Kennel cough, canine distemper, canine influenza, and other contagious respiratory infections often affect the trachea and bronchi, resulting in bronchitis symptoms (source).
Other underlying conditions
Some dogs are predisposed to bronchitis if they have other problems like heart disease, allergies, a compromised immune system, or issues with swallowing (source). These underlying conditions make the respiratory tract more vulnerable to irritation, infection, and inflammation.
Can humans transmit bronchitis to dogs?
Humans can carry bacteria and viruses that cause bronchitis in dogs. While humans cannot directly give their dogs bronchitis, close contact allows transmission through sneezing, coughing, and other forms of shedding the organisms into the environment. If a dog then comes into contact with these organisms, they can potentially develop bronchitis.
Viruses known to cause bronchitis in dogs like parainfluenza, adenovirus, and distemper virus can be shed by infected humans without them necessarily showing symptoms. Bacteria like Bordetella bronchiseptica can also be passed from humans to dogs. So even though the human is not sick, they can still spread organisms that may cause bronchitis in exposed dogs.
To reduce the chances of transmitting bronchitis-causing germs to dogs, sick individuals should practice good hygiene around pets by washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding very close contact until symptoms resolve. Keeping dogs up to date on vaccinations can also help prevent some forms of infectious bronchitis.
While zoonotic transmission is possible, the most common causes of bronchitis in dogs come from exposure to infected dogs, environments, or wildlife. So even though humans can sometimes be a source of infection for dogs, they more often catch bronchitis from other canine sources.
https://www.healthline.com/health/can-dogs-get-sick-from-humans
https://wagwalking.com/wellness/can-dogs-get-bronchitis
Diseases humans can transmit to dogs
There are several diseases that humans can pass on to dogs. Some of the most common contagious illnesses transmitted from humans to canines include the common cold, pneumonia, kennel cough, and influenza.
The common cold is caused by a variety of viruses that lead to upper respiratory symptoms like sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and sore throat in humans. Dogs can catch colds from humans, though symptoms tend to be milder [1]. Signs of a cold in dogs include cough, sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, can also spread from humans to dogs [2]. The symptoms are similar to pneumonia in people, including coughing, fever, lethargy, and breathing trouble.
Kennel cough, medically known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs [3]. It’s often passed to dogs by infected humans coughing and sneezing near them. Symptoms resemble a cough and cold.
Canine influenza is another respiratory illness in dogs that can be transmitted by humans infected with strains like H3N8 and H3N2. Dogs will show flu-like symptoms similar to humans.
Precautions dog owners can take
There are some simple precautions dog owners can take to reduce the risk of spreading contagious diseases between dogs or from humans to dogs:
Avoid letting your dog lick your face or share food and water bowls, especially if you are sick. Dog’s mouths can harbor bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can be passed to humans through licking and shared dishes. Wash your hands before and after interacting with your dog.
Similarly, avoid kissing or sharing food/water with dogs that appear sick, as some illnesses can spread between humans and dogs. Limit interactions with sick dogs when possible.
According to the AVMA, “All dogs should be properly immunized against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus and rabies because these viruses are easily spread and potentially deadly.” Keeping your dog up to date on core vaccinations can help prevent the spread of certain contagious diseases.
Regularly washing your dog’s bedding, dishes, and toys can help remove germs and parasites. Be sure to clean brushes and other grooming tools as well.
Practicing good hygiene around dogs, like washing hands frequently, can help reduce disease transmission risks. Taking precautions can go a long way in keeping pets and owners healthy.
Treating bronchitis in dogs
Treatment for bronchitis in dogs depends on the underlying cause. If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed. Common antibiotics used include doxycycline, amoxicillin, or enrofloxacin. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, antibiotics are often given for 7-14 days [1].
Cough suppressants, such as hydrocodone or butorphanol, can help reduce coughing. These medications should only be used for a short time under veterinary supervision. Ensuring rest, providing extra fluids, and using a humidifier can also help soothe inflamed airways. According to Trudell Animal Health, corticosteroids like prednisone are often prescribed to reduce airway inflammation in chronic bronchitis cases [2].
