What is Canine Bronchitis?
Canine bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways and lungs in dogs. There are two main types: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis involves a sudden onset of coughing and is often caused by a bacterial, viral, or environmental irritant. It usually resolves within a few weeks. Chronic bronchitis involves a persistent cough for at least 2 months and can lead to permanent lung damage over time.
The most common symptoms of canine bronchitis include coughing, wheezing, fever, lethargy, and nasal discharge. Coughing is often the first noticeable symptom. As bronchitis worsens, the cough becomes more frequent and forceful.
Canine bronchitis spreads through viral and bacterial infections. It can also be triggered by inhaling smoke, dust, or other irritants. The viruses and bacteria spread through coughing, sneezing, or nose-to-nose contact with other dogs. Proper hygiene and limiting exposure to irritants can help prevent spreading bronchitis between dogs.
How Long Are Dogs Contagious?
The incubation period for canine bronchitis, which is the time from exposure to the virus to the onset of symptoms, is typically 3-10 days (1). Once symptoms appear, dogs are considered contagious for about 2 weeks if the bronchitis is caused by a virus (2). However, dogs with bacterial bronchitis can remain contagious for 3-4 weeks or longer if the infection persists (1).
There are several factors that can affect the duration of contagiousness with bronchitis in dogs:
- Cause of infection – Viral bronchitis tends to be contagious for a shorter period than bacterial bronchitis (2).
- Severity of symptoms – More severe infections may prolong contagiousness.
- Underlying health – Dogs with weakened immune systems may remain contagious for longer.
- Treatment – Appropriate antibiotics can help shorten bacterial contagiousness.
- Environment – Dogs in crowded conditions are more likely to spread contagious respiratory diseases.
It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s advice on isolating your dog during the contagious period to prevent the spread of bronchitis to other pets (3). Typically, keeping the dog separate from other pets for 2-4 weeks is recommended, along with good hygiene practices.
Sources:
(1) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-bronchitis/
(2) https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/doc/?id=4952974&pid=19239
(3) https://www.vmsg-oc.com/site/blog/2021/11/30/bronchitis-in-dogs
Prevention
There are several steps dog owners can take to help prevent their dogs from developing bronchitis:
Get recommended vaccinations – Certain vaccines like bordetella (kennel cough) can help prevent some respiratory infections that could lead to bronchitis. Work with your vet to ensure your dog is up-to-date on core vaccines as well as any optional ones that may help reduce bronchitis risk in your area. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-bronchitis/
Reduce exposure – Since bronchitis is often triggered by irritants, allergens or infections, limiting your dog’s exposure can be preventative. Avoid smoking around your dog, don’t use strong sprays or chemicals, and keep your home clean and free of dust/irritants. Also limit contact with unknown dogs who could spread respiratory infections. https://www.trudellanimalhealth.com/learn/further-reading/canine-bronchitis-symptoms-causes-treatments
Clean and disinfect – Regularly wash your dog’s bedding, bowls, toys etc. and clean your home to remove allergens and germs. Use pet-safe disinfectants when needed. Proper hygiene helps reduce risk of infections that could lead to bronchitis.
Diagnosis
To diagnose canine bronchitis, veterinarians typically start with a thorough physical exam, looking for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and crackling lung sounds. They may also check the dog’s temperature and observe its breathing rate and effort.
Diagnostic tests commonly used include:
- Chest X-rays to look for abnormalities and inflammation in the lungs and airways (https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/respiratory-medicine/canine-chronic-bronchitis-a-review-update/)
- Blood work to check for underlying infections
- Bronchoscopy to view the airways and collect samples for analysis
- Tracheal wash to collect mucus and cells for examination
- Fecal analysis to test for lungworms
These tests help vets determine if a dog has bronchitis and if it is acute or chronic. They also allow vets to pinpoint the underlying cause, which guides treatment.
Treatment
The main goals of treatment for canine bronchitis are to open up the airways, reduce inflammation, loosen mucus, and manage any underlying conditions. Some commonly used medications and therapies include:
Corticosteroids like prednisone to reduce inflammation in the airways. These are often one of the first medications prescribed. Dosage and duration depends on severity.[1]
Bronchodilators like albuterol to open up the airways and make breathing easier. These are often prescribed along with corticosteroids.[2]
Antibiotics if there is a secondary bacterial infection present. Doxycycline, amoxicillin, or azithromycin may be prescribed.
Nebulization and humidification to loosen mucus secretions and make them easier to cough up.
Cough suppressants like hydrocodone to control severe coughing.
Antihistamines and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.
For home care, rest is recommended along with keeping the dog in a humid environment. Salt water nose drops can help loosen mucus. Throat sprays or lozenges can also soothe irritation.
If symptoms worsen or the cough lasts longer than 2 weeks, veterinary follow up is recommended. Severe cases may require hospitalization.
Prognosis
The prognosis for dogs with bronchitis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In mild cases, dogs may fully recover with prompt treatment. However, the prognosis is guarded to poor if the bronchitis becomes chronic.
In chronic bronchitis, permanent lung damage often occurs, which cannot be reversed. Dogs may continue to have a cough and difficulty breathing even with ongoing treatment. Severe or advanced cases of chronic bronchitis may eventually lead to respiratory failure.
Studies show that the 1 year survival rate for dogs with chronic bronchitis is around 68%. The mortality rate is highest within the first 6 months following diagnosis. Dogs that survive beyond this period can live for years with proper management.
Complications of chronic bronchitis include secondary lung infections, pulmonary hypertension, right-sided heart failure, and respiratory distress or arrest. Close monitoring and follow up care are essential.
With aggressive supportive care, some dogs with acute bronchitis fully recover back to normal function. But the overall long term prognosis is guarded for chronic bronchitis cases. Proper treatment and owner compliance helps improve quality of life.
Impact on Dogs
Bronchitis can have several symptoms and effects on dogs during the illness and long term. Common signs of bronchitis in dogs include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, lack of energy, and fever. Coughing is often the most noticeable symptom, and may be dry and hacking or produce phlegm. During acute flare-ups, dogs may cough almost constantly and have great difficulty breathing.
In severe cases of chronic bronchitis, dogs may develop permanent damage to their bronchial tubes and airways. The walls of the bronchial tubes can thicken and more mucus can accumulate over time, narrowing the airways. This makes it harder for air to move in and out of the lungs, which can cause problems oxygenating the blood. Dogs with severe chronic bronchitis often develop secondary pulmonary hypertension and heart disease. Ongoing inflammation and damage to the airways also increases the risk of secondary infections. With proper treatment and management, the long term effects of bronchitis can often be minimized.
Impact on Owners
Caring for a dog with bronchitis can be challenging for owners. Sick dogs may require more attention, medication administration, and trips to the veterinarian. This can take up significant time and cause disrupted sleep schedules if the dog has coughing fits at night.
Treating bronchitis also involves financial costs for veterinary visits, diagnostic tests, and medications. Prescription cough suppressants, bronchodilators, antibiotics, and other treatments can add up quickly. Severe or chronic cases may require hospitalization, oxygen therapy, and other expensive interventions.
Since bronchitis is contagious between dogs, owners need to take steps to prevent spread to other pets in the home. Isolation, hand washing, and disinfection of shared items are recommended. Boarding or doggy daycare should be avoided until the dog is no longer contagious.
Overall, caring for a dog with bronchitis requires dedication. But owners can take heart knowing that most cases resolve within a few weeks with proper treatment and management at home. Keeping other dogs healthy and limiting costly care will also help reduce the impact on owners.
When to See a Vet
If your dog develops mild coughing or other bronchitis symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule a veterinary checkup. However, some symptoms require urgent veterinary attention:
Warning signs:
– Coughing that lasts more than a few days or keeps getting worse
– Coughing up blood or yellow/green mucus
– Wheezing or loud breathing sounds
– Lethargy, lack of appetite, or other signs of illness
– Weight loss
– Blue gums or tongue
Emergency symptoms:
– Severe difficulty breathing or panting
– Pale gums
– Collapse or loss of consciousness
If your dog shows any emergency symptoms, take them to the veterinarian or emergency vet clinic right away. These signs can indicate a life-threatening issue requiring immediate treatment.
Summary
Canine bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways and bronchial tubes often caused by infections. Dogs are typically contagious for 7-10 days after symptoms start, but can shed viruses for weeks after recovering. Prevention focuses on vaccination, avoiding irritants, and limiting exposure to contagious dogs. Diagnosis involves evaluating symptoms and running tests to identify underlying causes. Treatment may include antibiotics, cough suppressants, bronchodilators, and addressing any underlying conditions. Most dogs fully recover within 2-4 weeks with proper treatment. Bronchitis can cause breathing issues, coughing, and discomfort. Dog owners should watch for signs of labored breathing, change in appetite, and lethargy, and see a vet promptly if these occur.
The key facts on canine bronchitis are:
- It’s often caused by viral or bacterial infections and is contagious for around 7-10 days after symptoms start.
- Prevention requires vaccination, avoiding irritants like smoke, and limiting exposure to sick dogs.
- Diagnosis is through exam, medical history, and testing sputum and blood.
- Treatment can involve antibiotics, cough medication, bronchodilators, and addressing underlying conditions.
- Dogs usually fully recover within 2-4 weeks with proper treatment.
- Owners should watch for breathing issues, appetite changes, and lethargy as reasons to see a vet.
In summary, being aware of the contagious period, prevention methods, diagnosis, and treatment can help dog owners respond appropriately to canine bronchitis. Prompt vet attention and proper care helps dogs recover fully within a few weeks in most cases.