If an underlying disease, like heart failure, is causing bronchitis then treating the primary condition is important. Proper treatment tailored to the specific cause is key for resolving bronchitis in dogs.
Preventing bronchitis in dogs
There are several steps dog owners can take to help prevent their dogs from developing bronchitis:
Limit exposure to irritants – Keeping your dog away from environmental irritants like cigarette smoke, dust, and strong fumes can reduce bronchial irritation. Avoid using strong cleaning products and diffused oils around your dog. Taking your dog out when air quality is poor can also trigger bronchial inflammation. Keep your home well-ventilated and clean to minimize irritants. (1)
Annual vet checkups – Having your vet examine your dog yearly allows them to assess your dog’s respiratory health and watch for any concerning signs. Wellness exams also provide a chance to discuss preventative care. (2)
Vaccinations – Making sure your dog is up-to-date on recommended vaccines can help prevent infections that could lead to bronchitis. Kennel cough and canine influenza vaccines may provide specific respiratory protection. Discuss vaccination options with your vet.
Proper nutrition/exercise – Ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight and gets adequate exercise supports overall wellness, including respiratory health. Obesity can put pressure on the airways. Regular, moderate exercise helps strengthen the respiratory system. Feed your dog a nutritious, high-quality diet to support a robust immune system.
When to see a vet
If your dog develops a persistent cough lasting over 10 days, it’s important to have them seen by a veterinarian. Coughs that linger beyond this timeframe could indicate a more serious respiratory issue like bronchitis. Depending on the underlying cause, bronchitis may require prescription medications or other treatment to clear up.
You should also consult your vet promptly if your dog exhibits breathing difficulty, such as panting, wheezing, or shortness of breath. These signs suggest their airways may be inflamed or obstructed, needing medical intervention.
Additional red flags warranting a veterinary visit include lethargy, fever, and nasal discharge. Your vet can evaluate these symptoms along with your dog’s cough to pinpoint if bronchitis is to blame. Catching and treating bronchitis early can help prevent chronic damage to your dog’s lung health.
Your vet will want to perform diagnostic tests like x-rays or bronchoscopy to definitively diagnose bronchitis. Based on the results, they can recommend appropriate treatment options. With prompt veterinary attention and proper management, many dogs fully recover from bronchitis.
Long-term outlook
With prompt veterinary treatment, most dogs fully recover from acute bronchitis within a few weeks. However, bronchitis can recur or lead to complications like pneumonia if left untreated. Chronic bronchitis is more common in older dogs and involves ongoing inflammation of the airways.
Veterinarians typically prescribe corticosteroids like prednisone to reduce airway inflammation in chronic cases. While this can help manage symptoms long-term, it does not cure the condition. Some dogs may require lifelong medication and treatment. Severe,advanced cases of chronic bronchitis can negatively impact quality of life.
With attentive home care and follow-up veterinary visits, dogs with mild to moderate chronic bronchitis can live happily for years. But their exercise tolerance is reduced, and their airways remain sensitive to irritants. Monitoring breathing difficulty and consulting a vet promptly at signs of a flare-up are crucial.
Key takeaways
Bronchitis is a respiratory condition in dogs that causes inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles. It can be acute or chronic. Some key points to remember:
– Bronchitis in dogs is often caused by viral or bacterial infections, inhaled irritants, or allergies. Humans can transmit viruses and bacteria to dogs that may lead to bronchitis.
– Precautions like handwashing, avoiding smoking around dogs, and keeping dogs up-to-date on vaccines can help prevent transmission of organisms that cause bronchitis.
– Treatment for bronchitis in dogs often includes medications like bronchodilators, cough suppressants, and antibiotics. Severe cases may require hospitalization and oxygen therapy.
– Preventing bronchitis through vaccination and avoiding irritants is ideal. Dogs prone to chronic bronchitis may need long-term management.
– If a dog develops signs like coughing, wheezing, or breathing difficulties, veterinary assessment is recommended. Quick treatment leads to better outcomes.
In summary, humans can transmit bronchitis to dogs through infectious organisms. With proper precautions and veterinary care, many dogs recover fully from bronchitis.
